How my perspective of America has (d)evolved since the 70's

From the heart of the 1970s to today, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformations in America. Growing up amid political unrest, social movements, and cultural revolutions, I faced a nation reshaping itself—much like I was reshaping my own views. This post captures my evolving perspective on America, illustrating how various historical phases have influenced my understanding and beliefs over four decades.

The Cultural Revolution of the 70s

The 1970s were a powerful time marked by significant cultural change. Rock music, punk, and provocative television shows stirred a shift towards open-mindedness. As a child, songs like "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen and "Detroit Rock City" by KISS resonated with my budding sense of individuality. Music became my guiding light and the performers my inspiration.

A vintage jukebox showcasing the music culture of the 1970s.

This revolution also birthed powerful movements advocating civil rights, gender equality, and environmental protection. I could feel the impact as I tuned into discussions on theT.V., later on cable channels. For instance, the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972 reflected growing environmental awareness, an issue that still resonates today.

These movements inspired me to reflect on my place in society. Even as a spectator, the changes influenced my values, shaping the person I am today.

The Economic Challenges of the 80s

Entering my teenage years during the 1980s, I saw the economy transform dramatically. High inflation rates, which peaked at 13.5%, and the oil crisis created insecurity for families nationwide. My own family faced challenges that were not unique to us alone, but prevailed through those times by sticking together as a unit.

An empty diner booth representing the economic challenges of the 1980s.

During this turbulent time, the government enacted policies like tax cuts that favored big businesses. I vividly recall how companies like General Motors laid off thousands of workers, prompting the term “Rust Belt,” which referred to the decline of industry in parts of America. These experiences taught me resilience and resourcefulness that I carry with me today.

While ambition surged during this period, I began to recognize the importance of community values, finding ones place in the crowd. The struggle for balance between personal success and societal responsibility became clearer to me, and harder to maintain.

Embracing Diversity in the 90s

The 1990s ushered in a renewed focus on diversity. This pivotal decade marked immense progress toward representation. The increase in multicultural neighborhoods meant my friend circle expanded across various backgrounds.

I will never forget celebrating Diwali with my Indian friend and sharing cultural stories during Lunar New Year celebrations. These moments brought new perspectives that deepened my understanding of community.

A vgroup symbolizing America's cultural diversity in the 1990s.

This enriching environment taught me to appreciate differences rather than fear them. Empathy became a cornerstone of my worldview, leading to a broader understanding of societal dynamics.

The Technological Boom of the 2000s

As the new millennium emerged, technology revolutionized American life. The internet, mobile devices, and social media propelled us into an era where information was just a click away. The rise of platforms like Facebook in 2004 transformed how we connected and communicated, still to this day.

However, this technological boom was not without its downsides. Issues like misinformation surged alarmingly. Statistica reported that 64% of Americans were concerned about the spread of false information on social media in 2020. Navigating this digital landscape taught me the value of critical thinking.

Through these challenges, I embraced my responsibility to seek truth and accuracy. My view of America evolved into one that balanced innovation with discernment.

A Renewed Focus on Social Justice in the 2010s

The 2010s reignited social justice movements with a vengeance, reportedly "EDUCATING" the populus on critical issues like racial equality and climate change. Many participated in local rallies and discussions focused on the Black Lives Matter movement, realizing that collective action can indeed affect change, not always in a good way. Whenever you exclude an entire section to over inflate you own personal views and vales that would be racism by any other name.

At any given moment there were multiple rallies with hundreds advocating for the planet, noting how nearly 1.1 million people participated in the Women’s March in 2017 alone. This era reminded me that while every voice counts, many utilized that empowerment to call out only their perspectives while demonizing to anyone else who believed differently.

A vibrant protest during a social justice movement highlighting the spirit of activism in the 2010s.

Observing the resurgence of activism, I reflected on the movements of the 70s. From that perspective the spirit of activism felt skewed by comparison, social consciousness had evolved to fear mongering at combative levels, encouraging me to rethink my personal lifestyle and hunker down in my 70's beliefs.

Final Reflections

My perspective of America since the 1970s has transformed significantly. Each decade—a blend of resilience, diversity, technology, and social activism—has enriched my understanding of both the nation and myself.

From cultural revolutions to technological shifts and renewed social activism, America’s evolution continues to inspire me. I have become more aware of our society's complexities and the need for advocacy and understanding, by everyone for everyone.

As my journey continues, my goal is to contribute positively to America's narrative, embracing its challenges while promoting fairness and compassion. Together, we can navigate the future and build upon the foundations we have established.