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Professor David Demko, PhD AgeVenture News Service 03-02-99 
You can go home again. Well, sort of. Courtesy of ABC News, boomers can relive the social era that fostered their development into adulthood. We did achieve some semblance of adulthood, didn't we? Well, anyway, this century of contradictions offers an exciting ride into the events that shaped a generation of boomers who are often a contradiction in terms. We donate to environmental cleanup campaigns, but won't stoop to pick up a discarded candy wrapper or empty soda can on the sidewalk. We drive to the "Protect the Ozone Layer" rally in our gas-guzzling recreational vehicles. Boomer are a product of another generation who worked for peace by building bigger and bigger bombs culminating in the grand-daddy of all bombs, the "Star Wars" program. Well, enough about the lighter side of history.
There's a whole lot more than nostalgic boomerdoom in this video series, plenty more. "The Century: America's Time" draws on more than 500 original interviews, three thousand hours of archival footage, and hundreds of seldom-seen photographs to tell the story of the nation's milestones, struggles and achievements through the eyes of its leaders and everyday citizens. Volume I begins where the last century ends and explores how early technology, World War I, and the struggle for a new sense of identity shaped the 20th century. Volume II examines the cause and effects of the worst economic crisis in U.S. history, the Great Depression. Segments profile how Americans from all walks of life coped, while half a world away, an unimaginable horror threatened America and the world. Volume III chronicles America's ascension out of the Depression as it enters its second World War in 20 years. Volume IV takes a look at the racial, ethical, and political choices which pit nations, individuals and even family members against each other. The unpopular war in Vietnam causes many Americans for the first time to question the country's direction. Volume V follows America as it moves through the 1970's to face the Watergate crisis and is forced to reassess its position in a changing, multi-cultural society. Volume VI witnesses the demise of what President Reagan called "the evil empire", and the end of the Cold War. With the hope of learning from the past and the promise of the future, America embraces a new century of unlimited potential, unimaginable technological leaps and unfolding global events. Hosted by ABC News anchor, Peter Jennings, the video series becomes available this March 23, 1999 at a price of $99.99 in retail outlets, or by calling 1-800-475-4ABC. In addition to the video series, the Century project also features an educational website (thecentury.com) that promises to reach 250,000 teachers and eight million students. Readers can log-on to the www.thecentury.com website for additional program information regarding broadcasts airing on cable television's, The History Channel. ABC is to be congratulated for producing some of the finest hours in entertainment history. Oh yes, just in case you were wondering, the photo above is a picture of "Jackie O" with the man who would later accompany her on Jackie's triumphant trip to Paris. Graphic Credit: Buena Vista Home Entertainment. |