I’d imagine that things hadn’t changed much for the people still working in Houston at the time, so they could carry on as though it was business as usual. This situation we’re in now is different in the sense that the inflation makes it impossible for even those holding onto their jobs to ignore the rising prices of groceries, and especially gasoline. The last people who remained untouched by this depression (civil servants) are now feeling the bite as well; when cities like Camden, NJ lay off 1/3 of their police officers (CAMDEN!), nobody can ignore this. Here in northern NJ the NY Giants went through a 30 year waiting list for season tickets for their new stadium in SIX MONTHS, and still haven’t sold out as they had in their old stadium. Our public school teachers were the last to feel the bite, but they are now; even the Dems they had in their pockets “sold them out” (in their eyes).
If people can still carry on as though nothing is wrong, they are delusional or extremely self-centered.
Think of all the people who know more about Reality shows than who is President of the Federal Reserve. You are right in saying people are feeling the pains of economics than ever before. When the Houston oil bust came about neighborhoods became vacant. People moved up north where the economy was thriving. It was easily notice since the Houston Freeways were wide open for the drive to and from work.
Today Houston is thriving, freeways are congested (notice many out of state license plates). Restaurants have wait times and jobs are plentiful. If you can relocate consider San Antonio or Houston. Come visit sometime you will see Houston and San Antonio is very open to newcomers.