As generations pass and new ones emerge, it is normal for the present society to shift and change with the times, and also adapt to new technology and ideas. This is evident when comparing the present U.S.A. to one that existed 50 years ago. Here are a few, but not all, elements that have changed over the half-century.
1. Yearly Income
According to the United States Census Bureau, the median household income in 1965 was $6,900. In 2014, the median household income was much higher at $68,426. I know what you are thinking, “WOW! That’s a huge difference!” It is a lot of money, but if we account for inflation, it is a much smaller increase. With inflation rates and loss of dollar value accounted for, the median household income of 2015 only amounts to $9,092. You are probably thinking we hardly make more money at all. In some ways, that is true, but remember: median household incomes today are actually 24 percent higher than in 1965.
2. Political Views
I think we can all agree that politics today have changed drastically compared to that of 1965. Nowadays, non-citizen immigrants can vote in local elections and are on their way to voting in Federal elections. The amount of liberal voters has increased to its highest amount yet, 24 percent, while conservatives still lead the pack at 38 percent, though the gap is growing smaller every day. The biggest change in politics is the bias in mainstream media. Back in 1965, there was not near as much media coverage as there is today. It has gotten to the point where you cannot trust any popular media host because they are all biased, conservative, and liberal.
3. Technology
LED screen smart TVs, smartphones, virtual reality video games and self-driving cars; these are a few of so many new personal technological advances in the last few years. So many things have changed technologically in the past half-century that it's almost impossible to list them all. Our world’s technology is advancing at a rate we never could have imagined; a rate that excites me for the future
4. Average Life Expectancy
According to data360, the average human life expectancy in 1965 was approximately 70 years of age: 74 years for females and 67 for males. In 2015, the average human life expectancy is approximately 79 years: 82 years for females and 76 for males. This is most likely the result of advances in medicine, medical practices, and life-sustaining technology; advances for which I am very grateful.
5. Total Population
In 1965, the United States Census Bureau recorded a total U.S. population of 194.3 million citizens. By the end of 2015, this number is going to reach approximately 322 million. This is nearly a 41 percent increase in total population in 50 years. With this expected growth rate in the U.S., 100 years from now we will be around 460 million strong. This means that cities will grow denser, and more farmland will be used to accommodate more mouths to feed.
Other than that, not much has changed or will change in this 100-year segment of U.S. time. Times change, the world changes and people with it. Who knows where this country will be in 50 years?
