(January 7, 2015 at 7:32 pm)abaris Wrote: You know, I always keep wondering.
Here in Europe, in Western Europe to be precise, we had the so called '68 generation, named after the year of the largest student protests. It started out as a protest against Vietnam and many European governments supporting it, but it also broke up the encrusted structures of the postwar aera, religion among them.
Point is, it was a mixed bag of activists carrying that movement. Some, like one of the most charismatic leaders, the German Rudi Dutschke, were christians, but others were outspoken atheists. It still led to religion as well as authoritarian structures taking the backseat in Europe from then on.
Since you had a similar movement in the USA, I wonder what happened that it didn't have any lasting effect.
I'm no expert, since it was before my time, but I can't help but wonder if it was due to the Carter/Reagan transition here. A lot of people older than me keep harping about how America 'lost its way' and how the people 'were no longer proud to be Americans' during Carter's presidency. Reagan changed that, at least, among conservatives, and it seems like his reign is considered the new Golden Age. It's why almost all of the Tea Party types refer back to him in a reverent way. He's taken on an almost religious persona with them.
And since evangelicals have consistently become more powerful in the conservative bloc, they were able to withstand the anti-establishment movement of the sixties. Of course, the demographics are quickly shifting away from them, and they're becoming more shrill as they lose cultural ground, which only hastens their descent IMO.
There could also be a geographical element in play, too. The south has always been firmly entrenched.
Of course, I could (and probably am) be pull shit from my ass and hoping it makes sense.
hrug:
"I was thirsty for everything, but blood wasn't my style" - Live, "Voodoo Lady"
