Craig Fees,  "Editorial: Communication and Generations: Across the Gap", THE DRAGON, Fall, 1969, p. 5

The Dragon was the literary magazine for St. George's School

Before we set this issue in type, we sent out to all parents and subscribers a letter which in effect gave our statement of policy and purpose, “to reflect the new creative culture and the changing perceptions of the traditional culture.” In an attempt to “build a bridge of communication between the generations,” as Dr. Richmond Holder, a St. George father, wrote in reply to the letter, we are consciously building the magazine around this important theme which, as Dr. Holder adds, “my generation struggles hard (especially in my profession as psychiatrist) to bridge it themselves.” This is our conscious effort. The initial response to our letter indicates that we may be on the right track.

A large part of the policy statement, however, was built around the request that parents and alumni respond with their thoughts and opinions — we are trying to establish a letters-to-the-editor column to provide a forum for opinion. To succeed, however, and we can’t stress this point too much, we need your opinions; you have to write to us to keep us from monopolyzing the conversation as we have in the past.

We have constructed this issue to spark an exchange of ideas and criticism. It should raise questions. It should give what we feel is a good cross section of student ideas.

We have tried to be honest and thorough with this issue, we have put in hard work in anticipation of the reward of your response. Hopefully, of course, parents and alumni will not feel restricted, and will comment on other aspects of our changing culture — we are, after all, an open forum. Use us.

Commenting on this issue should not be too difficult, however. The styles presented dart from highly traditional to modern abstract writing. The subjects vary from homosexuality to walking on beaches to lament on lost youth. The writers themselves are as different, ranging through Conservatives to Conscientious Objectors, and from frequently published to first time authors. The attitudes and moods we’ve shaped here into a magazine should be far from dull; we’re kind of excited about the whole prospect of this magazine ourselves.

Even the art work is an attempt to put across ideas. The front cover was chosen because it stands for the internal conflicts inherent in any dogmatic ideology: the rosary beads wrapped around one hand, the collection basket in another, wearing the habit of the dogmatic church, a woman growls — arguing with the world. She is representative of all those defending themselves by taking up the protection of traditions and institutions, prayer beads and rigid vows.

On the back cover we have placed the opposite, the innocence and wonder in pragmatism. Surrounded by so many conflicting and confusing lines, Sam (the boy) still has nothing but a happy curiosity on his face: he is not rejecting differences or setting defenses against them; he is looking for the next conflict. His protection is still the future and not the past.

So there is much to comment on. Comment. Write to us in care of the editor, and we will try to publish all or part of what you have written.

And enjoy this issue.

- C.F.