3 ms·

I think the problem is back then, American society was more open, accepting of differences on a larger scale, free to experiment, less segregated on class and g

I think the problem is back then, American society was more open, accepting of differences on a larger scale, free to experiment, less segregated on class and generally "nicer" in a genuine and not superficial way. That, along with the post Cold war economic boom and the rise of the internet fostered that kind of openness and optimism you talk about. Nowadays the internet has reduced that openness, people self-segregate and are much more prone to constructing narratives of grievance and deservedness, which doesn't foster the open, optimistic thinking. It's become a game of rich-get richer and cutthroat exclusionism vs the make things better for everyone approach that was more common back then.

krapp 4y ago
>I think the problem is back then, American society was more open, accepting of differences on a larger scale, free to experiment, less segregated on class and generally "nicer" in a genuine and not superficial way. Was it? From what I remember it was more racist, more homophobic, more segregated, and most of the "niceness" was sarcasm and cruelty, particularly towards any marginalized group. I don't remember the "make things better for everyone" American society you do at all, nor do I see the internet as a whole being a game of "rich-get richer and cutthroat exclusionism." Certainly that's a part of VC and startup culture, but that doesn't define the whole. I see far more activism, inclusiveness, creativity, openness and sincerity on the internet now than I did back in the 90s. I guess we just grew up in different circles.