Cultural Results of the Youth Revolution

Abstract

The review of the book “The Long ‘68: Radical Protest and its Enemies” by R. Vainen analyzes the contribution made by the author to the study of the problems of social disturbances in the West in 1968 and their further consequences. R. Vainen rightly points out that what happened can be likened to a world revolution — similarly to the revolution of 1848 in Europe. The author also does not hide his sympathies and dislikes, taking a very clear political position, although some of his assessments and emphasis (in particular, the arbitrary exclusion of Italy and Japan from the analysis) may cause objections. In addition, the author was well aware that the youth of “68” believed that the West was to blame for the troubles of the third world countries. This meant that developing countries should, first, “be left alone” with complete freedom of choice, and, secondly, they should be given means for economic development. Of course, the reader may not share the concept presented in the study of the English professor, but in any case it is of interest. Also, Vainen’s analysis of the prospects of the “long” 1968 might be corrected: it seems that these prospects can be extended to the position and indoctrination of the “new right” both in the United States and in other countries. But in general, Richard Vainen is right regarding 1968 as the touchstone of the most acute ideological struggle, which provided the world with new role models and inspiration.