The freedom we have now relative to the '50's is remarkable.
The reason the fifties were better was that there was a higher level of morality and decency within the culture. But regarding freedom for women, for blacks, for anyone for that matter, I agree with you that we are more free now than we were then.
(Again, with the caveat that 'freedom' in morality...i.e. license to do whatever you wish....is not a good thing).
I'm a 57 year old white guy of German/French/Candian/Irish decent. I'm a software engineer, with advanced electronics capabilities. I've been all but discarded in my prime by "globalization". Sinkspur wails about the hard-working men and women in the 50s and 60s, but cheers the process that puts guys like me out of work. So much for balance.
I don't believe that someone should be black or female or even brown to get ahead. It should always be based on merit. The field should be level. It should be an American playing field. Let the rest of the world build their own industry and technology. We are giving away our birthright. We are giving away what our people have paid for with blood.