The Age of Decadence -Willow
The article that I read was from the New York Times about how the western world has entered a so called "age of decadence". As such, the West has entere a period of stagnation, and stalemate supposedly. Compare to the last fifty years where there was rapid technological advancement, innovation and invention have appeared to have stagnated. While in the 20th century and the start of the 21st century there was rapid change, it appears to have mostly gone bust. However, in America silicon valley is still considered a place of technical innovation, but even that is apparently caught in stagnation. The article gives three examples of times silicon valley and technology entered into major markets, and all failed or have been devalued (Magnesis/Fyre festival, Theranos, and Uber).
Along with that, the world gotten smaller due to globalization which allows for information to be available at everybody's fingertips. People are feeling less optimistic about the future, and the younger generation is becoming more nihilistic. On social media, people can say whatever they like, which has fueled heavy talk of political radicalism online. Instead of having protests or riots, most political discourse occurs on the internet, with both sides wanting to end the decadence of America. The only time you truly see radical action being taken anymore is when someone decides to take matter into their own hands, which often results in things such as mass shootings. The internet has allowed for these sorts of things to happen much more as well because it has allowed for radicals to connect, and indoctrinate. Both sides are discontent with the decadence, and the rhetoric of both sides shows that they want the stagnation and repetition to stop. However, rhetoric of what could be is the only thing that either side has, and there aren't many plans on how their goals will be accomplished.
In my opinion, I think that the supposed age of decadence that we are in will likely continue before it somehow radically changes. The author of the article says that it will be a new renaissance, but I feel like there will have to be serious change for it to actually occur. As much complaining as their is on the internet, it is only the internet, and very few people are taking real action. I also feel like many Americans, especially the wealthy and powerful are content with the age of decadence and the status quo, because it allows them to maintain their wealth an status.
Along with that, the world gotten smaller due to globalization which allows for information to be available at everybody's fingertips. People are feeling less optimistic about the future, and the younger generation is becoming more nihilistic. On social media, people can say whatever they like, which has fueled heavy talk of political radicalism online. Instead of having protests or riots, most political discourse occurs on the internet, with both sides wanting to end the decadence of America. The only time you truly see radical action being taken anymore is when someone decides to take matter into their own hands, which often results in things such as mass shootings. The internet has allowed for these sorts of things to happen much more as well because it has allowed for radicals to connect, and indoctrinate. Both sides are discontent with the decadence, and the rhetoric of both sides shows that they want the stagnation and repetition to stop. However, rhetoric of what could be is the only thing that either side has, and there aren't many plans on how their goals will be accomplished.
In my opinion, I think that the supposed age of decadence that we are in will likely continue before it somehow radically changes. The author of the article says that it will be a new renaissance, but I feel like there will have to be serious change for it to actually occur. As much complaining as their is on the internet, it is only the internet, and very few people are taking real action. I also feel like many Americans, especially the wealthy and powerful are content with the age of decadence and the status quo, because it allows them to maintain their wealth an status.
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