I cannot speak in reference to long term history due to my age and inexperience, but it seems to me that we are in the middle of a cultural revolution.
Political apathy was rampant for the past few years in particular. People continue to debate the reasons behind this, but I believe that is a combination of issues that create the context for this general feeling and it would be arbitrary to pin point one.
I saw it in my friends, my family, my co-workers, my fellow students and other general aquantences. It was especially true for the younger generation.
About halfway through 2007 the tide began to turn. The evidence of this is prevalent now. At some point individuals began to feel empowered to participate in the process and became passionate about making things happen. Jumping on the bandwagon for change has been an incredibly diverse group, largely dominated by those of the youngest generation. Politics went form being a non-existent force in popular culture to it's main attraction.
2008 marks a pivital year, an amazing opportunity for individuals, and especially a generation not typically involved in this process, to have their voice heard through the democratic process we are lucky enough to have. It is encouraging the number of individuals who are choosing to take advantage.
This cultural revolution has the potental to change the direction of our country. In a Demoncratic society we have that right, and we need to express it. The history books are hungry for us to take action. Let us not disappoint them.
Vive la revolution!
I think so too! This last few years, especially, have seen a huge surge in people's interest in politics and change, especially our generation. Let's keep that enthusiasm and channel it into change for a better world!
Before I even read the post:
Holy shit! Look at that formatting. It's elegant. I might actually read and comment on this post with something more than, "You're an idiot."
After reading:
...Ok. What'cha got in mind? We going to do sit ins and protests? Picket lines? Are we going to kill a new hostage every hour til our demands are met? I'm in!
Nicholas Aden
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I think I read about that happening in China a few decades back. *grins*.
But it looks that way, doesn't it? Even the Republicans are trying to say "change" often enough to catch the attention of the new youth voters. Wish John Stewart clips were on YouTube; he did an excellent montage of every political candidate saying the same thing.
Just try and have a goal in mind, will you? I don't want a revolution knocking out my cable.
sincerely,
a Conscientious Rejector
--
There is no spoon.
It is amazing to watch how quickly the tides have turned in regards to all of this, in other words I completely agree with you, our culture is absolutely changing. In my opinion I personally think that it is because we as a generation are stepping out from behind our walls of absolute truth and are beginning to look at the larger picture. We are all people, regardless of our race, sexual orientation, religious affiliations where we all must coexist as one, and without that form of unity, we are in fact nobody.
In regards to the protest comment above, I personally don't believe that all social change should be bent on the idea that protesting will solve every life problem, but the fact that we must be more open to the people around us rather than our personal intentions or belief systems would help invoke change. Granted its not making a statement or saying something is wrong when there is something really wrong (in which protesting should be used), but it should be a movement in which each and everyone of us looks at and practices, for the world doesn't just revolve around our subjective perception of reality.
It seems im not the only one who feels like incredible things are going to happen in our lifetime. I wonder if we'll be able to fix this middle east mess before it starts.
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i think you may have a point here looking at things from across the pond...I also think Barack Obama is the one who is really benefitting from that feeling 'time for a real change' chimes with peoples moods...and not just in America either, I think it reflects a worldwide desire to see a total change of tack in America and how it conducts itself as a nation on the international stage...
You say you cannot speak in reference to long term history, but I think we all have enough knowledge of history to know that though there is change occurring, it is not on any sort of a grand scale. If you look back at history, specifically American political history (which is what you seem to be referring to) there was something significantly NEW that began in any "cultural revolution". A change in administration, even a change in how we conduct ourselves on "the world stage", is not a cultural revolution. A cultural revolution completely changes society. It involves massive grassroots movements, protests, sometimes even new political parties. Nothing of great historical significance is being decided in this election. There is no new movement, other than a general feeling of dissatisfaction with the status quo. Even should Obama or some other candidate from outside the Washington establishment be elected, their ability to accomplish real change will be compromised by the checks and balances of our government system and by the pressures and realities of being president. There is no vast agreement between the American people, they are significantly divided into Democrat and Republican, and within the parties between establishment and outsiders. So I'm sorry, but I must reiterate the words of the Beatles:
You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well, you know
We're doing what we can
You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You better free your mind instead
Have a personal revolution, because it isn't happening on any grand scale.
That was in reference to the next refrain. Not calling you a communist, though I probably will one day. :-)
If it's not happening, let's make it happen. Nothing is always achieved best from in front of a computer.
Nicholas Aden
Self-Promotion
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And I agree that we should make a revolution happen... It's just what to revolutionize and how to go about it that needs to be agreed on now... but no one has agreed on those issues on any vast scale since even the civil rights movement, which was actually pushed through by a vocal and effective minority (referring to those in favor of civil rights, not African-Americans).
All great revolutions occur though the voice of a minority. The Colonists were outnumbered and outarmed. Look at us now; we outarm the world and outnumber GB 2:1 or something like that.
Nicholas Aden
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Sorry, I cannot share your optimism. Change for changes sake is vanity. One of the other bloggers said it pretty good. Please have a goal in mind. I have been around a while. There really is nothing new under the sun. From a political standpoint, we saw this same change wind blowing in 1976. The result...........Jimmy Carter as president. No exactly the greatest 4 years in our country's history.
Don't get me wrong. I think there are things that have to change for our country to continue to exist. But let's thoughtfully, prayerfully consider these changes, and not just elect a guy cause he looks cute holding a change sign.
When I think of revolution I think of strong minute men and Continental Forces marching through the dead of winter almost bare footed just to get the opportunity to pump Redcoats full of lead to win Freedom from King George --not green spoiled silver spooners finally stepping away from their X Boxes for a few minutes to do their civic duty. I would like it to stay that way.
I have to sat that unlike many who have commented above, I share your (writer of the blog) optimism. It is the only way anything can happen. I do agree that things must be thoughtful to work, but that is not hard in and of itslef. I for one am the son of activist of the sixties and seventies, and I know the pitfalls of popular moveents better than most.
Just because such pitfalls exist, however, does not mean that change should not be attempted. If you wish to see a clearer vision of what this young moement will be about, please just read my most recent
blog.