Jim the Rebel (1955)

 

Note to those enamored of foregone eras, Jim the Rebel (1955) did indeed have a cause, despite the film's title.

His cause was fierce opposition to those in whom he'd lost trust -- authority figures, especially parents, who knew little and understood less about young people and seemed unwilling to really acknowledge their cluelessness.

The rebels' anger, obstinance and destructiveness -- and their generosity, devotion and compassion for beloved peers -- were tools of defiance.

Young people's distrust boiled over into rebellion, which, of course, ended badly for them because nothing wounds adults more deeply than being told by their children they're unfit. But it won't move them to self-correction. Rather, they will turn their guns on their own offspring before admitting they're wrong.

While adults claim to be ready to do anything for young people, that assurance does not seem to include self-reflection.

Pols, take note!

Dishonesty does nothing for today's young people who are schooled by social media in openness and who are disgusted with old folks' contentiousness.

I fear the coming years will be rocked with even more youthful discontent, much like the decades that immediately followed Rebel Without a Cause.