Categories: Hazel Rosetta Smith,
It is always an interesting conversation hearing the term “good old days, or “those were the days.” Those Were the Days” was the opening duet sung by characters Edith and Archie Bunker in the popular sitcom ALL IN THE FAMILY, which aired on CBS television from 1971 through 1979, and continued with the series titled ARCHIE BUNKER’S PLACE through to 1983.
Whichever term you use, I refer to those early years of my life as a simpler time. Those were difficult years, but not as hard as some might want to depict. It was what it was, and we learned how to work it out.
Black people have always known how to make something out of little into something useful, whether it was food or clothing sewn from remnants of fabric. Nothing was wasted, everything had a purpose, and it was respected and appreciated. Sharing was how we thrived.
With all of the high-tech and present-day progress we are experiencing rapidly, I invite you to take a journey with pondering some of the good times of your youth.
Many mothers were at home when the kids got home from school. The first day of school meant wearing those brand-new shoes. When the worst thing you could do at school was smoke in the bathroom or chew gum. Being sent to the principal’s office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited you when your mother found out.
Basically, we were in fear for our lives, but it wasn’t because of drive-by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc. Our parents and grandparents, and neighbors too, were a much bigger threat. We survived because their watchful eyes and love were greater than their threats. There were bedtime prayers and goodnight kisses.
Outdoors was our safe haven. We played hide and seek, Red light-green light, jumped double-dutch, flipped marbles and drew on the sidewalk with chalk, and played dodgeball until the porch light or streetlights came on. We said, “May I,” “Please” and “Thank you” without being prompted. Scrapes and bruises were kissed and made better. Ice Cream from trucks, especially Good Humor and Mr. Softie was our afternoon treat. Kool-Aid was the drink of summer, and mistakes were corrected by exclaiming, “do-over.”
A race issue meant arguing about who ran the fastest. Older siblings were the worst tormentors, but also the fiercest protectors. Laughed until your belly hurt. Boys and girls went steady, and girls wore class rings with an inch of wrapped yarn so it would fit.
If you remember these things and more, sit back, relax, and have a chat about childhood memories with someone who may need a break from his or her “grown-up” life. I double dare ya, remember that!
[Hazel Rosetta Smith is a journalist, playwright, and artistic director for Help Somebody Theatrical Ministries. Contact: misshazel@twc.com and www.hazelrosettasmith.com]
