Let's hear it for the 60's!

Hey!

What comes to your mind when you hear the words 1960’s? Two things I immediately have to think of are revolution and voice. These two meaningful words indicate that in those 10 years several significant events occurred that changed the life of many people.

Imagine one day in the 1950’s. Women, dependent on their husbands, are in front of the stove waiting for their children to home. Men are at work to bring home the money. Life is led stiffly because of stringent rules you seemingly cannot change or escape. Blacks suffer racial discrimination on a daily basis (->Jim Crow). The Vietnam War starts. War again. It seems like the world got stuck in something that can’t be changed for many upcoming years. But then, the 60’s began and the world became completely different.

It seems like the calmer the 50’s were, the louder the generation of the 60’s became. It seems like people were tired of waking up every morning knowing that the world could be a much better one but no one was strong enough to alter the situation. Consequently, numerous movements emerged and finally started claiming for changes. No more war but more rights and equality for everyone. The movements appealed to people’s emotions and reason. Martin Luther King is most likely the most famous person that paid his contributions to the achievement of equal rights for Blacks. For years, he raised his voice and encouraged others to follow him. At the Woodstock Festival, Jimi Hendrix opted for something similar, namely peace and love on earth, supported by around half a million hippies. (Particularly young) people started to see that there is no point in war. And thankfully, vast parts of the population listened and used their common sense in order to improve the quality of life to many.

There was also a movement that required equal rights for women so family life was also about to be changed. First and foremost, people asked for equal rights at working places that were actually accepted by the government. Secondly, the pill was introduced. Consequently, there were less unwanted pregnancies that allowed women to be more independent. Besides, the birth rate plunged dramatically and marked the end of the baby boom- generation. The invention of the mini skirt, designed by Mary Quant, was both a sign of freedom as well as a trend that has lasted until today.

These are just a few aspects of what has changed in the 60’s but these changed were of great importance, if you ask me. What a feeling it must have been, realizing that finally civilians raised their voice and shouted out loud to end- or at least reduce- injustice and inequality.
Let’s hear it for the 60’s!