A thought-provoking question from a former student recently prompted John Schmoyer to reflect on significant changes from his childhood to the present. The question, “What is one change that has been significant from the time you were a child until now?” stirred memories of his great-grandfather, Elmer Schmoyer, who was born in 1870 and lived through remarkable historical transformations until his death in 1973.
Elmer Schmoyer’s long life allowed him to witness incredible advancements in technology and society. From his living room chair, he experienced the emergence of television as a new medium for news and entertainment. This technological revolution contrasted sharply with the world Elmer knew as a child, just five years after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
A Legacy of Historical Context
Throughout his lifetime, Elmer navigated significant events such as the Spanish-American War in 1898, World War I, and World War II. His son was employed by the Trojan Powder Company, which produced explosives for the world wars. Meanwhile, his grandson, John’s father, served in the 64th Topographers Division, mapping strategies in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Each of these experiences underscored a legacy of participation in major global events.
John recalls his own memories of Elmer, particularly a fishing trip to Lake Muhlenberg when Elmer was 92 years old. This bond with his great-grandfather served as a personal connection to a complex historical narrative. Reflecting on this past, John recognized the vast changes in communication and information access that define today’s society.
Information Overload in the Digital Age
In response to the original question posed by his colleague, John noted the overwhelming access to information in modern times. While this accessibility presents opportunities, it also poses challenges. He pointed out that much of the information available today can be misleading, biased, or sensationalized, creating confusion and division among the public.
John compared his childhood experiences with limited television options to the current digital landscape. Growing up, there were only a few channels, and news was delivered with a sense of reliability. “What Walter Cronkite reported was trusted, and news was filtered through credible sources,” he explained.
In stark contrast, today’s media environment features a cacophony of voices, where misinformation can spread rapidly. This change raises questions about how society engages with information and the importance of critical thinking in discerning fact from fiction.
As John contemplated the past and the legacy of his great-grandfather, he wondered how Elmer would react to the last fifty years of history. He speculated that Elmer might have asked about the reliability of modern technology and information, reflecting the ongoing challenge of navigating an increasingly complex world.
John Schmoyer, a retired U.S. history and American government teacher, emphasizes the need for individuals to adapt and reeducate themselves in this new information landscape. His reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding both personal and collective histories in the context of ongoing change.
These insights illustrate that while the times have changed dramatically, the fundamental challenge of understanding our world remains constant. The journey through history, both personal and societal, continues to shape our understanding of the present.
This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, John Schmoyer, and does not necessarily represent the views of this publication. For those interested in sharing their perspectives, further details can be found at themorningcall.com/opinions.
