Odd Lots What It Felt Like When Everyone Was Hopeful, Happy, and Rich
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Jan 6, 2025 In this discussion, Colette Shade, author of 'Y2K: How the 2000s Became Everything', reminisces about the buoyant spirit of the 1990s. She highlights the stark contrast between that optimism and today's prevalent pessimism, with a focus on cultural phenomena like the Y2K aesthetic. The conversation delves into societal shifts, such as the move from VW Beetles to SUVs and the impact of economic bubbles. Shade also reflects on the cultural contradictions of the early 2000s and the lasting influence of the tech boom on modern perspectives.
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The Fish Tank
- Tracy Alloway's neighbor invested early in Oracle and spent his money on an aquarium.
- The fish died within a week due to incorrect salt levels, not Alloway's care.
Day Trading Riches
- Joe Weisenthal turned $2,000 into $20,000 day trading in the 90s and briefly felt rich.
- This reflects the optimistic, though unsustainable, wealth of the era.
End of History
- The 90s felt like a time of resolved societal questions, leading to a sense of complacency.
- This influenced Joe Weisenthal's choice to study international relations, realizing later it was a specific moment in history.
