First I was born in '87 so I have no clue what the '70s were like personally.
Although, I had a very interesting 7th and 8th grades. Being one of the only minorities in my hometown, I guess other students found that funny. Got into a lot of fights, won some lost others. Taught me when to back off, or to stand you're ground (I have one thing to boast even if I lost, if it was 1v1 the other person wasn't walking away, he'd be limping or in some form of pain. If they ganged up on me at least two of them would be in a world of hurt... /boast ). Anyways, best example: 8th science class. Kid really had it out for me and I mean he hated my living guts. He took an exacto knife and stabbed into my left hand. Not really thinking I pulled it out (that really hurt) so now I am even more pissed at this kid. Standing up I was too close for a good clean punch, so my elbow meet his jaw bone, it got fractured.
The school threatened to expel me. My dad upon hearing this marched into the school board and gave them a good talking (I have no clue what he said) but they didn't even suspend me.
See, people might be pussies. But you get someone who knows what is right in the world and you can make them understand. I have a thing I say a lot, I call people cowards. I call them cowards because they're afraid to stand up to what they believe. And that, IMO, is what a coward is.
That's what has changed in this world. People are afraid to stand up to what they believe is right. We're too afraid to be sued. We are obsessed with money. We do not open our eyes to what we really want. It is something that will itch us but we shut our eyes to it. I say open those eyes and say, "This isn't right and I'll make my stand. I do not care about what they will do to me, for I know that what I am doing is right."
I suppose getting into more fights and having more scars before age 14 than most people receive in a life time, really hardens the heart to the world.
Just my thoughts... they might not make sense but I just put them out there because maybe someone will read them and understand.