• alvvayson@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    16
    ·
    1 year ago

    Yeah, but that’s not because of generational progress.

    Many civil rights in the USA weren’t properly arranged for through democratic laws, but by Supreme Court decisions.

    They were always at risk. Once you achieve the same level of progress through electoral majorities, they are much more stable and secure.

    As for workers rights and inequality, there is a similar story. Between the great depression and globalization there was a time of great progress, but it was never sustainable.

    It only occurred because two world wars and a great depression left the world in tatters and destroyed the power of the wealthy, while the Western world still fully enjoyed the fruits of colonialism. Western Middle classes suddenly had all the power for a brief moment in time.

    Now, we will have to figure out how to create real equality, without exploiting other countries and without relying on war and depression to break the power of the rich.

      • alvvayson@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        10
        ·
        1 year ago

        With humanity, it’s always two steps forward, one step back.

        The USA ended slavery, then introduced segregation and share cropping.

        They ended segregation, then started the war on drugs to imprison minorities.

        They elected a black man, then a fascist.

        Similar things can be seen in other countries. Russia got rid of communism, then elected Putin. China opened up, now they have a dictator.

        But, in general, the direction is forward.