Listening to a Beatles album got me to thinking about the things people might remember—fondly, or not so—in 50 years.

1968 was a momentous year in American history in many ways. The Tet offensive in Vietnam, the murder of MLK and subsequent riots, the Democratic national convention in Chicago with its riots, the U.S. space program, and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets act (that required gun dealers to have FFLs) were things that I recall, if even dimly. And most significant for me personally was volunteering for service in Vietnam and being accepted. But many other things happened shortly before and after.

Although I didn’t care much for “popular” music in those days, one vivid memory was all the cool guys in high school plastering down their crew cuts and letting their hair grow after the Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan’s show. I was also introduced to the mystique of the Shelby Cobra and eagerly watched for them on the Washington Beltway. I could have purchased the Washington Monument as easily as either car in those days, but remember thinking, “Why would anyone settle for the 350 when there was a 500?”

A few years before and after 1968 saw the Cuban missile crisis, the Watts riots and the expression “a long, hot summer,” and later massive antiwar demonstrations.

So, if you were compos mentis in those days, what occupies the top tiers of your memories?

But more important to this thread, what will the early-20s of today remember in the same way 50 years from now? When you could actually go into the 7-11 and buy a machine gun or bazooka for the price of a six-pack of Perrier? When people without the proper papers were burned in the basement to heat the White House? When gasoline was only $1.50 a cup?

As an aside, if I were to live as long as the oldest person on record, I’d actually make it to 2068 and get to see (maybe) for myself. Elvis forbid.

Wow, wasn't it an amazing time to live! Before VCRs and computers and compulsory organ "sharing".

UT schoolmate Farrah Fawcett, for one thing.

Graduating from colllege, OCS. I think many of us remember our military days. There seems to be an intensity to that time whether we were Rambos or REMFs. Setting out on the adventure of my life, in my 1968 Mustang, to California, where Disneyland was, and Ricky Nelson and Annette Funicello lived!

When our HS class celebrated our 50th reunion a few years ago, we toured the old school, new back then. I wondered what we would have thought had the Class of 1914 survivors had stopped in for a tour in our day.

I promise you no one in 2068 will be thinking about Farrah Fawcett.

My guess is their first vacation to the moon.

I will be 94 (hopefully) and I will probably be reminiscing about watching the shuttle launches on the old Zenith tv they used to wheel into the classroom, and getting excited about riding my Huffy Good Buddy to the comic store in the center of town on Saturday morning to spend my paper route money....

Since kids these days still listen to the Beatles, I reckon they’ll be playing “Hey Jude” on their whatevers and reminiscing about the high school prom. In 2068 proms will have been outlawed of course, so reminiscence is all there will be.

Body armor.

Remember when we had electricity? And food?

Fidget Spinners? Safe spaces?

Being able to drive themselves anywhere they wanted instead of using mass transit and autonomous vehicles.

Three dollar per gallon gasoline.

Steak.

Bacon.

quote:

What will old people recall and reminisce about in 2068?

They will still be talking about the year that first-rate ass clown destroyed the Beast and saved America.

I think now will be remembered as the 70's are now.

They will look back at the hockey stick graph and wonder how people got it so wrong.

America.

50th Anniversary of the Red Sox winning the 2018 World Series......

quote:

Originally posted by Graniteguy:
50th Anniversary of the Red Sox winning the 2018 World Series......

I like the way you think.

Colonization of the moon. 1st human to step on Mars. Cancer is eradicated.

The denuclearization deal Trump made with N Korea.

Remembering when you actually had to punch in letters and numbers on a qwerty board on your phone and the loss of reception.

When there used to be two (2) pilots in the cockpit on commercial flights. In 50 years, I'm sure there will be only one (1) and POSSIBLY none at all. I'm glad I'll be dust in the wind by that time.