October 30, 2006

Big Babies

Michael Bywater has long been one of my favourite social critics - though I am sure he would disown that title. So I was really pleased to see an article in the New Statesman, "Baby Boomers and the illusion of perpetual youth" and to see he is continuing this theme in a book to be published November 2, "Big Babies: or why can't we just grow up?"

The opening to his article gives a flavour:

"If we want an image to sum up the spirit of the age, it would be this: a middle-aged man playing air guitar. A mime; a simulacrum; a declaration of unearned, shared identity; a banner of fake democracy; a determined declaration of youthfulness indefinitely prolonged. The air guitar is the Baby Boomers' swastika, their marching banner; the Boomers, now growing old, are running the show; and they are making big babies, not just of themselves, but of the lot of us."

Can't wait to read the book.

Posted by richard at October 30, 2006 03:33 PM
Comments

Actually, I think "social critic" is a pretty good job description. Better than the alternatives (e.g. "whingeing Pom") anyway. Glad you enjoyed the NS piece & hope you enjoy the book.

Posted by: Michael Bywater at October 31, 2006 01:42 AM

Thanks for the visit, Michael and for the record I do think you are a very acute social critic as well as being very, very funny.

Posted by: richard at October 31, 2006 07:52 PM
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