Of course. The observation is that different demographics show markedly different attitudes on social issues, and that one such demographic seems to have a tendency to get things right. There are many possible counterarguments, but I am not convinced that the basic idea is unworkable.
One thing about which I feel pretty safe generalizing is that the youth has considerably higher risk tolerance than the elderly. A consequence of that is that the young will actually go out and try all the ideas which swirl around any given culture at any given time. Most will turn out to be meh, but some will turn out to be great and some—horrible.
Fast-forward about half a century and you know what? The elderly very clearly remember how, when young, they supported all the right ideas and very thoroughly forget how they supported the ideas which now decorate the dustbin of history.
Of course. The observation is that different demographics show markedly different attitudes on social issues, and that one such demographic seems to have a tendency to get things right. There are many possible counterarguments, but I am not convinced that the basic idea is unworkable.
Let me offer you an alternate explanation.
One thing about which I feel pretty safe generalizing is that the youth has considerably higher risk tolerance than the elderly. A consequence of that is that the young will actually go out and try all the ideas which swirl around any given culture at any given time. Most will turn out to be meh, but some will turn out to be great and some—horrible.
Fast-forward about half a century and you know what? The elderly very clearly remember how, when young, they supported all the right ideas and very thoroughly forget how they supported the ideas which now decorate the dustbin of history.
Rinse and repeat for each generation.
Solvent offered this hypothesis as #2.
Yes, and I suggest a plausible mechanism for that.
I’m just saying that your first hostile comment is inappropriate and calling it “alternative” is misleading.
I rarely engage in hostilities on LW, but your readiness to assume such things is interesting :-P
Do note that the OP started by saying “Throwing a half-formed idea out there for feedback.”