Mary's Sixties Thing

The 1960's brought change to the world. There was a backlash to the strict conservatism of the 1950's with riots and civil rights demonstrations. The news was full of stories about civil unrest. There was an energy in the air. The young felt that finally they had a right to voice their opinions.

I went to school in Ireland during the 50's and 60's. If homework was not done it was lashing on the hands with a strap. If writing was sloppy more lashing. It seems cruel and unnecessary now. Then, if rules were not followed exactly it was the teachers right and duty to use corporal punishment. No wonder they were outraged and disgusted in the sixties when children began talking back and refusing to do as they were told. Most of the world had this same attitude towards children. Now of course all physical punishment is banned in all schools throughout most of the world.

In my little world of Corpus Christi parish teenagers found their voices. I was 16 at the time. A kind parishioner who had passed away left money to build a community centre on the expansive church grounds. A committee comprised of priests and long time parishioners set themselves up to decide how the hall was to be used. We were thrilled and had numerous great ideas. We could have teenage dances with local budding musicians and a drama society where we would hold a yearly play. We could have table tennis and board games. The committee was horrified and gave us a flat no. "We as the committee in charge will run a youth club, and definitely nor dances." W complained that this was not democratic,. " Democracy is not always great. After all the church is not democratic, " we were told.

Taking lessons from the new world we lived in we banded together. We planned and executed a march (about 15 of us) to the community hall and right up onto the stage. There was no stage fright, even as we gazed out at a mixed audience of about a hundred curious faces who had followed our march. Not one of us had a prepared speech but I can recall some very eloquent words. We were excited and enraged and used our arms and voices to incite the audience. When it was my turn to speak I listed our arguments.

• " The  seniors now run their  own successful club.
• The mothers and children run theirs 
• There is a ladies club run by themselves
• The sewing and knitting club is run by its members
• The bridge club is also run by its members
• What is so inept about teens that they cannot run their own club?
• We already have a parish magazine that we run monthly very successfully."

Parish magazine

• The loud clapping and wild shouts of agreement motivated me to go further. "We are entitled to participate in this venture and we insist on running a youth club that the teenagers of this community will enjoy."

Well run Ladies Club

This event created a lot of excitement and gossip. It was eventually decided that two of the younger committee members would assist us in getting the club going using all of our ideas. 

This was my participation in the sixties revolution. It taught me that everything is achievable if it is fair. We all have to speak up to help put things right.