This paper argues that the period between 1960 and 1970 marked an era that was characterized by not only a social revolution but also a political revolution in the United States of America. The aspects of this thesis can be seen in the interview below. The person whom I chose for my interview is my neighbor Mr. Richard Jones born on April 17, 1942, in Texas. He was educated and worked in Texas as a casual laborer in one of the ranches.
In addition to that, in the social aspect, modernism became the thing to be; a classic example being the Modern Art and Modern Jazz. Everyone tried his or her best to cope up with the then trends such as shorter skirts, groovier youngster Rock & Roll and minimal men’s suits among others. Sex became new, modern and improved with the control of STIs and the innovation of contraceptives pills which gave way to the Playboy magazine and thus ‘sexual revolution’ (McCarthy, & Zald, 2007).
What aspects of the government did the public want changed and what particular problems or issues faced the government and how did the leadership correct them? Everybody hoped that the needs of the poor would be addressed. These needs ranged from improved medical attention to pension schemes. To add on that, racism was also still a major problem. Civil Rights and other activists were constantly pressurizing the government to deliver key services to the people. The greatest setback the government faced at that time was the deep recession that occurred during the 1960s and as for how the government corrected that, I do not remember much as I was at that particular time, not really interested in the politics of the day.
What figures and events held much significance to you as a person, for instance, what were some of your favorite social trends? I was in my early twenties by then, and I really enjoyed listening to Rock & Roll though I did not have a particular musician whom I favored over the rest. Also, just as everyone else, I really believed in showing kindness to others in the belief that this would help transform the country into a better place, so I ended up giving people flowers and requesting them for friendship. Though not sure if this is actually a trend, I was also very rebellious towards my parents as every other youth of that time.
Was there any significant event which took place that affected the people’s way of living? Yes, one of them was the resistance to the ‘draft’ backed by some singers and civil rights activists which changed the care-free and fun-loving apolitical youths to political. The older people started questioning the direction and values of what was considered to be a ‘normal’ society. Fashion trends changed from the cool modern and sharp-edged look marked by make-up, dolly-birds and hair sprays to a more loosely-free and easy, natural look. There was the introduction of the ‘unisex’ clothes and music changed from romance Rock & Roll to consciousness-altering Rock and Roll with youths realizing that they were slowly becoming the people their parents had cautioned them against (McCarthy, & Zald, 2007).
What do you mean by the term ‘draft’? The draft occurred sometimes in 1964 when the US Congress directed the President to do whatever necessary to safeguard American soldiers together with their allies, against the communist Vietnam Congress. The war continued, and the nation was divided as the youths demonstrated while others escaped to Canada in avoidance of the draft. In the meantime, their parents and a fewer percentage of the youth made a ‘silent majority’ in backing up the war (Blumberg, 2011).
When Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated it created a lot of tension and bitterness especially from the black community who had for long been segregated in all aspects of life; socially, economically and politically. The hope of a better and improved life they had once felt under the struggle they had at that time was replaced by a feeling of desolation and hopelessness. The same sentiments, though to a higher magnitude, was felt when J F Kennedy was murdered in 1964 as people saw in him a revolutionary and spirited leader who was destined to bring positive change to the American people.
Did you have any mantra in life? To do unto others what I would like done unto me, to live one day at a time and to the fullest for life is not a rehearsal. I remember the young disobeying the older people as part of ‘fun.' They, together with women gained some control in the 60s, but I cannot remember much about it. Most of my free time was spent partying and hanging out with friends in Texas.
What were some of the economic problems that you faced and how did they affect your life? I did not have a stable job until later when I was 40 years and, therefore, it was a bit difficult to cater for all my needs especially during the period of recession. This was common with most young people especially those who did not advance beyond their high school studies. Again, the works at the ranch were more or less seasonal therefore that kind of situation never provided for any guarantee in income generation. Most of the times, I relied on my parents for financial support until when I was almost 30 years.
In summary, the 60s was a period when a lot of revolution occurred in regards to music, fashion, movies and politics; a time to be definitely remembered. The USA experienced a massive change. The 60s formed the basis of what the 90s became. It being my first time to interview someone in the matters of history, it went on better than I had even expected despite a few delays. I, however, learnt an important lesson that interviewing someone is not all about posing a question and waiting for an answer. It goes deeper than that as you have to get to listen rather than hearing, be able to interpret the nonverbal cues such as facial expression and gestures and see things on the interviewee’s point of view and not yours. Not only did I learn a lot from Mr. Jones but also enjoyed the encounter.
References
Blumberg, R. L. (2011). Civil rights, the 1960s freedom struggle (No. 248). Twayne Pub.
Davis, B., Mausbach, W., Klimke, M., & MacDougall, C. (Eds.). (2013). Changing the world, changing oneself: political protest and collective identities in West Germany and the US in the 1960s and 1970s (Vol. 3). Berghahn Books.
McCarthy, J. D., & Zald, M. N. (2007). Resource mobilization and social movements: A partial theory. American journal of sociology, 1212-1241.
Alridge, D. (2006). The limits of master narratives in history textbooks: An analysis of representations of Martin Luther King, Jr. The Teachers College Record, 108(4), 662-686.
Wicker, T. (2011). JFK and LBJ: The influence of personality upon politics (Vol. 120). Ivan R Dee.
