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That is pretty much how the 1970s are portrayed in the UK media - any vaguely left wing policy is usually derided with accusations that whoever is proposing it
by arethuza 6y ago
That is pretty much how the 1970s are portrayed in the UK media - any vaguely left wing policy is usually derided with accusations that whoever is proposing it want to return to the 1970s.
Of course, like all good propaganda there is an element of truth to it but I believe the political situation of the time was a lot more nuanced that current portrayals would have you believe - Dominic Sandbrook's books are rather good.
e.g. Right wing accounts of the UK industrial failure usually omit the effect of absolutely awful senior management in the lot of industries. Of course, left wing account similarly fail to mention the appalling behaviour by some unionised workers.
- TheOtherHobbes 6y agoThe astounding thing about the stock rightwing 1970s unions-caused-inflation narrative is that it completely ignores the role of oil price shocks. Without renewables, oil was an absolutely bedrock commodity, directly influencing the prices of energy and raw materials. At their peak, oil prices increased by 400%. But apparently we're supposed to believe that greedy unions were entirely to blame, and oil prices and shortages had no effect on inflation whatsoever. Because cost-push isn't a thing, or something.