For years I have watched the news magazine program 60 minutes every Sunday, usually
alongside my family. Something traditional we have always done as a sort of
simple immediate family occurrence to end the weekend and start the fresh work/school
week together. 
This past weekend the iconic Andy Rooney sang his swan song after
spending time with us in our living rooms for over 40 years. He launched his
writing career in 1942, reporting for the U.S. Army newspaper Stars and Stripes.
During this time, his
personal history gained experiences such as being one of six correspondents who
flew on the first American bombing raid over Germany during WWII, and being one
of the very first journalists to visit a Nazi Concentration Camp – an experience
that forever changed his mind-set on the validity of war. He began writing for
CBS in 1964 and then joined the 60
minutes desk in 1978. This last Sunday he offered us his final tidbit of curmudgeonly
wisdom one last time with his “Few minutes with Andy Rooney” segment.
Realizing
that his sense of experience and awareness is his draw, Mr. Rooney struck an
unexpected chord with me. Andy Rooney is a wonderful example of how diversity
of thought and, more specifically, generational inclusion has incredible value
not only historically and socially, but also creatively and economically. Even his colleagues, such
as Morley Safer (who will see his 80th birthday this coming November),
exemplify the strength behind utilizing both the Boomer and Silent Generations.
Mr. Rooney is retiring at the age of 92, although according
to him, “writers never retire”. He also wants to be very clear that he never
considered himself a television personality, but rather a writer that reads
what he writes.
60 Minutes
is the most successful broadcast in U.S. television history based strictly on
ratings. The program secured classic TV ranks after being the top-rated program
for five of its seasons, joining suite with equally historic hits All in the Family and The Cosby Show. This achievement has
been surpassed only by the goliath that is American
Idol. However, 60 Minutes was a top ten show for 23 seasons in a row
(1977–2000), a title they still hold today.
Viewers are tuning in
expressly for an experienced generational opinion – another example of how
cross generational conglomeration provides exciting and out of the box experiences
for an audience or clients.
As we live in a society
of the “here and now”, we often classify people very quickly when it comes to
age. The toxic stereotyping of “younger equals ‘naïve’, while older means ‘out
of touch’” is harmful to the emotional work environment, as well as the
organization as a whole.
Human beings are living longer, healthier lives. With the global economic dive that we are still recovering from, many people must continue working well past their anticipated retirement age. However, this naturally imposed work-life diversity should be recognized as the privilege it is. We must consistently embrace the gift of generational diversity. It is with the inclusion of any demographic and co-operative ideas that our organization’s potential can be continuously elevated. To reject any idea purely based on its origin is a disservice to yourself, your business, and quite frankly an emotional assault on the courageous thinker.
Andy Rooney is most
certainly that: a courageous thinker. Despite the fact that he has offered more
than a few opinions that raised an even larger number of eyebrows, 60 Minutes would not have been then nor
will be in the future the same without his presence.
We must be, and fill our
lives with, courageous thinkers. Our personal histories will always play into
the decisions we make and the ideas we create. Including people whose personal
histories are unequivocally more experienced and rich in navigating those decisions and
creations can only be considered a wise option.
“I
believe if all the truth were known about everything in the world, it would be
a better place to live.”
-Andy Rooney
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