Don't we tend to romanticize old times? And isn't it possible that such romancing can create myths?

Question

Earlier today I asked a question concerning the American road and the myth/identity issue. I would still be very glad to receive answers and I'm glad for the ones I already got! In response to Jack's answer, I would like to say that I'm aware that speed and mobility are very characteristic of the Americans. But that doesn't necessarily contradict my argument that the road is part of the American identity and that a myth of the road is being/has been created. If it wasn't for the road, there would be no mobility. And with mobility so present in American identity, the roads must be so too. Don't we all tend to romanticeze old times (cf. roads?) Haven't we all heard our parents talk of much better times when they were children? Even if life was harder then? What has helped create the myth of the road is fx Jack Kerouac's novel 'On the Road' which has been the inspiration of many road movies. It's good to know, though, that not all Americans romanticize the road. And I thank for your input

Answer 1

Hi again, Joan,

Let me expand on my previous answer and your expanded question. Perhaps what's at issue is the difference between substance and expression.

I've read Kerouac as well. And what I take from him as well as the entire Beat Movement was the search for the new and the exciting. I sincerely believe that the substance of the American experience has been that relentless drive for the better. This is why Americans have led the world in the creation of "disposable culture." (And please note, when I say that, I don't necessarily mean it in a disparaging way). Americans are preternaturally restless and bore easily.

I can't think of another culture that could have produced Kerouac or Ginsberg, or could have spawned the later Hippy Movement of the 60s. The "idea" of America has always been "starting over" -- a "Fresh Start" -- "New & Improved."

It's why the Pilgrims came. It's why the Immigrants flooded the shores in the 19th century. It's why people scrambled to get to California for the Gold Rush, and why the wagon trains headed for the Oregon Territory.

There is a great Dharma taught is Zen -- it is to be in the "Nowness of the Now." And if there is a Dharma for America, it is to be in the "Newness of the New."

The way I see it, the allure isn't the road -- it's the discovery of the new thing up ahead. The road doesn't hold our interest, what captivates is the mystery of the unknown -- the freedom and the exhileration of discovery. The method of conveyance is not important. This is the essence I get from Kerouac. And it's the same spirit, "The Call of the Wild," if you will, that drove Jack London to Alaska, led Lewis and Clark on the "Corps of Discovery," and hurled Neil Armstrong to the moon. No roads for any of them.

It's not about the road -- it's about the freedom and the discovery. It's about the freshness and revelling in that Newness of the New. It's about the fresh start and the relentless pursuit of improvement which animates every achievement of the American people from Plymouth Rock to Kitty Hawk to the Sea of Tranquility. It's ever so much more than "the road" could ever be.

I think the difference is that I'm focusing on the psychological (maybe even spiritual) substance, and I think you're focusing on a metaphor. That's what I meant when I said, don't romanticize American history. As I see it, the road is at best a poetic metaphor -- an image (like that of the railroad in a million and one Country and Western songs) to give expression to a deeper truth possessed of far greater power. And that deeper truth is what you need to focus on; because, as I pointed out in my earlier answer, whenever Americans had the opportunity to avoid the road, they did so. Again -- that's why the fabled Route 66 passed quickly from America's collective consciousness. American myths are not sacred to Americans. Like other elements of the culture, they too are "disposable."

Joan, perhaps I'm mistaken, but I sense that you're a bit miffed at me. I sincerely hope that neither of my answers has offended you in any way. It's not my intention to give offense, but merely to express my views as clearly as possible to intelligent and thought provoking questions like yours.

I hope this helps to clarify. Cheers.

Answer 2

Yes, I agree.

My pet peeve in this regard is not the romanticizing of the road itself but the time where a lot of your “myths of the roads” took place. This is to say the romanticizing of the 1950’s by older people today.

People of a certain age shake their heads at today’s supposed immorality. And to be fair, today has its problems. But so did the sainted 1950’s. Or are the examples of hundreds of nuclear weapons pointed at millions of people or firehouses and attack dogs being turned on black children in search of their basic civil rights a great symbol of traditional American values.

All that being said, I’m 27 now. But the time I get to be 57, if I’m lucky to live that long, I’ll probably do the same thing to the 1980’s and 1990’s. Heavy metal on the “oldies” station, now that’s going to be a trip.

Answer 3

Exactly and exactly. Yes, we do tend to remember those "good ol' days" and one of the most important roles of history is to learn that it just wasn't always quite the way that people decide. I always chuckle when I hear people dream of going back to medieval days and living in a castle. First, as I tell them, they dream of going back to those days and being one of the top one or two percent in wealth. Then, they obviously have never visited a castle. My guess is one use of the chamber pot or one trip to the garter robe will convince them castles aren't so terrific.

The USA has developed soooo many myths and legends in its short history. One can start with the 4th of July (it should be celebrated on the 2nd of July) all the way down to Rosa Parks' sudden desire to refuse to stand up (the whole thing was a set up) ... we love out myths.