As kids, clutching our teddy bear couldn’t do anything to help us but give us the illusion of feeling safe.  For some, there’s a new danger.

More brown skinned people in more non-urban looking places? Women more independent and breadwinners? Men taking nursing jobs? Signs around us written in other languages? Other countries now emerging as economic and manufacturing leaders? Gay people not keeping quiet?

Many in America don’t want to admit it, but the future now looks different, if not downright scary. And for those, particularly white working class males, are most tempted to clutch the Teddy Bear that is the 1950s. Or tap red shoes and act like Dorothy and chant, “there’s no place like home (1950s) there’s not place like home…”

Problem is that it won’t and we can’t go back.  Though some may dispute global warming. There are political and culture climate changes that are clearly happening– and most too late to stop-even if we wanted to (and some are trying):

•    Women are an economic force.
•    Hispanics (soon to be the majority in 2050) are already key voting influencers in six states. A report recently said minority births now outweigh births for whites
•    Younger kids views on gay marriage, race and religion are broadening and much more tolerant than their parents

But like global warning, there are many that dismiss what that data means. Fear tells us that instead of looking at how to adapt for the new America that will soon be here, let’s try or hope like hell to reset to the past. Again the Teddy Bear of the 1950s.

The reason children are weaned off teddy bears is if held on for too long, it becomes a crutch. The teddy bear won’t solve the problem, but it represents a symbolic-only hope that things will magically return to normal.

But the demographics are obvious. And imminent.  So if you can’t wish it away,  other means are required.  More on that next time.