From The Times: August 3, 1921
To the Editor of The Times.
Sir, May I, as a middle-aged spectator, call attention to a change in the younger generation of men now, or lately, at the universities, and of ages from 20 to 25? In many essentials they are the same young men as those of 20 years ago. They are generous and loyal, gentle and kind-hearted, full of spirit and pluck. But there is one great difference. More than ever in the history of youth do they defy discipline and worship independence. More than ever do they brush aside experience and do exactly as they please. My observations are based chiefly on recent visits to the universities, on watching cricket matches, and on meeting younger men in private houses and at tennis and golf. Many, when they are talking to other persons, including people older than themselves, never take their pipes out of their mouths. When asked to luncheon with hostesses in London many appear in undergraduate clothes and flannel collars. When in London they never dress for dinner except in cases of absolute necessity. They associate with very odd friends, and with the female companions of these odd friends. At the Eton and Harrow match I saw a group of young men who were, for any other occasion, rather nicely dressed, in blue serge suits, summer shirts, and Zingari straw hats. But had they not forgotten that the 1,200 boys present were wearing, compulsorily, the kit which for generations has been one of the most charming sights of the ceremonial year, and that most grown-ups were showing respect by donning the same kind of dress? My last point is that young men are showing an increasing fondness for lawn tennis. A number who might have been fine cricketers devote themselves entirely to “pat-ball”, and while Australia triumphs on the cricket field the youth of England wanders from county to county in pursuit of the trophies and tea parties of this effeminate game. If an older friend dares to point out any of this in a bantering way, the answer is always the same: “You are the most dreadful snob. We intend to do exactly as we like.” It may be that it is substance, and not form, which matters. But for those who value form the question must arise, how will they train their offspring?
I am, &c, OLD ETONIAN