Why the 70’s? It seems only appropriate to start with a question, since the 70’s was less about coming up with solutions and answering the questions posed in the 60’s, and more about the questions themselves. For me, the power of the 70’s, the real nerve center of this decade, was all about people—the people—standing up and asking the questions that needed to get asked.
Why choose to offer a class on the 70’s? Why choose to teach it? A little history seems appropriate. One of the first classes I ever taught was a course I developed called 70’s Film & Culture. That was about 10 years ago. Since then, I’ve seized on any and every opportunity to teach the class—or some iteration of it—every chance I get. Why? The 70’s continues to inspire. And even now, as I prepare to teach my upcoming classes, I’m as excited, passionate and eager as I was 10 years ago and all the times since. This is a decade that just doesn’t grow old.
What is the 70’s? The 70’s, at least for me, is not just a 10-year chunk of time. Sure, it’s an important piece of history marked by some of the most significant events in the life of the American people, not to mention some of the most exciting filmmaking ever. But when I think about this decade, I think less about a physical place in the continuum of history and more about a state of mind. The 70’s is about a people, individually and collectively, asking the questions that needed to get asked—to their political leaders, religious leaders, teachers, husbands, wives, prison officials, police chiefs, neighbors, brothers, mothers, themselves. It was about no longer trusting that what we see is what is real, discovering that the truth has many faces, and that all the institutions we counted on to look out for us can no longer be counted on. It was about calling out the country on what’s not working, and coming together to make it work. It was about race, gender, sexuality, war, freedom, lies, truths, reality checks and always questions.
And that’s why you don’t have to go too far to get your 70’s groove. The 70’s is now.
Francine, I am wholeheartedly looking forward to reading your class's blogs. Your students have a passionate, intelligent teacher who promises to make this most crucial time in America's history both fun and relevant -- the key elements of any great class. Meanwhile, they'll be sharing their thoughts, questions, and reactions through this thuroughly modern and (in its own way) revolutionary medium. The stars have aligned, and great insights and discussions are on the horizon. I can't wait to see what you all come up with!
ReplyDeleteThroughout this class, you have done a wonderful job of sharing your passion of this decade with us. You've made me as equally passionate about the movements of the 70's as you are.
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