It is rather straight-forward. I.G.Y. has occurred only once. It was a world-wide, scientific effort devoid of political intrigue. The prosperity and relative peace of the era lent to a society truly THAT optimistic with several advancements that made everyday life far 'easier.'
Most features predicting the future - from flying cars and automated houses to space travel and colonization - extrapolated from the rapid advancement of the previous decade to rationalize a 'Jetsons' existence. Everything referenced in the song was cutting-edge technology at the time. From high speed trains (transatlantic flight would not be introduced until 1958) to benevolent computers (media tape, punch card calculators were called computers).
The reference 'Well by 76 we'll be A-OK" is life expectancy, currently up to 87 years. Also the 'spandex jackets' (although not introduced until 1962, it was invented in 1958) refers to futuristic self-washing or stain-resistant clothing often described in Science Fiction.
I must discount several other posts as being too broad. Kennedy and manned spaceflight was long after this time period. The 'Space Race' began in 1955, but actual orbit wasn't achieved until late 1957. Anyone interested can watch the newsreels (color TV was introduced in the mid-50's but too expensive for most households until the next decade) of the time.
@MarketDemon "The reference 'Well by 76 we'll be A-OK" is life expectancy, currently up to 87 years."
@MarketDemon "The reference 'Well by 76 we'll be A-OK" is life expectancy, currently up to 87 years."
I'm pretty sure the reference is to 1976, the Bicentennial.
I'm pretty sure the reference is to 1976, the Bicentennial.
I remember the IGY. I lived these years. I lived this optimism. I saw all these promises broken. I love this song, but hearing it chokes me up every time.
I remember the IGY. I lived these years. I lived this optimism. I saw all these promises broken. I love this song, but hearing it chokes me up every time.
It is rather straight-forward. I.G.Y. has occurred only once. It was a world-wide, scientific effort devoid of political intrigue. The prosperity and relative peace of the era lent to a society truly THAT optimistic with several advancements that made everyday life far 'easier.'
Most features predicting the future - from flying cars and automated houses to space travel and colonization - extrapolated from the rapid advancement of the previous decade to rationalize a 'Jetsons' existence. Everything referenced in the song was cutting-edge technology at the time. From high speed trains (transatlantic flight would not be introduced until 1958) to benevolent computers (media tape, punch card calculators were called computers).
The reference 'Well by 76 we'll be A-OK" is life expectancy, currently up to 87 years. Also the 'spandex jackets' (although not introduced until 1962, it was invented in 1958) refers to futuristic self-washing or stain-resistant clothing often described in Science Fiction.
I must discount several other posts as being too broad. Kennedy and manned spaceflight was long after this time period. The 'Space Race' began in 1955, but actual orbit wasn't achieved until late 1957. Anyone interested can watch the newsreels (color TV was introduced in the mid-50's but too expensive for most households until the next decade) of the time.
@MarketDemon "The reference 'Well by 76 we'll be A-OK" is life expectancy, currently up to 87 years."
@MarketDemon "The reference 'Well by 76 we'll be A-OK" is life expectancy, currently up to 87 years."
I'm pretty sure the reference is to 1976, the Bicentennial.
I'm pretty sure the reference is to 1976, the Bicentennial.
I remember the IGY. I lived these years. I lived this optimism. I saw all these promises broken. I love this song, but hearing it chokes me up every time.
I remember the IGY. I lived these years. I lived this optimism. I saw all these promises broken. I love this song, but hearing it chokes me up every time.