Living in the Eighties: Viewpoints on American Culture
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Author Description
Some see the 1980s as a Golden Age, a "Morning in America" when Ronald Reagan revived America's economy, reoriented American politics, and restored Americans' faith in their country and in themselves. Others see the 1980s as a new "Gilded Age," an era that was selfish, superficial, glitzy, greedy, divisive, and destructive. This multifaceted exploration of the 1980s brings together a variety of voices from different political persuasions, generations, and vantage points. The volume features work by Reagan critics and Reagan fans (including one of President Reagan's closest aides, Ed Meese), by historians who think the 1980s were a disastrous time, those who think it was a glorious time, and those who see both the blessings and the curses of the decade. Their essays examine everything from multiculturalism, Southern conservatism, and Reaganomics, to music culture, religion, crime, AIDS, and the city. A complex, thoughtful account of a watershed in our recent history, this volume will engage anyone interested in this pivotal decade.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This volume investigates whether the 1980s in America represented a period of national renewal or a decade of moral and economic decay. The authors, Gil Troy and Vincent J. Cannato, curate a collection of essays from diverse contributors, including historians, political analysts, and former government officials. By presenting conflicting interpretations of the Reagan era, the book establishes a framework that balances ideological critiques against celebratory accounts of the decade's socio-political shifts.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of Reaganomics and its long-term economic impact
- Examinations of cultural phenomena including music, religion, and urban development
- Perspectives on social issues such as the AIDS crisis and the rise of multiculturalism
- Primary source insights from former Reagan administration officials
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide a singular, unified narrative of the decade
- It does not focus on international relations or global geopolitics outside of the American context
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and readers frequently note that the book serves as a balanced, multi-perspective introduction to the complexities of 1980s American culture. It is widely regarded as a useful resource for those seeking to understand the polarized historiography surrounding the Reagan presidency.
Page Count:
228
Publication Date:
2009-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190293233
ISBN-13:
9780190293239
History
Special Topics
Social History
American History
1980s
Community Tags
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