Everybody has “style” that captures them. In terms of fashion, music, and social behavior, I believe I fall towards the end of the twentieth century. I don’t mean to  be the typical, whiny, “I was born in the wrong decade,” type of teenager, because I’m very happy living in the present. I simply admire the culture of the 1960’s-1990’s

 

Fashion

In terms of fashion I really like the 70’s and the 90’s. Knee high socks were huge in the 90’s and I wish they still were. They give off this funky, but fashionable vibe. Another 90’s fad was chokers. Chokers are elastic-like necklaces that tightly hug the wearer’s neck (without actually choking them.) They were made popular among celebrities of the decade, like Britney Spears. Among other things, plaid and overalls were also very popular 90’s fashion. The general clothing style and trend was grunge, which is associated to the popularity of rock music at the time.

 

The 1970’s was also an iconic decade for fashion. Joni Mitchell and Cher, both celebrities,

challenged fashion boundaries with colorful patterns and “hippie” style clothes. Tie dye was very popular. Disco was also introduced, which brought along bell bottom pants and tight, button up shirts. The 70’s was a time of social and cultural rebellion. To me, it would have been a beautiful time to live.

 

Music

Music has always been prevalent in our culture. The 1960’s was a particularly revolutionary time for music. Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix are all artists held in high regard for the music they created in the 60’s. British musicians also started gaining worldwide recognition, such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Most of the artists in the 1960s promoted rejection  the rules and non-conformity to society. They grew out their hair and emphasized peace during the decade that was mainly dominated by war. Music in the 1960’s was generally upbeat, positive, and the era of some of my favorite artists today (Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and The Beatles.)

 

In August 1969, one of the largest music festivals, ever, took place. Woodstock was a festival organized in White Lake, New York, by Michael Lang, John Roberts, Joel Rosenman, and Artie Kornfeld. The slogan was “3 Days of Peace and Music”. The festival was planned for August 15th-17th, but ended up running over to the 18th. About 400,000 people were in attendance of the free event. There were 32 acts including Jimi Hendrix, who closed the show. People traveled from all over to attend Woodstock and they all lived in peace together for four days on the grounds of Mills Industrial Park. Woodstock was the event of a lifetime, an event I admire and hope to experience for myself one day.

 

David Bowie was, simply put, a musical legend. Recently, I’ve noticed an increase of young people listening to his music due to his recent passing.  He gained the majority of his acclaim in the late 1900’s, specifically the 70’s-90’s. David Bowie challenged social norms in music, as well as how he dressed and presented himself. His 1975 song, “Fame”, 1977 “Heroes” are two of my personal favorite songs. Among my other favorite songs from the twentieth century are “Come On Eileen” (1982) by Dexys Midnight Runners, and “Don’t Dream It’s Over” (1986) by Crowded House.

 

Social Culture

The Vietnam War was in full swing in the 1960’s. Many Americans saw no reason to be in a war, endangering the lives of so many good people. These feelings brought on protest, starting an era of advocacy for peace, the anti-war movement. The proposition of complete peace on our planet is an idea that wonders and interests me. The lives of so many people could be so much better if we all just saw each other as human beings.

 

The 60s were highly revolutionary times in terms of resisting conformity. The civil rights movement was a huge event of the decade. This further advocated for acceptance of others and criticised discrimination. Women started to further oppose the traditional “housewife” role they were raised to take on. More women fought for their rights and feminism rose. The homosexual community also began speaking out for their own rights. I see the 60’s as a time in which Americans were not afraid to fight for what they believe in.

 

The decades of the 1960’s through the 1990’s were times of reform and breaking paradigms. There can be no improvement without change. I envy the passion to express oneself through clothing, music, and culture uncovered in the last four decades of the twentieth century. I believe this idea is old, but gold.