The United State's involvement in Vietnam, which began in 1954, became widely unaccepted once young men started being unfairly drafted into the war. All around the country, protestors filled the streets and college campuses to voice their opposition to the war and the draft. This event was no doubt a concern for my dad since there was a possibility he could be drafted, but, thanks to the draft lottery, he was spared. The Vietnam War also signifies the political mindedness of the era.
Woodstock was more than just a concert. It was a moment in time that defined a generation. It signified everything the sixties stood for, which was sex, drugs and rock n' roll! Many of the acts present at Woodstock were leading and emerging artists of rock.
Technology back in those days may seem primitive to what we use today, but for it's time they were revolutionary. Many of the devices created during time also helped shape and pave the way for much of the technology we currently take for granted.
A popular book from this period was Richard Bach's novella Jonathan Livingston Seagull. It tells the story of a Seagull, who's unwillingness to conform and determination to fly, leads to the expulsion from his flock and a more idyllic life. This book is important because it closely mirrors the mentality of the hippies and youth during the late sixties.
Now:
Much has changed since the sixties, but there is still one thing that has not: war. In this day and age, we are fighting our own war in the middle east. As we are all aware, this has been a major issue for years, and it is just another sign of the instability of today's economy.
It's impossible to discuss this century without mentioning the incredible advances that have been made with technology. Now days it not uncommon to see someone plugged into their i-Pod, texting and working on their laptop all simultaneously. This is significant to all who have grown up in this era because, whether we like it or not, we are now being ruled by technology.
