40 Years Later, History Repeats Itself

October 22, 2008
By Michael Omenazu
Staff Writer

“The United States of America is no longer such as it has divided itself into different conflicts; internationally in war, domestically in racial and gender-dictated forums and individually as citizens struggle to adapt to the drastic changes transpiring around them.” This is a description of the country’s status that could have easily been pulled from a newspaper written in 1968, a year viewed by many as the most influential in American history. However, it is a sentiment detailing 2008, a year equally revolutionary, even 40 years later.            

At the end of the '60s, Americans found themselves engulfed in turmoil as they watched television broadcasts of  their military entrenched overseas in Vietnam. Also, the nation was dealing with the overturning of long established traditions of discrimination and racial hatred as it was experiencing an unprecedented movement in civil rights.

In a contemporary setting, the rise and advancement of technology allows citizens to have nearly unlimited access to current events through mass mediums such as newspapers, television, radio, and, specifically, the Internet. Thus, they are often inundated with alerts of BREAKING NEWS, usually detailing a dwindling economy and updates on the latest data concerning military-related dates.

As a college student, I have learned of the nationally transformational events that took place over four decades ago through a fair share of history courses. As an African-American and resident of Chicago, I am familiar with the affairs that are shaping the world and future through my own personal life. However, as a reporter, it is my loyalty to readers and dedication to journalistic excellence and the code of ethics that accompanies it that commits me to continue the tradition of informing others, a responsibility transcendent of time. 

In 1968, America was deadlocked in the Vietnamese War until the Vietcong launched its largest military strike against allied forces in what is now known as the Tet Offensive. The aftermath was highlighted in Who, What, When, Where, Why?, a report by Walter Cronkite which criticized U.S. officials’ handling of the Asian conflict.

Today, the U.S. has taken pride in taking action against terrorism, even waging war against it, specifically in Iraq. Like the Vietnam War, citizens have responded by protesting, clamoring for withdrawal in what many feel is a misguided and deceitful effort, and disfavor of combat is ever increasing.   

The entire decade of the sixties had a tendency of change, eventually developing into a counterculture. A major transformation society experienced was in the rights of African-Americans who fought against structural racism and discrimination, led by civilian Martin Luther King and presidential candidate Robert Kennedy, Jr. The nation followed behind these two in one of the greatest civil rights movements in American history.
Both transcended racial boundaries to motivate people of all walks of life to achieve their dreams. Sadly, those fearful of change and ignorant of tolerance succeeded in assassinating the leaders, creating mass political chaos as it was coupled with the violent riots in Chicago accompanying the Democratic National Convention, but failed in hindering their inspiration.

The results of their endeavors are evident today in an unprecedented presidential election. An African-American senator from Illinois and a female governor from Alaska, represent both the Democratic and Republican parties, creating controversy for those unwilling to embrace change.

The 2008 theme of unprecedented occurrence continued this summer, distinctively in the Beijing Olympics. American swimmer Michael Phelps set new Olympics records, winning eight gold medals in particular. However, the entire games were indicative of China’s, not the United States’ dominance as a global entity. China used the competition as an exhibition of the economic and cultural success, something Americans no longer enjoy as a result of the current circumstances in need of a billion dollar bailout. 

George Santayana affirmed, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” 1968 is a year that forever changed the country’s course as it underwent a revolution in racial interactions and foreign diplomacy, yet the nation faces similar and equally future defining moments today.