One of my favorite podcasts, Unclear and Present Danger hosted by Jamelle Bouie and John Ganz, recently featured a discussion of the 1996 film Mars Attacks! They discuss films from the 1990s with connections to the politics of the time, and mostly riff on their meaning rather than craft.
The difference is striking. It's also why I get a little impatient with people who are concerned with "polarization." The 80s and 90s weren't polarized because of the neoliberal consensus, which did a lot of harm. The divisions in the country are fearsome, but they hold the promise of motivating people to actually do something good.
Apathy is definitely not gone, but the cohort has dwindled since 2016. We now live a time of sides and choosing.
The difference is striking. It's also why I get a little impatient with people who are concerned with "polarization." The 80s and 90s weren't polarized because of the neoliberal consensus, which did a lot of harm. The divisions in the country are fearsome, but they hold the promise of motivating people to actually do something good.