I am optimistic that each generation will get better,
I thought this too but then it didn’t in a lot of ways and did in some. If we do our best and try to spread that to our kids and our circles, that’s the only way. I never in a million years thought we would go so far backwards on so many issues like civil rights, abortion and worker’s rights. I know it would be a roller coaster but I didn’t think the dips would be that far down.
Yeah, but that’s not because of generational progress.
Many civil rights in the USA weren’t properly arranged for through democratic laws, but by Supreme Court decisions.
They were always at risk. Once you achieve the same level of progress through electoral majorities, they are much more stable and secure.
As for workers rights and inequality, there is a similar story. Between the great depression and globalization there was a time of great progress, but it was never sustainable.
It only occurred because two world wars and a great depression left the world in tatters and destroyed the power of the wealthy, while the Western world still fully enjoyed the fruits of colonialism. Western Middle classes suddenly had all the power for a brief moment in time.
Now, we will have to figure out how to create real equality, without exploiting other countries and without relying on war and depression to break the power of the rich.
Those are all great points, but being young and naive, I didn’t think we the people would actually let all of the backwards things happen. I agree about the real equality. Is this a human thing to take everything for granted, go backwards and then have hope to change it to a place where we’ll take it for granted again? When we look at the MIddle East, I kind of think it is. But it can be a super quick process or a slow process, depending on what you’re born into.
I thought this too but then it didn’t in a lot of ways and did in some. If we do our best and try to spread that to our kids and our circles, that’s the only way. I never in a million years thought we would go so far backwards on so many issues like civil rights, abortion and worker’s rights. I know it would be a roller coaster but I didn’t think the dips would be that far down.
Yeah, but that’s not because of generational progress.
Many civil rights in the USA weren’t properly arranged for through democratic laws, but by Supreme Court decisions.
They were always at risk. Once you achieve the same level of progress through electoral majorities, they are much more stable and secure.
As for workers rights and inequality, there is a similar story. Between the great depression and globalization there was a time of great progress, but it was never sustainable.
It only occurred because two world wars and a great depression left the world in tatters and destroyed the power of the wealthy, while the Western world still fully enjoyed the fruits of colonialism. Western Middle classes suddenly had all the power for a brief moment in time.
Now, we will have to figure out how to create real equality, without exploiting other countries and without relying on war and depression to break the power of the rich.
Those are all great points, but being young and naive, I didn’t think we the people would actually let all of the backwards things happen. I agree about the real equality. Is this a human thing to take everything for granted, go backwards and then have hope to change it to a place where we’ll take it for granted again? When we look at the MIddle East, I kind of think it is. But it can be a super quick process or a slow process, depending on what you’re born into.
With humanity, it’s always two steps forward, one step back.
The USA ended slavery, then introduced segregation and share cropping.
They ended segregation, then started the war on drugs to imprison minorities.
They elected a black man, then a fascist.
Similar things can be seen in other countries. Russia got rid of communism, then elected Putin. China opened up, now they have a dictator.
But, in general, the direction is forward.
I think that’s what I’m saying, I thought it would always go forward. But as you say, it’s “in general,” I wasn’t prepared for the 4 steps back.
Then better start getting ready for the barrel roll