Are the 2000s a NEW '60s?

[liberalpragmatist]

I'm increasingly becoming convinced that this decade is going to mirror the '60s in many, many ways. Already there are tremendous parallels. There is all sorts of political instability, both domestically and internationally. Both decades started out with excruciatingly close elections. In both there were major crises -- September 11 and November 22 (Kennedy's death). Both featured horrifingly similar wars...at least, Iraq right now looks like Vietnam did in 1964/65.

There are major social schisms. Society is polarized. Huge social battles loom over gay marriage, abortion, affirmative action. There is massive inequality for blacks and Hispanics. There is a resurgent conservative movement that is in all out war with progressives.

Then there's huge international instability. IN the '60s there it was the height of the Cold War. Now, there are conflicts that will be huge causes of problems, all over the Middle East and the world. We are grappling with huge debates over the merits, or lack thereof, in globalization. There is a disconnect between politicians and the people. Most politicians still act like we can solve the problems of today using tweaked ideas of the past -- Something Gary Hart understands.

What does this all mean? One wonders if culture will flourish. Ironically, if Bush is reelected, we could have some of the greatest music and art in decades (not that I want this to happen -- I will be working my ass off to make sure he doesn't win a second term) because art thrives when people are emotional and unhappy.

What do you all think?

[Kitsune]

1. I hope so.

I've never forgiven myself for being born after all the good bands broke up.

[ryharrin]

10. That is exactly where the two decades part ways. Todays music is terrible

And its not because i'm old, I'm only 21. Sad really. At least I had the mid-90's - Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, etc.

[arcos]

13. Today's music is NOT terrible...

most popular music, top 40, etc IS terrible. But we are in the post-Napster era, where artists are depending less of big record label contracts. There is GREAT music around, you just have to look for it.

[Cat Atomic]

2. Or a new 1930's.

.

[laura888]

3. I'm discouraged...

..because it seems many of the advances we made in the 60s and 70s are being set back...

[knight_of_the_star]

5. Looks like we'll just have to do it again then, now won't we (nt)

[laura888]

14. Yes, I am willing to fight...

...its gonna be much much tougher now, tho.

[Stephanie]

4. Naw, it's the 70's

Haven't you heard? It's official:

http://www.nytimes.com/magazine/

[mlawson]

6. For me, the 60s began as a time when everything seemed possible.

'Man on the moon', an end to segregation and racism, an explosion in NEW pop culture, etc etc... So far I don't sense that at all with this new decade. The theft of the election in 2000 has realy dampened any movement towards that, IMO, and 9/11 REALLY put the breaks on it.

[Dems Will Win]

7. It will be much more than the 60s, it will be the whole world waking up!

Look at my tag line. The collective consciousness is awakening and that has never happened before. The 60s were merely a prelude to what's going to happen now.

It will be more like the 18th Century Enlightenment and a tremendous tipping-point that is reached in the population--we would enjoy a rapid radicalization within the next dozen or so years. Bush replays the role of Louis XV (not the XIV) and Mad King George III of Britain.

The counter-culture has already invented Transformational Entertainment, movies like Lord of the Rings. There is much more to come. The 60s will look primitive in comparison.

[Name removed]

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[Kahuna]

8. I hope so. Don't see to much of it yet. People are much.

too afraid to make real sacrifices. We've become too comfortable and materialistic to challenge the status quo. Plus, if the sixties taught me anything, it was you can't fight the establishment. They don't care who you are. They will squash you like a bug.

[Deja Q]

19. Well said

At what point does being squashed become the better outcome?

To die fighting for one's beliefs or to capitulate into a system you know is wrong.

[tridim]

9. We need another Vietnam

and by gawd we got it. I never dreamed it would come so soon.

I'm doing my part to make the best of it.

[jiacinto]

11. Yeah I see the parallels

I often wonder if the 2004 election will be like 1968.

[even]

15. I disagree.

Nothing is ever the same but we love to think so. Many things are unsettled now. To equate this time with 30 years ago would be unfortunate for those thinking as much.

Here is what I think. What do we need and want and how do we get it?
But then I could be full of it.
My favorite economist said in times of rapid change many cling to ridged ideas.

[Dr Fate]

16. It's a brand new century...

..there are just as many parallels to the 50's, 30's, 70's, and 1890's as there are to the mythic 1960's...

It's a new century, with new cycles of it's own.

[DoYouEverWonder]

17. Sure, it's just like the sixties

except we don't have the sex, drugs and rock & roll.

On second thought, it's not like the sixties at all.

[Deja Q]

18. For reasons of art and culture, obviously NOT. Politcally? Sure.

Maybe we need Bush to be elected for a term. The sheeple have been bred to not care or be concerned and let our society become corrupt. Maybe at a cer6tain point they'll wake up.

That now means more to me than getting the idiot* out of power.

Of course, I might not be alive to see society wake up and become WE, THE PEOPLE again. But I would die in hope.

[proud patriot]

20. To almost quote Dennis Hopper in Flashback

The 2000s are going to make the 60s look like the 50s...

He said 90s in the movie ..

[RandomUser]

21. No way

Kennedy's death, tragic as it was, had no bearing on the security of average citizens walking in the street. September 11th changed the whole landscape. All it will take is another terrorist attack to succeed and I'm sure you'll agree by then that it's definitely not the 60's.

[ReadTomPaine]

22. The 00’s are going to make the 60’s look like a pie fight.

Strap yourself in, this is going to be one hell of a ride.

[Character Assassin]

23. Greg, honey, is it supposed to be this soft?

It was a sucky time, from what I have heard. Let's not go back, hmmm?