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certain instability and impulsiveness can be tolerated, are suddenly past.
A more clearly defined sense of responsibility is expected as the adult assumes a full-fledged role in society.
If the preservation movement is at that point, and I suggest that indeed it is, it is implicit upon us to assess the formative years and chart a future course in the context of the movement's full participation in the mainstream of our national life.
I believe we must distinguish at the outset between the performance record of historic preservation and some public perceptions about the movement and its accomplishments.
To be frank, I am concerned that preservation is sometimes perceived as elitist, antiquarian, nonprogressive, and not always relevant to society's broadest goals. You note that I said perceived.
I am concerned that these perceptions, while in no way universal, are still prevalent enough to cause preservation at times to be shut out of the game before the hand is dealt.
I am concerned because I see our movement's contributions in the mainstream of American life, but sense that many preservationists have found themselves in the back seat when major issues are being weighed and resolved.
Why is this so? I don't pretend to have the answer, but I think we must ask the question.
Allow me to speculate that the fault cannot be laid exclusively at the doorstep of people who misperceive the preservation movement. We may have to look closer to home and ask ourselves some tough questions.
Are we doing all we can to articulate preservation's achievements, goals, and potential persuasively in the public forum?
Are we too modest? Or too reticent?
Is preservation to some extent inconsistent in policy and practice?
Do we present a confusing image? Have we made every effort to reconcile conflicting impulses in?and ramifications of?the movement?
Have we squarely confronted the issue of displacement?
I positively reject theories that would place that shoe on any single foot. This serious issue is far too complex for simplistic analysis. Still, Federal and Federally assisted programs are charged by law to assure uniformly fair and equitable treatment of persons who may be victims of displacement. Within the context of the American social conscience, it is implicit upon us to apply our best creative efforts to mitigate socially nonproductive consequences of our movement's involvement in the life of our communities and neighborhoods.