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Factually! with Adam Conover
What Happened to Decades?
Jan 31, 2025
Discover how cultural language has evolved, impacting our perception of time. The discussion reveals the nostalgia tied to decades and the confusion surrounding the current '20s. Explore how generational labels overshadow the importance of shared experiences. Delve into the interplay of language and time, showcasing diverse linguistic perspectives. Finally, enjoy a lighthearted glimpse at the cultural trends shaping the next decade, from playful N95 masks to Taylor Swift bracelets.
16:27
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Quick takeaways
- The shift from discussing decades to generations has led to a fragmented cultural narrative, diminishing our ability to connect shared experiences across age groups.
- Focusing solely on significant traumatic events to define decades fosters a negative outlook on the past, overshadowing positive cultural milestones and collective memories.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Time Language
The discussion revolves around the significant linguistic shift that has occurred in how society talks about time over the last 25 years. Traditionally, decades were used as meaningful cultural milestones, with distinctive styles and trends that helped people define their experiences within those time frames. However, as the 1990s transitioned to the 2000s, a lack of suitable names for the new decade led to a gradual abandonment of this cultural shorthand, resulting in a diminished ability to discuss time in distinct increments. The loss of decade names has contributed to a sense of temporal blending, making it challenging for individuals to articulate and connect with historical and cultural moments accurately.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode