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It is amazing how the society has changed over the years. A look into the history reveals significant changes in the world societies. The average American in the 1960s is very different from the average American that is living in 2014. Some people claim that people have got smarter than they were in the early days. The notion is that the average American today is better in every way. He/she has advanced in terms of technology, exposure and tolerance towards foreign culture. It seems like the old days had so many issues regarding tolerance. Back in those days, the society was dealing with challenges like racism, gay issues, cold war, drugs and influx of immigrants. The paper takes time to look back and history. Has the society changed for the better or not? Can Americans boldly say that the current society has grown in every way?

History has demonstrated many times that change is a necessity in all societies. Change is the one thing that nobody can escape. The absence of changes implies the lack of growth for the whole community. The society has dealt the rise of movements against racism, the famous disco culture of the 1970s, financial depression and the HIV epidemic. The political system has also changed as evidenced by the election of the America’s first black president. The 1960s was the first time that America had a president who had been born in the 20th Century, John F. Kennedy. The death of the John F. Kennedy was a defining moment for many young people who had hope in him.

The best way to understand the changes that have affected the society is by talking to someone who has experience. I took the time to talk to a veteran by the name James McCarthy. I believe I can have the opportunity get information from the horse’s mouth about the state of the society years back. James has lived through some of the greatest challenges that seem to have rocked the very foundations of our nation. James is a 63-year-old who was born in America. He comes from a family of first generation Americans who trace back to early 19th century.

James spoke about the major differences in the way marriage was viewed in the past. According to James, Marriage was considered an important institution that allowed people to consummate their love for each other. It was considered one of the biggest steps that one could make in life. People did not take divorce light at it is today. Recent statistics suggest that people have got used to the idea of divorce. They are not bothered with the fact that marriage is something divine. James spoke with nostalgia when he was talking about how marriage was based on true love.

According to James, homosexuality had gained popularity in the American population as a vice. It came with strong stigmatization, which made homosexuals to hide in straight marriages or single lives. People were afraid to socialize with gay people because of the view that had been created by the society back then. Strong Christian and cultural values guided it, which had branded homosexuality as a very big sin. It was a time when the young generation was trying to break away from the traditional beliefs imposed by their parents. As a result, it was common to find secret societies of young homosexuals who were wanted freedom to be themselves.

Interviewer: James I would like to express my gratitude for giving me the privilege to interview you about the differences between the society that was there when you were a boy and the society that is around at present. First, it is obvious that so many changes have been witnessed in the American. Would you mind highlighting some of these changes based on your experience?

James: I am an original American, who was born in California. I was born in 1951, which means I was old enough to know to understand politics when John F. Kennedy was elected President. It is true that the society has indeed changed. First, it is clear that the current American society is advanced in terms of technology and wealth. People have become tolerant towards social issues that were unacceptable when I was young. The meaning of things like marriage and family is very different from the way it was in those early days. In addition, the meaning of religion has undergone a tremendous change.

Interviewer: It seems America was a different place in those days. Would you mind explaining the state of the society when you were a teenager?

James: In the 1960s, the American society was facing many challenges. Riots were rampant because of political and social issues like the murder of Martin Luther King and John F. Kennedy. The young people had started to question the values that they got from their parents, which explains why many whites were supporting black rights movement. The young people had redefined themselves. The society was made of adults who had strong traditional beliefs and young people who trying to find their identity in a dynamic world. However, some things did not change people still considered homosexuality a big sin. Homosexuals were seen as people suffering from a malady that had comprised their perception of the opposite sex.

Interviewer: Can you please explain more about the way society viewed homosexuality?

James: Well, my son the fact is that it would be impossible to see gay people get married like today. Even scientists believed homosexuals were suffering from chronic psychological disorder that comprised their sexual orientation. Since homosexuals were labelled sick people, it was very hard for them to demand rights and cultural representation. The negative view towards homosexuality can be attributed to the strong religious values that existed in the American society. Americans were diligent Christians, and one of the definite values was that homosexuality is going against the will of God. Children were brought up under strict conventional rules, which were guided by the notion that sparing the rod would mean spoiling the child. All these values contributed to the negative treatment that homosexuals were receiving from the society.

Interviewer: What was your personal stand on the issue of homosexuality? Has it changed?

James: I was a young man brought up in a strict Christian family. Therefore, it is clear that my view of sexuality was the same as the view held by Christians of that time. I know that I did not like socializing with homosexuals. I feared the stigmatization that came with it. However, my view on the issue has changed. I would not say that I am an ardent fan of homosexuality. I can say that, over the years, I have learnt that not everything is black and white. I believe every soul can find his or her identity. No one should be stigmatized because he/she is different.

Interviewer: What about the perspective on marriage? Do you believe the value of the marriage union has dropped compared to the old days?

James: Of course, marriage was a huge deal back in the days. People would get married for love; it was not strange to hear stories of young couples eloping just to get married for love. It was a sacred union. People believed if you married for love then you are likely to stay together until death. The strong religious background had made people believe that the divorce should be considered if all other methods changed. The society was skeptical of people who were quick to exit marriage without trying to find an alternative solution. Nowadays, I hear of young men and women getting married today and divorcing the next month. It was not the case when I was a young lad.

Interviewer: What do you think the current society can learn from the American society in the 1960s? What can you say about the present society?

James: It is a fact that the current American society is more developed and educated than the past societies. It is made of people who have learnt from the past injustices like racism and stigmatization of homosexuals. At the same time, the current American society is faced with so many problems, which can be traced to the loss of some essential traditional values. I believe young people should learn from the old people about the value of religion, marriage and family. The lack of strong of social values has led to insane acts committed by young people. People have taken marriage for granted, which is seen from the high rates of divorce. Finally, it is paramount for the society to review their religious beliefs.

Interviewer: Well, James thank you for the talk. I have learnt so much today and I am grateful. I think this time is a defining moment just like the 1960s. The society is still changing.