Remember the 1960's? I do. Traumatic events, war and great music. Three major networks on television offered a limited selection of broadcast opportunities. The pill was part of the change which meant more choices for women...it was just the beginning.
I lived through the 60s and the film clips of Woodstock, the Beatles, Martin Luther King are embedded in the minds of those born in the 70s, 80s and 90s, too. I believed I understood it.
Until I got hung up on Boom! Voices of the Sixties Personal Reflections on the 60s and Today by Tom Brokaw. Brokaw interviews the famous, infamous and not so famous about their life in the 60s. And, how much does the revolution of a generation impact us today?
Test your 60s knowledge on Brokaw's quiz yourself at http://www.randomhouse.com/rhpg/brokaw/. There are so many aspects of the 60s of which I was unaware, I believe this book should be required reading for all high school students. Yes, it is powerful and enlightening. Especially for young women.
The perspective of time helps us understand life better. In particular, as Hillary Rodham Clinton will not be the Democratic nominee for the Presidency and the first woman in that role, it is fascinating to realize just how far women have not come since the first time one heard of feminists. Feminism has never been a regular part of my vocabulary, I prefer to strive for equality for every individual.
However, women need to understand the incredible power they have to create their own lives. Not for the short term, but for a lifetime. This book can be the inspiration to help a new generation experience the idealism of the 60s from the perspective of our country in 2008. A country still at war, still seeking equality for individuals, and still without comforting answers to those who expected more revolutionary change.
How did we get here? Read Boom and find out. http://www.randomhouse.com/rhpg/brokaw/
1 comment:
I read Boom based upon your recommendation and absolutely loved it. My viewpoint of quite a few people changed considerably after reading it. It is amazing how some people have grown and others have not changed a bit. It is also intersting how so many of the people interviewed were misunderstood by the media and the public regarding their true beliefs and actions. The late 60's were very turbulent times and not just in the US.
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