Characteristics of the 1960s: - Essay Example

? Characteristics of the 1960’s: Introduction: On recovery of the time capsule, its contents proved an exciting archeological finding that would enlighten the new generation on how to piece together a period some can only reminiscence about. The first item is a news paper cutting dated November 23rd 1963 with the heading “Kennedy Assassinated”. The second item is an audio cassette with a mixed collection of Bob Dylan songs. The third item is a collection photographs of young people (17 – early 30”s) attending what seems to be a concert. The fourth item is a tattered book identified as the text The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. Finally, there is a detailed letter describing an individual’s trip to Europe (Britain). These items confirm that 1960’s mark very crucial milestones in the history of American politics, culture, social stratification music and fashion. News Paper Cutting; Politics: The news paper cutting, from the New York Herald Tribune, has side by side photos of the late president J. F. Kennedy minutes before the shooting while the other photo is of President Lyndon B. Johnson being sworn in aboard an air force one. In 1960, there were numerous political tensions all around the world. These tensions stemmed from factors ranging from war in Vietnam to missile launch threats by Russia. Of interest is how all these factors were tied to the impending cold war which most people thought was long overdue but which world leaders like J. F. Kennedy still handled with particular caution (Bothmer, 2009). There were rumors that the KGB must have been directly or indirectly related to J. F. Kennedy’s death. Perhaps, the tension was more at home than most people would like to admit (Bothmer, 2009). This is evidenced by the assassinations of other socio-political reformists in subsequent years just within the 1960’s period. In 1968 alone, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on 4th April followed closely by the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy on June 5th. Amid the assassinations, however, positive political reforms still took place such as recognition of minority groups in some aspects. On the other hand there was the military industrial complex that involved accumulation of weaponry and the subtle or direct involvement of the American government (particularly the armed forces) in other countries’ political affairs (Bothmer, 2009). The Beatles Cassette; Music: Interestingly, the songs in the cassette did not follow the conventional sixties style of an album. Instead, these are songs picked from different albums, for instance, With God on Our Side is from the album The Times They are A-changing and from the album Free Wheelin’ there was the track Masters of War. However, it is not so much the rock and roll fad but the influence these musicians had. Most musicians at this time were keen on singing against social upheavals cutting across pop, rock, RnB and even soul musicians. For instance, Bob Dylan speaking against the Vietnam War in his song "Masters of War" (1963), Same Cooke’s “A change is Gonna Come” was also a popular civil rights anthem also from 1963. The Beatles also composed a song “revolution” against violent socio-political reform. One thing stood out from their messages, non violence and the inevitable nature of change (Wallenfeldt, 2012). Photograph; Fashion and social trends: Musicians also had an influence on how young people dressed, their social relations and other their ideologies. Minus their obvious enthusiasm, the young persons in the photos are dressed in particularly striking attire. This photograph (probably taken during the Woodstock festival) in particular highlights the peak of the hippie fashion characterized by long hair and unusual clothes like multi-colored shirts, belly bottoms and sandals. The hippie fashion also came with characters such as strong opposition of the norm when it comes to social stratification. This is perhaps the reason why African Americans, South Americans and Caucasians appear to be mixing freely in the photo a reflection of the philosophy of tolerance the hippie movement held. The hippies also engaged in sexual freedom and taking of drugs like marijuana. Most adopted a philosophy of peace and practiced non western religions such as those proclaiming the superiority of nature (animals and plants). Most also believed that music could heal and change society hence their affiliation to rock bands such as the Beatles (Wallenfeldt, 2012). Letter; Student Revolutions: Further still, the socio-political activities in the form of student revolutions marked the 1960’s. The letter found in the time capsule describes how an individual met other students involved in “the struggle” (most likely in reference to student demonstration and other revolutionary activities). The letter also details how the other students in Europe are more united in their demands unlike the ones back home (America). The baby boom in the early 1900’s meant that in the 1960’s the larger part of the population was made up of young people. While musicians called for peaceful revolutions, students were taking a different approach. Like the difference in philosophy between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, student Radicals were as dominant as the peaceful hippies. The development of technology (evidenced by the landing on the moon) not only improved communication within the country but also stretched to other continents (Wallenfeldt, 2012). This meant that exchange of ideas was easier, therefore, student revolution ideas spread across continents such as Europe. The 1960’s saw some of the most deadly student riots in America. In 1965, there was a student riot in Los Angeles; in 1967 there was another one Detroit and Newark. In addition there was a riot1968 Washington after the death of Martin Luther King Jr. (Suri, 2005). The novel Feminine Mystique; Feminism: Critics have argued that the text Feminine Mystique opened the floodgates of feminism and triggered the beginning of the second and ultimately most effective female revolution in history. This book focuses on the role of women in view of societal expectations which the author summarizes as un-acceptable. The power struggle between men and women led to production of mass literature on the topic. For instance, this book was very empowering because it gave women a go ahead to step out of their traditional role as house wives. On the other hand there was the development of the contraceptive pill which promised women the power to determine when to have a family and how many children they could have. This meant that females could match up their male counterparts when it came to job productivity. One group of protestor would support the pill while another (probably religious or hippie in nature) would oppose it (Rhodes, 2005). Nonetheless, this period is a milestone in female empowerment socially, economically and politically and it is from this period that other female reformists such Margaret Walker and authors from later periods such Alice Walker, Anna Deavere Smith derive their inspiration (Rhodes, 2005). Conclusion: The 1960’s error reflects change from a positive and a negative light. With the myriad of groups seeking an audience from their leaders, violence was inevitable. It comes as no surprise that most of the people especially now that a majority were in their youth sought pressure relieving avenues in music and other lifestyles such as drugs and un-conventional lifestyles such as being hippies. Ultimately, there were major political, cultural and social changes in the 1960’s (Wallenfeldt, 2012). References: Bothmer, B. V. (2009). Framing the Sixties: The Use and Abuse of a Decade from Ronald Reagan to George W. Bush. Massachusetts: University of Massachusetts Press. Rhodes, J. (2005). Radical Feminism, Writing, and Critical Agency: From Manifesto to Modem. Albany, New York : SUNY Press. Suri, J. (2005). Power and Protest: Global Revolution and the Rise of Detente. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. Wallenfeldt, J. (2012). Sounds of Rebellion: Music in The 1960S. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group. Read More