FROM THE PRESIDENT

Deb Gerow | President , ARTA

Even in the small , northern Ontario community where I lived , we were aware of what was happening in the United States . We watched on television as American youth , angered by their country ’ s involvement in what they saw as an unjust war , espoused the idea that non-violence and passive resistance could lead to change . After poet Alan Ginsberg suggested that protestors should be provided with flowers to hand out to police , press , politicians , and spectators , the movement was soon called Flower Power . Young people demonstrated their belief that they could create change peacefully . Eventually , after many years of protesting , change did happen , and the involvement of the United States in the Vietnam conflict came to an end . In Canada , Flower Power and the Age of Aquarius were less exciting , but things happening south of the border during those years did have an effect upon us . We viewed what was happening in the United States , and our music , style , and ideas about life were changed .

Before Woodstock , the music festival which occurred in August 1969 in upstate New York , our music had one main theme . Most popular songs consisted of tales of young love — sometimes happy and sometimes sad . (“ Honey ” by Bobby Goldsboro is an example of a song about both .) However , around this time , songs of protest , revolution , and social engagement became more common . John Lennon ’ s song , “ Give Peace a Chance ,” expressed the anti-war sentiments of the time , and Bob Dylan ’ s “ Blowin ’ in the Wind ” posed the question of what needed to happen to end war .

Long hair , blue jeans , sandals , and flowered everything else were the most important additions to our preferred style . Prior to this time , young men wore denim , but this was very uncommon for young women . Now , jeans became common everywhere , for both sexes , along with flowered shirts . And , it seemed as if everyone was wearing long hair . I tried , but I don ’ t think my hair ever made it past my shoulders .

Perhaps the greatest influence upon the thinking of young people everywhere was the concept that it is important to get involved if we want to make desired changes . From Canada , we watched those ongoing demonstrations that eventually had an effect on American foreign policy , and we learned that we can make a difference when we work together .

This idea may be the greatest gift our generation gave to ARTA . We are informed about issues and we are willing to get involved to make things change . When our efforts do not result in the desired change immediately , we persist and think of other ways to present our case . This concept is at the heart of our advocacy efforts , and this group of members will continue to work together for the benefit of all .

SUMMER 2024 | 5