NationStates Jolt Archive

Just curious about your opinions.

Apparently overall quality of life in the US peaked during the 1950s and 1960s. That was the era in which a man working full time could support his family and afford a reasonable amount of leisure time.

Today, in a typical family everyone works (or tries to), works longer hours and takes few holidays, is more stressed and has more debt. The fridges, TVs and cars are better, but the increase in workload, stress and personal debt has pretty much wiped out those gains as far as quality of life is concerned, and then some.

This is not to say that there was some magical golden era - that would be an illusion born of nostalgia, but in terms of actual life quality and satisfaction, it seems people in the US and those in the more US-like western countries in general, have recently lost many of those early gains.

You missed some time periods out. I vote 3.00-3.45pm.

I say the 90's was the best period in history.

I'd vote early 1950's to mid 1970's. Standard of living was very high, wages were relatively high, costs were down. The drug culture was pretty limited (crack hadn't been refined and cocaine was still a pretty new drug). The Greed ethos of the 80's hadn't yet developed, and pastel shirts hadn't even been thought of. Music for the most part was pretty cool, as were the movies. Neither had yet to be taken over completely by men in suits prefering returns and profits over talent and quality.

I say the 90's was the best period in history.

Those were the Clinton years! GO CLINTON!

Those were the Clinton years! GO CLINTON!
I'd thought with your name, you'd be rooting for the 60's.

I voted from 1886-1903. The average American was not prosperous, far from it. But living standards were seeing a dramatic rise from any time period before. Also, the industrial and financial might of the US peaked, as there was the greatest growth of wealth and industry in the history of the world. The size of our economy even surpassed Great Britain's during this time. It was also a revolution in innovation, engineering, and the arts for America. And of course, there was Thomas Edison, the greatest inventor of all time.

I'd have liked to be here when you could still get away from it all, just go off into the wilderness and do what you liked. That was kind of the point of this place, but we've forgotten that now.

1985-Present

Aside from the fact that 1985 was the year God graced the world with my birth, I think that period was because of all the tech advancements and that sort that has happened. But mostly because of me.

Though there were other good periods, like right after WW2 and during the civil rights movement. And the late 19th/early 20th century when we were emerging on the world stage as a force to be reckoned with.

Pre-Independance; before Americans were Americans.

Pre-Independance; before Americans were Americans.

Bah! Back then we were burning witches, look at us now... oh... wait...

1904-1928 - the women's rights movement and the roarin' twenties!

Well, if we look at it in a chartish sort of form ...


http://www.unlc.biz/chart.JPG

You totally skipped the best time in American history! Right after independence from Britain, until and including the signing of the bill of rights! (Approx 1776-1789)

What about before Columbus set foot on it?

What about before Columbus set foot on it?


There wasn't a US then.

There wasn't a US then.

Exactly.

Exactly.

:D :D

What about before Columbus set foot on it?

Yeha, that's what I'm saying too :p

I'd thought with your name, you'd be rooting for the 60's.

Oh I did dont worry.

Well before Columbus set foot on it it wasnt a country and although I get what your saying, it wouldnt fit in on this thread.

1985-Present

Aside from the fact that 1985 was the year God graced the world with my birth, I think that period was because of all the tech advancements and that sort that has happened. But mostly because of me.

Though there were other good periods, like right after WW2 and during the civil rights movement. And the late 19th/early 20th century when we were emerging on the world stage as a force to be reckoned with.

Lol!

Let's see, what time period would I prefer to live in? I'd say the present.