1999

       Have you ever tried to think about what was going on in the world when you were twelve years old? It is a tough thing to do. As I thought about all the experiences I had when I was that age, the first memories that come to my mind are those with my friends and family. I was mainly surprised that the instances I remember had nothing to do with society. I guess you could say I lived in “my own world” at that time.

            

      With respect the assignment, I began thinking of society on a state level. In Minnesota at that time, Jessie Ventura was our Governor. Minnesota’s government discussed such topics as minimum wage and education from an occupational standpoint expanding “on the job” training and experiences as part of the curricula. Government officials also focused on ways to reduce toxic secretion and channel efforts to electricity fabrication.  We also heard discussions about health care predominantly relating to diabetes and obesity. These issue/topics became more apparent and popular as society was flourishing as a whole.

           

      On a national level in the year 1999, a few topics come to mind. The impeachment trial of Bill Clinton, The Ford Motor Company declared they were buying a portion of Volvo’s manufacturing company, Saving Private Ryan, a famous Steven Spielberg film, comes out on DVD, Michael Jordan (whom I love) announce his retirement from the Chicago Bulls, the Columbine High School Massacre, Napster is introduced, Lance Armstrong won his first Tour de France and finally who could forget the speculations of what was to come for the new millennium.

       

        In completing this assignment, I did not realize how much I take for granted. Each event that takes place in society is one that is worth remembering and connecting to my life. For example, when I was first made aware of President Clinton’s impeachment case, I followed that occurrence throughout the proceedings. I remember watching and reading about every new story that arose out of the case. I very intimately remember the affects of the Columbine Massacre. Suddenly, you saw more and more security within our school systems. More procedures were established to protect students.  Counseling service was made available to those who needed help dealing with personal and school related issues. Today, I think it is normal to have departments such as Safety and Security to help prevent instances such as Columbine. Events that take place in society ultimately in return shape and affect our lives as individuals. 

AF