The American Spectator : Lessons From a Hanging

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Lessons From a Hanging

Coming apart, circa 1977.

A Midwesterner coming of age in the 1970s probably did not grasp that society was slowly unraveling, though I suppose the signs were there for anyone who cared to look.

Our street was of the typical blue collar, working class variety, peopled by janitors, salesmen, mechanics, truck drivers, and housewives. Of America’s Four Founding Virtues, which sociologist Charles Murray discusses in his latest study, Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960-2010, industriousness and honesty were common, while marriage and religion were on shakier ground. Was this because society had already begun to unravel, or was it simply the natural order of things?

There is little doubt that divorce was a fashionable feature of the times. While less than 20 percent of couples who married in 1950 divorced, half of couples who married in 1970 did. By the end of the decade, half the homes on our block had been visited by divorce. (Shacking up, however, remained taboo. Even the neighborhood’s obligatory hippie couple was married.)

Even then, marriages were not dissolved over trifles. The spouse who pulled the plug more often than not had been long suffering. Mr. H., we knew, was a chronic boozer. That was obvious even to us kids who witnessed him drive the family automobile through the front door of his house. Another neighbor, Mr. M., returned home from Vietnam with an Asian war bride. She was apparently only interested in a green card, and quickly decamped for parts unknown leaving behind a 2-year old daughter. A freshly divorced and obviously deranged Mrs. W. and her two small sons moved into the duplex next door for a brief time, while Mr. I., a wizened divorcé, and yet another drunkard, amused us kids with his ability to talk backwards.

As for religiosity, our street rested in the shadow of a Catholic church. And yet our family was the only one to attend services with any regularity -- much to me and my brothers’ chagrin.

IF SPIRITUALITY AND healthy marriages were in short supply, industriousness was not. There were no slackers on our block. Even the drunkards had too much self-respect not to work. When Mr. L., an employee at the stove factory who walked with a pronounced limp, suddenly went on permanent disability in the early 1980s, my parents grumbled their disapproval. "What’s a little limp?" my mother said. "My grandfather lost his arm in a farming accident. Did that stop him from plowing and planting?" (I’ve seen faded photographs of the stern old gent, his one empty sleeve pinned up at the shoulder. He does not strike me as the sort of fellow who would be content to lay about the farmhouse and collect a government check.)

As for honesty and integrity (by which Murray means crime rates), there was very little to occupy the local gendarmes. Drugs were seldom seen. Doors were left unlocked at night and our parents had few worries on our account, at least till we got behind the wheel of a Dodge.

Murray notes that one of the boons of marriage is social capital. Marrieds are more likely to be joiners, coach little league teams, host the PTA. But if anyone on our block belonged to a civic organization it was a well kept secret. My father coached a little league team once and briefly served on the school board, but I do not think anyone else on our street could boast much in the way of community spirit.

Murray's critics blame greed and the capitalist system for the decline of blue collar America. But the denizens of our block worked and lived within their modest means, and somehow managed to raise five and sometimes six children on an automobile mechanics income. They were thrifty, not because they were trendy back-to-the-earth types, but because it was routine and necessary. When times were tight, families helped each other out, and many were the times my folks relied on their parents and siblings to make the mortgage payment.

The one middle class couple on our street, Mr. and Mrs. C., owned a small printing shop on Main Street. Not only were they childless, but they despised children. My memories of them are of a dour couple sitting bolt upright in lawn chairs in their white gravel driveway every evening in absolute silence. Eventually, Mrs. H. hanged herself in her basement.

It was a good lesson for us kids. Wealth does not guarantee happiness. It is a lesson Murray's critics have yet to learn.

About the Author

Christopher Orlet writes every Thursday from St. Louis.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (35) | Leave a comment

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 3.1.12 @ 6:11AM

Here's another lesson for you.

In my high school a contemporary was lucky enough to go out with one of the most beautiful girls in the school. He beat her up a few times and also was in trouble with the law, getting caught drinking on a few occasions.

His dad was mean and beat him when he got into trouble.

At one point he became despondent and tried to hang himself in the basement. The pipe broke and the basement flooded. His dad really beat him good for that one.

He and the beautiful girl got married right out of high school and he continued to beat her. They eventually got divorced. Someone told me years ago he died of alcoholism.

I ran into her about 20 years ago and she was still beautiful. She was also a confirmed lesbian.

scotchieguy| 3.1.12 @ 10:22AM

Wow. Do you have any more depresssing stories?

Alan Brooks| 3.1.12 @ 4:28PM

It was long gone by '77, Bub; eight years gone.
As I remember it, by '69 the American Years were already over. In fact '69 was the year Ike passed away.

gearjammer| 3.1.12 @ 4:37PM

New book on him just came out.A thick-I'll die before finishing it. His modest burial is telling. Gets no credit for civil rights efforts, did more than JFK or FDR/HST. How this ugly lying chattering class gets away with it. Damn it.

Alan Brooks| 3.1.12 @ 5:17PM

I don't like change either; but am learning to tolerate it.
Too bad we can't live in 1955 forever.

But if we don't do high tech, if we don't radically, coldbloodedly, change our substrate, other nations will- and they will do what Krushchev threatened to do: bury us.

Johnny Knuckles| 3.1.12 @ 11:07AM

What was your lesson? Don't do meth and watch "Breakfast Club"?

Kitty| 3.1.12 @ 6:26AM

Declaring bankruptcy and receiving food stamps were considered shameful; people still wanted that pride of standing on their own two feet. We've gone so far off the tracks that even the 70s seem like the glory days.

Alan Brooks| 3.1.12 @ 4:33PM

The early '70s were okay-- then Watergate kicked in. But if it hadn't been Watergate, it would have been something else- always Hell to go through. Three years later came Carter; a decade later the S&L bankruptcys; a decade later 9-11.

Hell is the natural condition of life..

Stefan Stackhouse| 3.6.12 @ 11:28AM

The golden age of America: 1945 - 1970. The Atomic Bomb and the Moon Landing form perfect bookends.

Pretty short golden age, unfortunately.

Dr. X| 3.1.12 @ 6:49AM

This reflects much of my experience of the same era. Nobody on our street had more than a blue-collar job (autoworker, truck driver, etc.) except my first grade teacher who lived across the street. Everybody at at least three kids, some 5 or 6. They all paid their mortgages. They didn't necessarily live well, but they lived honestly, cleanly and kept the bills paid. A few were drunks, but (mostly) harmless. Everyone's door were unlocked, and the car keys frequently left in the ignition.

One other thing: EVERYBODY had guns, and there were no murders, suicides, or school shootings. Some hunted, but rather infrequently; nonetheless there was a .22 rifle and a 12 gauge shotgun in just about every house (usually just rusting in the closet). Nobody thought anything of it.

Seek| 3.1.12 @ 4:47PM

Let's face it: Most, if not all, of these people probably were white.

Alan Brooks| 3.1.12 @ 5:24PM

The greatest mass murderers in America have been white:

McVeigh: 169 dead
Gacy: 33 dead

The joke in Chicago is, what is the temperature in Gacy's house? 33 below!

grant1863| 3.1.12 @ 6:19PM

read Thomas Sowell on this who will say until the federal government came into to help, the above was frequently black neighborhoods as well. Here in Tampa there was a thriving black business area around Central Ave until the Interstate plowed right through it in the 60's. That and the other government programs turned them into "projects" and all their ills.

youfamissim| 3.1.12 @ 8:32AM

Amen Bubba - woulda coulda we all shoulda dug in our heels and fought back when stopping this leviathan was easier. But I'll wager most of us wanted something from those who embraced the progressive ideology - sex, drugs, companionship... other. Yeah, I can still recall, saying whatever was needed to get laid, high, or "hang" with cool company. The stakes were not or didn't appear, as high then. They were debates on ideology. I recall Prof. Arthur Jensen @ UCB wading through differential intellect, and the genetic influences of intellect - he was not demonized, nor was he encouraged. Over the years, he was incrementally expunged from UCB history - his research mocked and belittled. But his findings sit at the core of our salvation - if anyone would pay attention. No matter how much money is spent, or time, or nurture, NOTHING will improve the intellect or behaviors of the dullard. Their behaviors worsen the more money and attention they receive. Welfare for most is a black hole where money goes in and nothing positive comes out. Across the economic spectrum, spending on "social programs" re: spending to improve stupid lives, is a waste with no positive return on the investment. If American knew all the kings horses and all the kings men cannot remediate stupid and their self destructive behaviors - would they continue to endorse the spending?

Renaissance Nerd| 3.1.12 @ 10:07AM

I think your professor is making the same mistakes that libs do--the assumption that the only worthy life is the intellectual life, rather like Plato. The trouble is not that people who were born with lesser mentation MUST become criminals or live stupidly, but our society and culture must accommodate them without expecting them to conform to an impossible ideal. This is the real reason I reckon 'everyone must go to college' is a waste of time and money and lives. There are many skilled trades that don't require the reading and studying of a college degree, but these are considered somewhat shameful by the culture at large. Nobody encourages their kids to grow up to be an electrician or a plumber, even though personally I respect both far more than a Doctor of Gender Studies. Everyone aspires to an intellectual profession, and the ludicrous lie 'you can do anything you set your mind to' does little more than make people dissassified with the satisfactory.

By trying to force everybody to fit into the same mold, all we do is make failures out of successes. The difference between now and the time Mr. Orlet discusses is that among the lower middle class thrift and industriousness were virtues. Working hard and being careful with your money made one respectable. Among the many things destroyed during the 60s, respectibility was one, though it's still fighting a rearguard action in some segments of our culture. Poor but respectable no longer exists except in a few pockets of our nation. Fortunately we still get to choose whom we'll respect, and I choose to respect an honest, hard-working burger flipper over a useless drone corporate VP (an unfortunately common species). And this despite the fact that I'm a nerd who's always worked in the IT world. Prob'ly comes from being a salesman at the beginning, having the chance to work with people from all walks, including some very strange ones indeed. But whatever the reason, I think it is imperative that as a people we rebuild a culture of respect instead of balkanized tribal enclaves. That will give your dullards a better chance at making something of themselves instead of being left out in the cold as useless, except they're very useful to criminals, eh? So they join the tribe that wants them.

THKrupp| 3.1.12 @ 1:41PM

Something thats not mentioned is access to easy credit. Thats a huge difference between then and now. Back then I bet very few of those blue collar folks had a credit card. Now it would be strange if they didnt have one.

TrueBlue| 3.1.12 @ 4:33PM

I wouldn't say your opinion is in spite of that fact you're an IT but because of it. Having to deal with people who have very little respect for you, nor act with any measure of politeness unless they want something tends to make people a bit sour to those types. Even more amusing since without the IT guy none of those VPs or their secretaries would be ABLE to do their job (whatever it is they actually do).

JP| 3.1.12 @ 8:46AM

I grew up in a ethnic Catholic neighborhood in the 70s as well. When I was 4-6 years old I remember even daily masses were full, Sunday masses were full to overflowing. By the time I was in HS (mid to late 70s) attendance took a big hit. While divorce was unusual, the morality of the neighborhood began to fall around the edges -esp with the "young adults". By the mid 80s it was all over.

Maddox| 3.1.12 @ 9:05AM

America has lost much of its sense of community, not just on the local level but the whole country is divided thanks to political meddling. Now it is more "everyone for himself." The lesson coming from our leaders is "the wealth of others will guarantee your happiness."

Dixie Pixie| 3.1.12 @ 9:33AM

What happened is the Government at all levels sucked the life out of common society by sucking all available money out of society and spending it upon themselves.

Add up all the taxes both direct, indirect and sales, and then ask yourself who is the majority partner in your life.
Guess what, the majority partner in your life will not be you but it will be the Federal, State and local governments.

Face the facts, there is far too much government at all levels and it has sucking the life out of common society.

Admit it, You know more about Mittens Romney that you know about your neighbor one block down.
That is because your neighbor will not be stealing your money.

gearjammer| 3.1.12 @ 10:02AM

As long as people work or wanna then they need to be republicans=we gotta get them all. No matter how humble or job they have.
gotta respect work. Can't kick them in the head cause they don't have to pay much or any in income tax, or if they had the baby and did not abort we can't jeer at them cause they need food stamps or health care assistance. Gotta say you work you are ok. And, we will build an economy that allows you to make good money so you can fend for yourself. Of course, the majority of you here prefer to piss on such people.

Renaissance Nerd| 3.1.12 @ 10:12AM

Agree, agree, agree! I know several people on food stamps right now, all of them ashamed and frustrated but out of work for two or three years. They're not living high, either, as welfare in AZ is very minimal, less than $10k/year for a mom and couple of kids. If you haven't had a job for a couple of years your chances are just about nil right now. I know one person who has applied for over 2,000 jobs, down to burger-flipper, without getting one. A Trader Joe's opened across the street a few days ago and 1,500 people applied. There's a big difference between those who are trying hard and those who never cared to begin with. Disdaining them equally is tactically stupid, and morally wicked.

gearjammer| 3.1.12 @ 10:30AM

They have my respect. The amount of money the actual food in foodstamps cost is not the problem Ya see a pompous ass like Limbaugh declare that once they take that first help, a proud man becomes pathetic leech. Same with abortion. Women who have had them often regret, feel sad forever-and we got Santorum or Bachman shrieking in their era SINNER_SINNER !

Roy| 3.1.12 @ 3:19PM

"and we got Santorum or Bachman shrieking in their era SINNER_SINNER !"

Please provide one single instance, in any way, under any circumstances, anywhere, ever, of either Santorum or Bachmann doing this (and I don't mean in your/Jon Stewart's paranoid fantasies).

Maybe you mean that they suggest such people be prevented from doing it again. Boy, that must be hard to hear for somebody who "feels sad forever" that they did it.

I am so sick of leftist liars making this sort of comment.

gearjammer| 3.1.12 @ 4:44PM

You nasty SOB. Go out and meet some women. Give them a chance to talk. I plenty religous women who support and give comfort to their sisters who aborted or are yes lesbians You know-they reach out and do what Jesus would do-not condemn them.

Who Knows?| 3.1.12 @ 11:50AM

Ah--1977, that was quite a year.

Produced my ‘77 Toyota pickup, still going strong with almost 200,000 miles. Got it in '94, used, for $700 with 144,000 miles.

That's about all you need to know about 1977.

The machines, buildings, etc were pretty good, but oh how the people and their relations went south.

It's the system, stupid.

Why, it seems like only yesterday that locking doors became de rigueur. I recently started enjoying observing “The Rockford Files” from 1974-80, and “Hawaii Five O” from 1968-80”, especially the early shows.

It was so jolting to see everyone leaving their car doors unlocked, even the windows down.

“Trust, but verify” has necessarily become our American motto, with heavy emphasis on the “verify”, aka LOCK UP! When anarchy sneaks in, and anything goes, many things “go”, since there are so many takers ready and willing to grab what’s not locked down.

The taking party, the Democratic Party, long ago imposed its will on us. We’ve just been fighting a rearguard action for all the years since 1977.

Ah, but it was a great year!

Seek| 3.1.12 @ 4:51PM

It was a great year, indeed: The Ramones, the Clash, the Sex Pistols, the Jam, the Buzzcocks, the Talking Heads, Blondie, Television and Iggy Pop. True, Elvis Presley died, but Elvis Costello promptly came on the scene.

Alan Brooks| 3.1.12 @ 5:30PM

It changed fast. In '76, country rock was still In; such as 'Sentimental Wind' ("you are here before me but I could walk away and you'd be gone"); next year it was "God save the queen, her fascist regime".

gearjammer| 3.1.12 @ 5:46PM

Pretty rusty by now, right ?

Petronius| 3.1.12 @ 12:15PM

Since P C Roobism replaced traditional morality and so many wear their horns with abject pride, life is reduced to expectation and satisfaction. Truth and reality have been discarded. Relationships are either convenient or nonexistent. With no penalties for screwing up and the threat of ostracism for those of us who balk at accepting and subsidizing the screwups this country will soon be a basket case. The only cure is economic collapse and a level of deprivation that would claim the clueless, gormless ambulatory barnacles who have done nothing to prepare for life except audition for American Idol. But those people aren't afraid of Hell. They bought a first class ticket.

cicero| 3.1.12 @ 3:51PM

The 70's brought us "no fault" divorce. This resulted in the free for all. Once there were no consequences to abandoning our family - both for men and women - no one had to endure an "unhappy" marriage. Before that, you had to have a reason, and if you were at fault, you left with what you wore on your back. I started my legal career just before that, so I had the oportunity to see both sides. No fault divorce has been a disaster for the women and children, and has not been really that kind to men. With no consequences for bad behavior, and bad decisions, the current situation is no real suprise.
I, too, recall the days when houses were filled with children. Pity the poor child who had no siblings. I, fortunately, invested heavily in small childfren. I am enjoying the dividends now, and know that I will never run out of my stored treasure. I will alwys have a roof over my head, and a place ot the table , even when I turn into "crazy ol' grampa".
The sexual revolution only took away the responsibility formerly required of the act, and the detriments of transgression. The delicious tension of the male/female dance seems to have been replaced with a sad minuet with no purpose worth pursuing. Pity the children.

Seek| 3.1.12 @ 4:52PM

My parents' divorce -- which happened prior to the 70s -- was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

gearjammer| 3.1.12 @ 4:47PM

Bracket creep tax code sucked-thank you Ronald Reagan for ending that. Much of the decline falls to greatest generations one blind spot-they believed they were getting truth from the tv people. Uncle Walter my ass.

Occam's Tool| 3.1.12 @ 5:05PM

I still live in a nice neighborhood where I don't worry much, and my 3300 sq foot, 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom 3 car garage 2.5 acre home cost me $280 K.

I hate big cities. They suck.

RJ| 3.3.12 @ 3:57PM

We have certainly seen a dramatic fall in American society. I have been thinking about it for some time and am not really confident that I know the reason for it. The family has definitely taken a major hit since the 1960s, but is that the cause or just a symptom of the real reason? Perhaps it was because people learned they could get away with bad behavior in an increasingly impersonal society unlike small town America where everyone knew about your business. Perhaps it is also related to fewer people really believing that they will be held responsible for their actions in the afterlife.