MISSOURI WATCH: FORECAST: AN UNCERTAIN TOMORROW

It is not unusual to hear someone in advanced age mutter angrily, "I don't know what's going on these days. The world has gone to hell in a handbasket. Nothing is as good as it once was."

The older one becomes, the more sympathetic one is to the plaintive complaints against change, most of it viewed as pejorative rather than positive. The wisest among us accept the change, without complaint, in the full knowledge that it is inevitable and nothing can be done to change the natural momentum in the universe.

Those who vow to oppose societal transformation to their dying breath usually do, without any perception of progress or any cognizance of futility.

One of the immutable laws of the universe is the inevitability of change, with the only consolation seeming to be that transforming events are not thrust upon us all at once. I recently found a 34-year-old study of Americans' attitudes about contemporary subjects, beliefs and perceptions, as compiled by the Menninger Foundation of Topeka, Kansas. This psychiatric research and treatment group was seeking to determine a profile of generally held views toward everyday matters, and so I'll list the subject, then the answers from the 1962 survey and then, add my personal idea of how the subject is viewed by today's average citizen.

*Subject: Most publicized U.S. news event in the past 12 months:

1962 study: Cuban missile crisis.

1996 view: Murder trial of a former football star.

*Subject: Most popular political leader in the U.S.:

1962 study: John F. Kennedy/Richard Nixon.

1996 view: Bill Clinton/Robert Dole.

*Subject: Popular view of political parties:

1962 study: Democrats are liberal/Republicans are conservative.

1996 view: A pox on both parties.

*Subject: Commonly held career goals of average American worker:

1962 study: Earn enough to support family and have a secure retirement plan.

1996 view: Keep job despite downsizing.

*Subject: Most popular view of federal government.

1962 study: Respect.

1996 view: Disrespect.

*Subject: Contemporary view of marriage:

1962 study: 'Til death do us part.

1996 view: Let's give it a shot and if we don't like it we'll split.

*Subject: Contemporary role models:

1962 study: Parents and grandparents.

1996 view: Jim Carrey and Sylvester Stallone.

*Subject: View of current health-care available:

1962 study: Our doctor has looked after our family for more than 20 years.

1996 view: We use hospital emergency room.

*Subject: Popular view of citizen's representative in Congress:

1962 study: Has great deal of confidence in present congressman.

1996 view: Bunch of money-grubbing liars and cheats who only look out for themselves.

*Subject: Favorite entertainment personalities:

1962 study: Jackie Gleason and Sid Caesar.

1996 view: Michael Jackson and Roseanne.

*Subject: Popular political critics:

1962 study: Walter Cronkite/Walter Lippmann.

1996 view: Howard Stern and Rush Limbaugh.

*Subject: Family's principal source of news:

1962 study: Local newspaper and radio station.

1996 view: Television tabloid shows/check-out counter tabloids.

*Subject: Contemporary cultural influences:

1962 study: National news magazines/TV documentaries.

1996 view: MTV/novelty media.

*Subject: Typical gift item desired:

1962 study: Item of clothing.

1996 view: New automobile.

*Subject: General view of election campaigns:

1962 study: Welcome diversion from Cold War and increasing problems in Southeast Asia.

1996 view: "They're all bums---who cares?"

*Subject: Favorite contemporary musical groups:

1962 study: Lawrence Welk/Elvis/Beatles.

1996 view: Hootie and the Blowfish/Madonna.

*Subject: Most prevalent view of the future:

1962 study: Optimistic/looking forward to brighter future.

1996 view: "I'll never collect a penny from Social Security when I get to retire."

*Subject: Most significant component of average family:

1962 study: Concern over emerging war in Vietnam and how it will affect members.

1996 view: Growing influence of computers and how they will affect life in the years ahead.

I recall when psychiatrists, sociologists and researchers reported on the 1962 Menninger study, they were relatively alarmed at a growing distrust of national authority and what was then viewed as increasing instability in family life. If the same group was around today, they would no doubt be terrified at what can logically be called a disastrous plunge in public respect, stability and healthy attitudes.

As the Menninger study shows, the nation has indeed changed, and dramatically so, in the relatively short span of 34 years. Makes you wonder about the next 34 years.

~Jack Stapleton of Kennett is the editor of the Missouri News and Editorial Service.