Zilam
13-09-2007, 19:51
In Spanish literature, there is a time period known as the Generation of '98. This literature is marked by a sense of hurt pride, pessimism(minus some writings by Unamuno, whom I adore), and a general negative and depressing out look on life, especially in regards to the nation of Spain.
The reason for this time period is because the mid to late 1800s was a time of great struggle, and loss for Spain. It came to a head in 1898 (hence generation of '98), when Spain was forced into a war with the USA, and ended up losing the war, along with its last remaining territories. This was seen as Spain's final defeat as a crippling world power. Some 30 years after the war with America, Spain was plunged into civil war, during which many of the authors of this time period committed suicide because of the collapse of their once great nation.
It would seem that America is facing a similar situation. With losses in places like Korea, Vietnam, and now Iraq, the once "mighty" American military(while still the most advanced), is laughable. This current administration has seemed to add political insult to national injury, by making America the most hated nation in the world. American culture is full of ignorance. Politics has become a laugh. The once great scientific society, is now falling behind smaller nations , in terms of advancement. America was once a great nation(though it had its problems with inequality and such), in the world, but now is just mocked. We no longer take pride in America, but rather cringe in disgust at the things it has done. People now base loyalty to country, based on who has the biggest dick..erm..flag. If you dissent, you are a traitor, even if dissent is the best and most moral option. We have a constant atmosphere of fear around us. We fear terrorism, or fear our rights being taken away. The media only serves to enhance these negative aspects, which leads to more fear, and also a polarization of the political process. There is no neutral anymore, as our leaders have said you are "either for us, or against us". Not only that, but leaders that we have looked to, to save us from this mess, have only aided it more by showing no resolve, as they have no spines. All in all, America is turning out to be a shitty place to live. Do we have to fear the same as the spaniards? Will there be another civil conflict in our country, only to be followed by a fascist dictator? Or should we be more positive, and hope for the best?
The reason for this time period is because the mid to late 1800s was a time of great struggle, and loss for Spain. It came to a head in 1898 (hence generation of '98), when Spain was forced into a war with the USA, and ended up losing the war, along with its last remaining territories. This was seen as Spain's final defeat as a crippling world power. Some 30 years after the war with America, Spain was plunged into civil war, during which many of the authors of this time period committed suicide because of the collapse of their once great nation.
It would seem that America is facing a similar situation. With losses in places like Korea, Vietnam, and now Iraq, the once "mighty" American military(while still the most advanced), is laughable. This current administration has seemed to add political insult to national injury, by making America the most hated nation in the world. American culture is full of ignorance. Politics has become a laugh. The once great scientific society, is now falling behind smaller nations , in terms of advancement. America was once a great nation(though it had its problems with inequality and such), in the world, but now is just mocked. We no longer take pride in America, but rather cringe in disgust at the things it has done. People now base loyalty to country, based on who has the biggest dick..erm..flag. If you dissent, you are a traitor, even if dissent is the best and most moral option. We have a constant atmosphere of fear around us. We fear terrorism, or fear our rights being taken away. The media only serves to enhance these negative aspects, which leads to more fear, and also a polarization of the political process. There is no neutral anymore, as our leaders have said you are "either for us, or against us". Not only that, but leaders that we have looked to, to save us from this mess, have only aided it more by showing no resolve, as they have no spines. All in all, America is turning out to be a shitty place to live. Do we have to fear the same as the spaniards? Will there be another civil conflict in our country, only to be followed by a fascist dictator? Or should we be more positive, and hope for the best?