"Was this the most violent decade of all? ... "
It sure looks that way. Here's something really ironic ... take another look at the '60's ... the 1860's ... The Civil War ... Lincoln's assassination ... emancipated blacks fighting for rights ... our government at war with Native Americans ... and I'm sure there are a lot of other similarities that my poor recollection of history failed to point out.
'Makes you wonder if humans are ever going to learn how to peacefully co-exist ...
No, I think if you go decade by decade it will all average out, you are also centered on the US. I had a book, 'The Year of The Barricade' about '68 (?). It tells about ALL the unrest all over the world that year. Interesting read, if you can still find it. One of those books that you can just pick out chapters, or read strait thru. It tells of the causes that built up to each demo. On second thought, adding all this would make it violence that sometimes brought on change.
Remember the song 'Dancing In The Streets'? You can match each of those cities with a racial riot. Wonder if it is an intentional connection?
No, the violence has become so commonplace now that we just dont notice it. Bomb schools, shoot strangers. There are murders (plural) in the news locally every day here. Not to mention wars all over the place.
I think the 1960's pales in comparison to the 1860's
In my case, Sue, I cringe at every new report, esp if it involves hurting or killing babies and small children, women being brutilized just because they are, ...
The violence side has always been there, still is.
The change was the increase on the love and peace side; which has also always been there. More vocal and energized there for a while.
posted by Kedro
4 months ago
I would like to think that it did change the world, with the help of the media the thoughts and feelings of the times, went further then anyother movement before.
Yes Adalinda, I do think the 60's brought in positive change. Was there violence? Yes, but sometimes that happens when those who defend the status quo are fearful and reactionary.
Human history shows that change and violence often go together. Unfortunate, but true.
Captain:
What a very thoughtful post.
I had to write a college paper in 1969 about my opinion of the biggest news story in the country of the 60s decade. I loved JFK and his words inspired me to get involved in local government and to make it better - make a difference . . . . when he was killed, it only deepened my determination to continue my decision to give back to my county . . . then came all the ther events you listed.
I said all that to say this: the subject of my paper defendig my choice of the biggest story concerned death, but it was the death of our spirit. Of course I don't mean our religious spiit, but the loss of our hope and optimism and belief that yes, we can make a difference, and it is our duty to try.
Well, that was my opinion. Incidentially, I was the only student to receive an A for their paper.
I sometimes forget I was ever that idealisic.
Thans again.
