80's Topics

Reagan Foreign Policy (Thatcher, Iran, Grenada, Berlin) 

Celtics-Laker Rivalry 

Shuttle Program

70's TV

The shows of the seventies demonstrated the changing aspects of American social hierarchies. Each show attempts to relate to the changing dynamic of American society and the new found influence of minorities. With The Brady Bunch, the average white suburban family is depicted.  While the show centers around a white family, the show reaches out to other viewers through its underlying messages. In the episode we watched, the show exhibited the growing influence of women's equality within society by having the spouses admit that the both work equal amounts. All in the Family portrays a more accurate image of American society during the 1970's. Through a white family, the show demonstrates the generational divide between Traditional conservatives (Archie) and the liberal youth (daughter and boyfriend). By having an array of political background represented, the show can reach a broader array of viewers in the changing landscape of America. The Mary Tyler Moore Show represented the extreme end of change within American society. Rather than having a tv show revolving around men with women as minor characters, the show reverses the role. The role reversal demonstrates the changing gender roles within society. The show depicts how more women were leaving the domestic workplace for an office workspace. 

For the three shows, I would have to say the Mary Taylor Moore show was the best. The Brady Bunch was not very relatable because the family landscape is depicted as too perfect, even though the parents were divorced or widowed. The Brady Bunch was less relatable than All in the Family and the Mary Taylor Moore show. All in the Family was the most relatable but was quite boring.  The All in the Family demonstrated the normal generational divide over political change and ideas.The Mary Taylor Moore show reminded me of Seinfeld and was more interesting because of the crazy and stupid plot/characters. 

70's Music

The music discusses in depth the meaning of life and love. These topics reflect the uncertainty associated with the United States Government in post-Vietnam and Watergate. The songs discuss how various ideals are not important for their is a deeper meaning to life which they will soon know. The deeper meaning is a reflection of the fact that many people were looking to other organizations for answers since they have lost faith in their government. 

70's Pictures

The pictures demonstrate the aftermath of the 60's and the protests. In the majority of the pictures, large amounts of trash are seen. Also the people depicted in the pictures are still wearing the self-expression style clothing associated with the 1960's. 

60's Movies

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was a buddy movie combined with a western. The death of the main characters in the end, reflects the real-life deaths of the 1960s, such as the Kennedy brothers. The Pink Panther was a comedy with the clumsy Inspector Clouseau. The comedy focuses on the clumsy actions of Clouseau throughout the film. Clouseau's actions combined with the funny attire/behavior illustrated the humor in the 1960's. The Planet of the Apes was a film on an earth style planet that switches the position of Apes and Humans in the animal hierarchy. The movie is a commentary on the social divisiveness within American society, such as the racial power structures.  

60's TV

The television shows reflected events such as the Vietnam War and JFK assassination. The shows reflected the influences on everyday life such as organized crime and psychedelic drugs. I enjoyed what I saw because it was a different take on the same genres. For example in crime, the modern shows focus primarily on homicide investigations while the shows of the 60's focused on both homicides and organized crime. I believe that the crime shows of the 60's are more interesting because they had a large spectrum of plots. Compared to the modern crime shows, such as CSI, which often become repetitive due to the same general plot line being reused. The variety shows of the 60's were similar to modern comedy shows, such as SNL and the late night shows. Both used satirical views on present day issues and a variety of skits to entertain viewers. 

1960's Music

Most of the music I listen to from the 1960's originates from The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and Def Leppard. Most of this music was peaceful and calm in tone and message. Due to the heavy influence of Drugs and the Peace movement, the music of the 1960's was peaceful. During the 1960's, the guitar served as the most prominent instrument. Whether it be Bob Dylan, Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton or Jimmy Page, the Guitar ruled supreme during the 60's. While music was dominated by the Guitar, several artists mixed various instruments such as the Beatles with the Sitar.