A major (but not only) part is the impact of birth control on American Culture. When I went to Vietnam in ‘66 Birth control existed but was not safe or reliable. When I returned Christmas Eve ‘67 Birth Control was safe and reliable.
There has always been tension between short term and long term plans. Pre-birth control long term dominated. We planned long term for family, way to support the family, connections with church, clubs, extended family.
Post-birth Long term still exists but short term dominates. Immediate gratification is now possible with “no long term consequences.”
This shift in culture from long term to short term now dominates politics, work, family, most everywhere.
Hmm... good points. Very good points
I remember well, “Hot damn, Viet Nam”
I was flying from Chicago to San Franciso, and the stewardaess would not serve a drink to a young man seated across from me who wasn’t old enough. I asked him what he was drinking and bought some from the Stew. Always hoped he didn’t die in that bloodbath.