CIRCA 1969 (Part IV) : SCIENCE FICTION NO MORE

The year we were born was a remarkable year which started the changes that defines our life today. It was in this year that humanity has made significant progress in science and medicine with the first successful implantation of an artificial heart in a human being by Dr. Denton Cooley and his surgical team at the Texas Heart Institute. Intended as a temporary measure, its goal was to keep a cardiac patient alive until a heart transplant could be performed. Likewise, the first human eye transplant was performed during this year. A milestone was made in the field of genetics with the isolation of a single gene by scientists at Harvard University and then an enzyme was synthesized for the first time that year. Also, an article was published about artificially fertilizing human eggs by English embryologist Robert Edwards, He would later help create the first in vitro fertilization process.

It was in the area of space exploration did we reap the most achievements during that year. The U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R., then its rival for world supremacy, showcased the most ambitious programs that we humans think of only as science fiction. The Soviets launched the Venera 5 , a spaceprobe, that landed on Venus early that year. However, it was the American’s Apollo Program ultimately caught the imagination of the world. On the 20th of July, 1969, the lunar module Eagle landed on the surface of the lunar surface. The world watched in awe as Neil Armstrong takes his first steps on the moon. Hence, in that year, The New York Times publicly takes back the ridicule of rocket scientist Robert H. Goddard published in 13 January 1920 that spaceflight is impossible.

The technological milestones of 1969 gave birth to the most essential amenities of today. The first Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) in the United States was installed in Rockville Centre, New York. Chemical Bank's ad campaign said: "On September 3, 1969, our branch will open its doors at 9:00 a.m. and we'll never close again!" Since then, our banking system will never be the same again.

The digital age was ushered in with the invention of various digital gadgets. On October 17, 1969, Willard S. Boyle and George Smith invented the CCD at Bell Laboratories. Now, this technology is widely used in digital cameras.

However, if there is more startling invention during that year, it was when the first message was sent over ARPANET, the forerunner of the internet. On November 21, 1969, the first ARPANET (the progenitor of the global Internet) link was established. The Internet, then known as ARPANET, was brought online in under a contract let by the renamed Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) which initially connected four major computers at universities in the southwestern US (UCLA, Stanford Research Institute, UCSB, and the University of Utah). The contract was carried out by BBN of Cambridge, MA under Bob Kahn and went online in December 1969. The rest is history!

The first Concorde test flight was conducted in Toulouse, France early in 1969. Later that year, on December 2, the Boeing 747 jumbo jet makes its maiden flight. It carries 191 people, most of them reporters and photographers, from Seattle, Washington to New York City. These revolutionized air travel altogether.

1969 was a marvelous year. The mere ideas and concepts throughout the ages became reality that year. Humanity has finally reaped the labor in science and technology that has been in work even before the advent of the 20th century. Truly, it was a year of progress. Because of the scientific breakthroughs, medical advancements and technological innovations that year our life today was altered forever.

CIRCA 1969 (Part III) : POP ART AND ICONS

Art as an institution was strengthened in 1969. The population became more expressive of their thoughts amidst an ambience of ‘open-mindedness’. Hence, that year, the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Canada, opens its doors to the public for the first time.

In Manila, the Cultural Center of the Philippines was formally inaugurated on September 8, 1969. Under the tutelage of the then First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, it was built to promote and preserve Filipino arts and culture. Its formal gala was attended by a number of international personalities, including the late California Governor Ronald Reagan (later became U.S. President) and wife Nancy. Hence, culture and arts was recognized as essential in nation building. At present, the CCP or now formally known as Sentrong Pangkultura ng Pilipinas , as an institution expands it’s work beyond the walls of the center. It now has satellite projects to the innermost places of the country to reach more people. Hence, there are more Filipinos to benefit from the showcasing of the best in Philippine art and culture.

There was a flourishing of creativity and new found freedom in the arts. The exploration of new grounds brought to the fore a renaissance of new art form such was the psychedelic art. It was in 1969 that startling innovations in the music world led to what our present generation listens to. Led Zeppilin I, an album considered by many to be one of the first in the heavy metal genre, was released. The record album ‘Stooges’ by Stooges was hailed as the birth of punk. According to music reviewer Patrick Lafonaine about this record album, “Simple yet incredibly daring for it's time. Their influence is immeasurable."

The highlights in the pop culture in 1969 are today’s classic and have evolved as icons of our time. The novel The Godfather by Mario Puzo was published. This timeless tale was later translated into film with several sequels and versions. This proved that it is truly a masterpiece. Portnoy’s Complaint by Philip Roth and The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles were also published that year. The latter was made into film in the early 1980’s which starred Merryl Streep and Jeremy Irons.

In cinema, the film Easy Rider became an anthem to the hippie lifestyle of the ‘60s. This box-office hit from 1969 is an important pioneer of the American independent cinema movement, and a generational touchstone to boot. According to film critic Tom Keogh, “This film look a bit dated now, but it retains its original power, sense of daring, and epochal impact.” This was the birth of independent films, as opposed to mainstream/commercial films, or more popularly known today as ‘Indie films’.

The song Give Peace a Chance was recorded during the famous bed-in for peace by John Lennon. This song, the first single recorded solo by a Beatle, and released under the name Plastic Ono Band, is still a strong anthem for peace even today. Stevie Wonder’s "My Cherie Amore", and many other classic tunes we still hear today were top hits in 1969.

Talking about icons, The Beatles gave their last public performance on January 30, 1969, on the roof of Apple Records. On March 12, Paul McCartney married Linda Louise Eastman in London. A week later, on March 20, Beatle John Lennon married Yoko Ono in Gibraltar. Noteworthy, the bonds of these respective marriages proved to be for a lifetime when John Lennon was assassinated in 1980 and Linda Eastman-McCartney succumbed to breast cancer in 1998.

The Philippines’ Gloria Diaz was crowned as Miss Universe on July 19, 1969, a day before the Apollo 11 landed on the moon. Thus, a headline reads: “U.S.A. Conquered the Moon but the Philippines Conquered the Universe!” It was the first ever for the Philippines to win in this prestigious international beauty pageant. Since then, several Filipina beauty titlists followed in her footsteps and brought recognition and honor to the nation.

Icons are not limited to personages. Many of them are institution and events that are so much part of our life even today. Sesame Street premiered on the National Educational Television (NET) network on November 10, 1969. Not only in the U.S.A. did this alter the TV viewing habits of American children but of many children around the world. Coming from a multi-lingual country like the Philippines, we as children learned English from watching this most endearing program. When a native English speaker discovers my proficiency, I always credit Kermit, Cooky or Bigbird for being so. There is a personal nostalgia involve when talking about this program. It evokes certain memory of childhood that was either lost or thought about with fondness. Unfortunately, it is no longer aired here to the detriment of the young. It is not surprising that the English fluency among Filipinos has been declining in recent years.

We are a generation of fastfood eaters. Thus, by the late 1969, fastfood chain has become a multi-billion dollar industry in America. Joining this entrepreneurial bandwagon was Dave Thomas who opened his first restaurant in a former steakhouse in downtown Columbus, Ohio. He named the chain Wendy's after his 8-year-old daughter Melinda Lou (nicknamed Wendy by her siblings). Hence, this fastfood chain had expanded to cater to the taste of the world.

Other commercial milestones in 1969 include the beginning of construction of Walt Disney World and when Wal-Mart incorporated as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Today, Walt Disney World is among the popular attraction in the U.S. east coast. While Wal-Mart stores, after 40 years is the world's largest public corporation by revenue, according to the 2008 Fortune Global 500and can now be found in many countries around the world.

These events in 1969 are relevant to how we enjoy, learn and live life at the present. The artistic and cultural milestones of that year are today’s institutions. It is amazing to look back and wonder at the beginnings of those things that are very much part of our lifestyle today. Whether in entertainment, business or services, the success in any human endeavor lies in the catering to the timeless need and purpose of people from every era.

CIRCA 1969 (Part II) : A WORLD IN UPHEAVAL

There was a major upheaval in the socio-political landscape of the world, particularly in America in 1969. A generation after WWII the world was still at war. This time, war took on a new form where new strategies were employed by the dominant powers of the capitalist west and socialist east bloc. It was the so-called “cold war” era which seen the conflict between ideologies of democracy versus communism. However, it was unlikely that these wars were truly ideological. Masked by ideology, the political maneuverings of the world’s super powers was really for economic supremacy. Thus, the global economy suffered from the effects of this Cold War. Further, the decision of the oil-producing Arab countries to cut back oil production, in response to Western military aid to Israel in the Arab-Israeli conflict, resulted in higher fuel prices worldwide. Hence, anti-war demonstrations were held across the U.S.A. in particular, against the Vietnam War.

Early in 1969, over 300 students were arrested when martial law was declared in Madrid by Spanish dictator Franco. In Argentina, a general strike and civil unrest break out in Cordoba and Rosario, following the death of a 15-year-old student while French Foreign Legion paratroopers land in Kolwezi, Zaire, to rescue Europeans in the middle of a civil war. Race riots occurred in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia later known as the May 13 Incident while the riots in Curacao marked the start of an Afro-Caribean civil rights movement on the island. On January 5, 1969, members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) damaged property and assaulted occupants in the Bogside in Derry, Ireland. In response, residents erected barricades and established Free Derry.

In the Philippines, there was an increased uprising of the "leftist" movement that created widespread chaos throughout the provinces when the Communist leaders in the Philippines split into two groups. One group composed mainly of young radicals, constituting the Maoist faction, reorganized the Communist party of the Philippines early in 1969 and established a New People’s Army. This faction adheres to the Maoist concept of the “Protracted People’s War” or “War of National Liberation.” In the year 1969, the NPA had, according to the records of the Department of National Defense, conducted raids, resorted to kidnappings and taken part in other violent incidents. Hence, the NPA (among other groups) is still in the forefront of the insurgency problem of the Philippines today.

1969 saw the rise of leaders of major historical significance. Richard Milhous Nixon succeeded Lyndon Baines Johnson as the 37th Prseident of the United States of America. Later, he would be the only U.S. President (so far) in history to resign in office.

In Cairo, Yasser Arafat was elected Palestinian Liberation Organization leader at the Palestinian National Congress. Hence, he became a much admired Palestinian leader for upholding peace until his death in 2004. While in Israel, Golda Meir became the first female prime minister. As of today, no other female has held this high office in a predominantly patriarchal society. In Libya, a coup ousted King Idris and brought Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi to power. Since, the al-Gaddafi family remains in power today. Charles, Prince of Wales, was invested with his title at Caernarton on July 1, 1969 in a royal pageantry that is as old as the British monarchy. This ceremony sealed his claim as the next sovereign. Although without actual political power today, the British monarchs are among the most recognizable figures in the world. Thus, they are influential enough to change the course of history.

Ferdinand E. Marcos was re-elected as president in 1969, making him the first in Philippine history. This ushered in remarkable development in infrastructure projects never before done in the country. Also, he was generally known for his constitutional accomplishments, which were equivalent to those of all former presidents of the Philippines before him. It was during his presidency that the Philippines gained international acclaim due to his mastery of international relations and foreign diplomacy. Unfortunately, his great accomplishments were tarnished later by martial rule which led to his ouster in 1986 by a military coup. His 20 years in power makes his regime the longest in Philippine history unrivaled even today.

As there were leaders who rose to power in 1969, there are those who fell from it or have passed on. Former United States General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower died after a long illness in the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C. on the 28th of March while Charles de Gaulle stepped down as president of France after suffering defeat in a referendum on April 28.

Our world has changed so much since 1969. Yet, it is still in upheaval. The events of that year are strong influence on our political, social and economic landscape today. I figured this is what life truly is on this earth. Every era will have its share of trials and triumphs. It is often hard to imagine how human civilization thrives amidst chaos and conflict. Leaders and ideologies rise and fall. We wonder why certain events happen in history. Oftentimes, we seek the answers from philosophy, politics to religion. Yet these realms are, more often than not, the very sources of man’s conflicts. Nonetheless, our solace lies in our common desire for peace and justice. Hope springs eternal in the human spirit that through the generations the best of humanity shines brightly against the darkness that lurks in our midst.

"Life is a quest for its own meaning." - DJ Flame

CIRCA 1969 (Part I) : SEX AND GENERATION GAP

c. MCMLXIX (1969) was the year many of my peers were born. It’s been 40 years hence and each of us would say that we are at the cross-road of our life. At mid-life, we are at a cross-road between years of experiences and what else lies in the future.

Collectively, as an age group, it could be said that we were born from the cross-road of the generations. Actually, it was during that time that the phrase “generation gap” was coined. In fact, it was this phrase that the brand ‘Gap’ took its name after. It opened its first store in San Francisco, California in the summer of ‘69 by an enterprising couple named Doris and Don Fisher. After 40 years, ‘Gap’ is now a globally-known brand in the clothing apparel industry.

Generational gap is an issue when there is a conflict between the traditional values versus the eager exploration of the youth to new cultures. During the 60’s, the predominantly young who became involved with the counter culture took sexual freedom as a central theme of its politics. Suddenly, there was a significant shift in social attitudes, behaviors and institutional regulations surrounding sexuality. Sexually-related issues became political. The “politics of sex” was institutionalized, emerging as an axis around which other social movements were organized such as the Pro-Choice Movement, which espouses a woman’s right to abortion; the gender movements such as the women’s and gay liberation movements; civil rights movements and the peace movements. Hence, the new culture opened the issue of equality between gender-roles, ethnic and minority rights; personal autonomy concerning reproductive choices and sexual expression.

Since contraceptives became widely available and sexually-transmitted diseases at the time mostly being easily treatable, gave way to reforms in the legal and medical regulation of sexuality. These were the impetus for the passage of controversial laws that addresses the issues of morality. Abortion and contraception were legalized in Canada in the mid-year of 1969.
The 60’s lifestyle and its followers were called “Hippies”. This was characterized by rebellion and drugs. Thus, non-conformist ideals aggressively challenged the prevailing system by active protest. Even activism itself took on new form. Radical and creative ways of protest were developed to instigate social change. No wonder, the “hippies” had shed-off all inhibitions (and their clothes!) to express defiance against the stiff cultural norms defined by censorship and fascist oppression.

The culture of “free love” was unleashed which preached the power of love and the beauty of sex as part of ordinary life. This was characterized by experimentation in pursuit of sexual pleasure and discovery of new ways to express sexuality. Sex was much more explicitly discussed in books, music, and other media, with the publication of guides to sexual techniques. It was the year 1969 that David Reuben published “Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid to Ask).” which became one of the decade’s most popular books. The Way to Become the Sensuous Woman by Joan Garrity was also published and became a best-seller that year. Thus, sexual topics that were previously considered unsuitable for discussion, such as oral sex, orgasm, and homosexualiy, were openly talked about among the young to the dismay of their conservative elders. Because of these books, today the print media has been bold in its graphical discussion of sexual issues.

With the increased commercialization and commoditization of sexuality, censorship laws were relaxed. As pornography invaded the mainstream media, it was in 1969 that the U.S. Supreme Court approved the possession for personal use of obscene materials.

The socio-cultural changes of that era figuratively (literally, too) ‘rocked’ the foundations of tradition and conservative values. Thus, the so-called “sexual revolution” was in full swing in 1969. It was manifested on stage, in literature and movies, and at outdoor festivals such was the famed Woodstock Festival in New York in the summer of ‘69. The old taboos such as nudity became a public spectacle. The theatrical play “Oh! Calcutta!" which opened in NYC with the (almost) entirely cast in the nude, begun today’s staging of nudity. Some seemed to have lost their sense of inhibition by public display of nudity. Jim Morrison of the “Doors” was, on several occasions that year, arrested for publicly exposing himself. Censorship became a burning issue when "Midnight Cowboy" was released with an X rating. Nowadays, our generation are least shocked by nudity and movies like “Midnight Cowboy” is cartoons compared to today’s contemporary films.

“The so called "permissive" or "swinging sixties" has become a metaphor for contemporary social conflict. For progressives it is heralded as a time of revolutionary ferment which ushered in much needed social change, ushering in the civil rights movements, decolonization, women’s liberation, gay & lesbian liberation, green and peace movements. For conservatives it has become a scapegoat to blame many contemporary problems upon. Issues such as pornography, marriage breakdowns, single parent families, welfare state dependency, drugs and youth crime are all seen as having their origins in the "permissiveness" of the sixties.”

- Marcuse Herbert, (1987)

It could be said that the sexual tolerance during the 60s were the impetuous for today’s sexual sophistication. I remember, as teenagers, joking with peers about us being born in the year 1969 as highly sexual. Obviously, it was in reference to that sexual position 69 or what the French called soixante-neuf. We laughed at the idea. Yet I guess, after what had transpired that year, there is some truth to that. In a way, the “sexual revolution” then is part of the counter culture that exists to the present. Afterall, the issues and controversies like censorship and sexual repression still haunts us today.

Sex and sexuality has always been an issue we confront throughout the eras. From generation to generation attitude changes regarding sex. The generational conflict stems from the adherence to prevailing customs and cultural norms against the novelty of change. But change is inevitable. The taboos of yesterday might be the trend of today. This aspect of our humanity evolves discreetly with time. However, if there was a time in history more abrupt and sudden in change about sexual issues, it’ll definitely be the 60s.