-
Friends became a major cultural staple of the US in the 90s and its popularity is still widely referenced and enjoyed. Its impact on television and the generation of viewers can be seen throughout life in the US.
-
Approximately 150 million Americans watched the verdict of the OJ Simpson trial on Oct. 3rd, 1995. The highly publicized trial was the front and center of all news throughout the process. The media attention that was pointed at the trial is widely believed to have had a significant affect on the outcome. OJ Simpson becoming even more famous following the events still leaves people believing there was a wrongful acquittal. (Alderman, 1997)
-
Netflix emerging as a "global internet tv network" changed the way we as a people undertake entertainment. TV streaming had left the world of discs and VHS in the dust and led the way for a more digital future. Its accessibility and abundance of options was a monumental shift in culture. (Lobato, 2019)
-
Congressional Republicans used the affair between President Clinton and his intern Monica Lewinsky as a means to impeach him. The charge was lying under oath and ultimately the President was acquitted. The scandal was hot for the news and a staple of Clinton's legacy but it was unsuccessful and widely unpopular as a political move. (Kruse and Zelizer, 12, 16)
-
Two teenagers entered the Columbine High School and killed 13 and wounding 20 others. The shooters committed the worst school shooting in US history at the time. The two murderers committed suicide after their actions. The police response, specifically trained to not enter the building immediately displayed what not to do in these emergency situations. The tragedy sparked a deep investigation on motives and a national conversation on gun control.
-
The release of the first movie in the prequel trilogy ofd the Star Wars Saga was monumental in US culture and the entertainment industry. Its revival sparked up a renewed interest in science fiction across viewers and its CGI technology was the start of a new way to create movies. Its precedent led to many other forms of entertainment and content.
-
The terrorist attacks of the World Trade Center buildings in NYC was the culmination of middle east tension centered around Osama Bin Laden. The attacks left almost three thousand dead and over 25,000 injuries. This sparked immediate US deployment in Afghanistan and Iraq which would become the longest military conflict in US history. The effects were felt across the country and still today.
-
An education initiative introduced by the Bush administration. It was widely popular when it passed but has since been argued to be a huge mistake. The initiative introduced the idea of “Teaching to the test”. Tying student success to standardized tests. If schools don’t meet the mark they’d get punished by means of funding or termination.(Kruse and Zelizer, 25)
-
Apple kicking off the new world of smartphones revolutionized the technological possibilities for the average person. The release started a rolling wave of increasingly tech centered generations and the further use of everyday tech. Apple has made a global impact in the world and the spread of information, communication, cyber security, and travel was forever changed. (Dal Young, 2017)
-
The election of Barack Obama saw a tremendous increase of voter turnout and brought a great many of first-time voters to the ballots. President Obama with his election and following two terms served, became the first African American to be a President of the United States. This monumental feat was a stable of the decade and forever a milestone for diversity and African Americans.