HISTORY

DISCUSSION QUESTION HISTORY – ORIGINAL POST 3-5 paragraphs & RESPONSES 1 brief paragraphs per (4) response. TWO-PART Assignment

We have now studied America's economy, culture, politics, society, and general mindset since the late 1960s. Based on all the information you have acquired, take a cool, calm, detached look at your situation, and tell what aspects of these developments give you a reason to be an optimist and/or a pessimist?

PART ONE

Do not write emotive, hand-wringing comments. Just look at the developments, dissect their impact in your life, and in 3-5 paragraphs tell, in a fact-driven manner, what kind of challenges and/or promises they will pose to your future life? Please title each response??

PART TWO

1.Bottom of Form

Top of Form

· The mindset of a pessimist

I am pessimistic – while I am guarding my fears:

After taking a look at my situation as a productive, tax-paying citizen struggling to survive in the United States, the 20th and 21st centuries have been a period of extraordinary turmoil and change. Despite the fact that our nation has endured during the worst economic and social hopelessness in these decades, the country seem to have rebound only to recognize there is no sustainable fix for this economic and cultural divide. In other words, while the U.S. has transformed itself over the slow march concerning racial, women, and gay rights, the political transition is one in which earning a living wage is but a trickery and the culture gives rise to the wealthiest of our citizens, therefore, bringing to the end our middle class state of being.

I would like to take a moment to expound on the role of Espionage in America History. After viewing the Pollock’s movie, Three Days of the Condor (1975), I join in with contradictions and cynicisms. For this reason, feelings of suspicions; and distrust and betrayal of the U.S. Government towards its citizens in their quest for a better world is damaged. Comparatively speaking, breaking news closes in on discussions recalling the 2000s political and cultural history of America to living in 2018; and witnessing a blatant decline of America. Events are occurring at a very rapid pace, so much so, I have taken to recording most all breaking news. Espionage is illegal – right? Well, I predict the U.S. intelligence methods of processing information is way too much for these tender aging years to write down.

As a pessimistic, what was once utilized to support foreign policies, it has affected domestic relations – culturally and economically.

· 2. changes

Americas culture and influence is always changing. The youth and minority groups have become more interested and aware of their situation. More young people are interacting in politics and activism that have changed some policies already. More people are taking a stand and participating in the voting process. Whether they vote for who is right or not, based on opinion, people are still showing up to share their opinions. This new involvement can push the nation towards further societal developments such as lessening gender gaps, minority inequalities, and healthcare. Status quos could change and perspectives on certain rights and rules could also change as well. Freedom of speech could encourage more people to share their opinions and change the way in which government is run. 

· 3. Personally...

In general, I feel that our American culture of individualism has been here since the beginning. Even the Puritan and Pilgrim groups that came here to set up communal societies didn’t last long before they began to coalesce with individualism and capitalism by selling communal land and living in private homesteads. We have had reasons to work together, like during the American Revolution, the world wars, and even the cold war. But, especially during the Vietnam War and even soon after 9/11, even foreign enemies do not seem enough incentive for us to work together. Because this political divisiveness could be blamed on our individualistic personality (ie, America’s success was because my party was in charge, and we declined when your party was in charge), I cannot see this changing any time soon.

It is extremely telling that the extreme left and right have so much in common and can’t agree on how to fix it. Both Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party Movement want to help the middle class and both distrust the government’s relationship with corporate capitalism. Yet each group demonizes the other. This shows how toxic our political arena has become.

With social mobility slowing so much, I do feel pessimistic about my children’s future. My parents were able to save for me to go to school, but if education costs rise at the same rate they have been, the savings I will have for my children’s education will not even touch tuition prices. America’s children have less of a chance of climbing the economic ladder- but now should we worry that they may fall down the ladder?

America enough power and money in our country to keep it from failing. We are maybe not the most economically strong, but we are possibly the most innovative country in the world, and still on top, militarily. With the right politics, we can fix most of our problems. I found it interesting in Zaretsky's analysis when he said that it is our checks and balances that are keeping us deadlocked. He said that Britain doesn't have this problem, since the Prime Minister doesn't have the same sort of checks. I don't think that is necessarily our problem. There are times when one party has the majority and can push items through. However, when another party comes into power, some of those decisions can be reversed. With President Trump's appointment to the Supreme Court, there has been talk that now Roe v. Wade could be overturned. As a woman and mother to a girl, this does personally worry me.

My general conclusion is that corporations of America will keep the nation afloat, but I do think there will be more suffering for the average American.

· 4. For me...

Based on what I have learned (as well as getting into the teaching profession), I am a little pessimistic economically. I see the income disparity increasing, and if pay for teachers do not increase, I can see my hard-earned dollars not going nearly as far as my parents did. This will certainly be a challenge for me.

 

I am absolutely discouraged about politics. The political divisiveness in this country has increased since the 1960s, but modern-day politics seem even more divided than ever before. Gone are the days of rallying the country around a common enemy – the Soviet Union. Or, even terrorism for that matter. The common enemy seems to be the other political party. Instead of focusing our attention on bettering ourselves, it honestly feels like we are tearing ourselves down. Perhaps it is the curse of a two-party state. I do see a general distrust with government continuing, especially when recent polls suggest the lowest confidence in our elected officials of all time.

 

As long as the divisiveness of politics do not enter culture and society further, I see some promise. The country appears to be progressing more toward a place for acceptance (the past two years notwithstanding). Art and entertainment are at a premium today, and I only see that getting better. 

 

America might no longer be the only superpower or world leader as it was thirty years ago, but we are living in a world that requires more interconnectivity than ever before. I am optimistic that we will make it, though.

Bottom of Form