“The Times They Are A-Changin”
“The Times They Are a-Changin” was a song written by singer- songwriter Bob Dylan that came out back in 1964. The song deals primarily with issues of racism, poverty, and social change. The 1960’s were a turbulent time for American society. Many movements would be influential in what many have termed the breakdown of the American family and American morals. Indeed, almost 50 years later, it is worthy in recognizing how the times have changed and maybe to add on to Bob Dylan’s song, “The Times Keep on Changin”.
The 1960’s and 1970’s saw the birth of many movements and social changes in American culture. The first and most prominent is the rise of Feminism. Amidst racial tensions and a fight for Civil Rights, the birth of Feminism for many signaled another equally important battle in the fight for Civil Rights. Another movement which changed American culture was the Gay Rights movement. People who were homosexual, bisexual, transgender, etc sought out to fight for their rights as normal people who believed that they should be treated as equal as heterosexuals. “Don’t Stop me Now” by Queen is an example of a song which reiterated the motive for what is most commonly known as Gay Rights.
The United States would be forever changed by the famous Supreme Court ruling in 1973, which is known as Roe v. Wade. In effect, this landmark supreme case gave women the legal rights to have an abortion. Almost 40 years later, millions and millions of babies have been victims to that notorious court case. Chaka Khan’s famous song “I’m Every Woman” and Helen Reddy’s “I am Woman” emphasized the role of woman in society and the freedoms women should enjoy and keep.
The mores of youth in the 1970’s were also drastically changing as movements such as the Yuppies and Hip Hop were beginning to change groups and affect the outcome of individual decisions. For example, the Yuppies, also known as Young Urban Professionals were people who enjoyed the Hedonistic world, it was an extension of the “Me” generation. In effect, it was a culture which put the individual first and others second. It was a complete opposite from the Judeo- Christian saying that notes, “Put God first, Others second, and Yourself last”. For the Yuppies, money was the most important status symbol and social marker. The Yuppies were a perpetuation of Materialism. Materialism is a lifestyle which makes things and objects the primary motive for living. Madonna’s “Material Girl” is an example of just how widespread this philosophy was back in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Musical styles such as Techno introduced the Rave. Essentially, this was a large gathering of young people who engaged on drugs, alcohol, narcotics, etc. The main goal was to be in an induced state, thus making the experience more lasting and memorable.
Today Feminism and other “ISMS” of our time are continuing to destroy American culture and the American family. The divorce rate in this country is an example of how the times are changing. The recent Obama mandate is literally infringing upon the rights of those with conscious and moral beliefs against abortion and life issues.
What is next for the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave? What is next for our future generation? What kind of legacies are we putting into place for our future leaders? When are people going to grow out of their “I’m Lovin it” lifestyle and start to put things into proper perspective. Remember although you only live once, you also die once. Make your time on Earth memorable and impactful. Regardless of our religious beliefs, sexual attractions, political devotions, etc there is one thing WE can all agree on. One day we will all die and we will either remain locked up in our earthly tomb’s or maybe, just maybe be confronted with Heaven or Hell.
In closing, I would like to end with the parable Jesus spoke back 2,000 years ago, although the times are changing this teaching doesn’t change.
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them… “Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching.- Matthew 7:15-28