Tradition vs. Change: Finding the Balance

Looking Back to Understand Today

Earlier this week, I bemoaned the lack of historical knowledge and perspective. The thesis was that this circumstance contributed greatly to having so many not having the tools necessary to render fair and proper judgment to the events of today. The blame for the situation was laid at the feet of my generation, the Boomers (or Me Generation). We were the first generation to think and behave as though the world started and stopped with our lives.

When History Is Lost, Perspective Follows

Lacking any real understanding of actual history or appreciation for historical context or comparative evaluation of events, our education system has imposed the conclusion that America’s history is one defined by and replete with our shortcomings. The logical extension of that opinion is to embrace any idea or action that serves to undermine and eradicate the basic social structures associated with our history. The concept that new automatically be given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to improving things is the height of hubris in my opinion.

The Tension Between Change and Continuity

Life is defined by change, so nobody is arguing that it is possible, much less desirable, for time to stand still. The clock only moves in one direction, and Old Man Time is undefeated. The question is what should be our perspective when change is evaluated. There are two extremes on the spectrum. On one end, you have those who feel the values that have guided us through multiple generations are simply representative of what kept terrible structures and practices in place and thus change, by definition, is a good thing. At the other end, you have those who say the key to a bright future is to hold fast to what has endured through the years, resisting change at every turn.

Finding the Middle Ground

All of this reminds me of an observation I made many years ago. As the person in charge of the political and communication divisions at the Republican National Committee (RNC), there were plenty of days when it felt as though the choices were between “if it was a good idea, we would already be doing it” and “a new idea, any new idea.” The trick of course was to focus on hitting the pitch thrown at that particular time. So too is it when it comes to thinking about change itself. Neither of the “on the one hand and the other” approaches work for most people. The struggle starts with which view to give precedent—change it all or hold fast.

A Tradition Unlike Any Other

This week, professional golfers are playing the Masters in Augusta, Georgia. Among fans of the game, it is almost a second Holy Week. Traditions are proudly upheld—respect for the game, no cell phones, low prices for food and beverage, most of all is a view that good manners are the start of how civilized people should behave. Was Augusta National Golf Club slow to the table on racial issues? Yes. It was not until August of 2012 that the club admitted women. The Augusta National Women’s Amateur was started in 2019. In other words, things change slowly.

Evolving Without Losing Identity

You do not apply for membership at this club. You are asked to join. Certainly, some of the revisions in their practices could have happened sooner and more quickly. At the same time, the membership did not waiver from an attitude that, while others not previously part of things could now become members, the general attitude and values would remain the same. It is fair to observe in many ways this translated to this is how people (overwhelmingly rich, white, and male) should think and behave. In other words, they did not change the essence of what the club stood for. Instead, they expanded the possibility to become members to individuals previously unrepresented who shared the values of the club.

Exclusivity vs. Accessibility

Another way of looking at things might be to decide if the goal of everything is to make it as widely open to everyone as is humanly possible or whether there is a value in exclusivity when that quality is centered on maintaining the highest of standards when it comes to honesty and integrity.

A Balanced Approach to Change

Not every change is for the better or the worse. You can address shortcomings without throwing the baby out with the bath. It is perfectly fine to place a premium on custom and traditions when they are rooted in positive qualities. Not every improvement is driven by making life as inclusive as possible under each and every circumstance. You can accept change without automatically giving it a positive or negative evaluation.