Reflections on the Roaring 1920s and the 1950s: A Comparison of Two Decades
Introduction to Two Dynamic Decades
When comparing the Roaring 1920s and the 1950s, each decade presents a unique perspective on a rapidly changing society. While I have a more personal familiarity with the 1950s, having grown up during that time, the allure of the 1920s also holds a special appeal. This essay will explore the reasons why I lean towards the 1950s and the cultural shifts between these two eras.
The Roaring 1920s: A Time of Freedom and Experimentation
The Roaring 1920s was a decade filled with liberation, creative expression, and a general spirit of rebellion. It was a time when society experimented with new modes of living and thinking. The Playboy Philosophy and the Slacktivism of the time seem distant and quaint in comparison to today's cultural landscape.
Impact of the Stock Market Crash of 1929
If I had the chance to time travel back to the pre-1929 era, there is no doubt that I would fit in better. However, the Roaring 1920s came to an abrupt end with the stock market crash in 1929, plunging the world into the Great Depression. This catastrophic event marked a significant cultural shift, as the ensuing decade saw a stark contrast in economic and social conditions.
The 1950s: A Decade of Promise and Revival
In contrast, the 1950s was a period of revival and promise, particularly for those who had served their country in World War II. The black community, though still facing significant racial issues, experienced a sense of possibility and hope. This hopeful sentiment would later manifest in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
Challenges and Progress in the 1950s
While the challenges of racial inequality persisted, the 1950s were also marked by progress. The rise of the Presbyterian Prosperity Gospel by Norman Vincent Peale highlighted the white supremacist subtext in American culture, a theme that still resonates today. This period saw significant advancements in technology, such as color television and the Salk vaccine for polio, which transformed everyday life.
Cultural Shifts and Social Norms
The Roaring 1920s and the 1950s represent different facets of American society. In the 1920s, the pill and the rise of the Playboy Philosophy brought about significant cultural changes, emphasizing personal freedoms and individual choices. In the 1950s, these themes evolved. The roaring energy of the 1920s transitioned into a more conservative and structured period, marked by advancements in technology and social reforms.
Post-War Changes and the BLM Movement
The 1950s saw the return of many GIs from World War II, and with them came a new wave of consumerism and a sense of optimism. However, the legacy of racism and structural inequality persisted, as evidenced by the Neonatology of Critical Race Theory. The Middle-America nostalgia of the 1950s has been reinterpreted through the lens of equality and social justice, as seen in the BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement. This movement seeks to acknowledge and address the continued impact of systemic racism in American society.
Personal Experience and Observations
As an Army brat, my experiences in the 1950s were shaped by the redlining, capital access issues, and the Social Capitalism of the time. Despite the caps on access to credit for minority communities, capital could still flow in, although it required new structures and joint ventures like the one I created for a bank with the Small Business Administration.
Conclusion: A Timeless Reflection
Overall, the 1950s hold a special place in my heart for their promise, progress, and resilience. Despite the challenges, this decade laid the groundwork for the social and cultural advancements of the 1960s and beyond, including the fight for civil rights and the acknowledgment of ongoing systemic issues, encapsulated in the Neonatology of Critical Race Theory. Each decade has its unique story, and the 1950s stand out as a vivid reminder of the possibilities and the struggles that define American history.