destructive) mood of the 1960s and 70s eventually gave way to the pro-family and pro-community spirit of the 1990s. While the 1990s were not without its problems, it represents the high watermark of social cohesion in recent decades, and it serves as a recent enough historical beacon that we can be inspired by. If things could turn around like that once, they could turn around like that again. The best days of the Western Enlightenment project are still ahead of us.
But we must also remember what led to the end of that golden period: the events of the 2000s. Where the 1990s was open-minded enough to embrace gradual adaptive change, the 2000s saw Western society become much more closeminded and reactionary, largely as a result of the political mood set by the Bush administration. During the 2000s, if you supported gay marriage you were against family values. If you opposed the Iraq War you were against American values. The building frustration during this reactionary period eventually led to momentum for culturally radical ideas in the following decade. The lesson is that we shouldn't stray into a generally reactionary mood, because it can end up destroying everything.
Lessons from the Gay Marriage Movement A society that is inclusive, compassionate, open-minded and hopeful about the future should work towards the inclusion of everyone. Of course, the recent critical theory-influenced 152
