I have long speculated that our species has come to the end of the evolutionary spectrum in regards to our cultural creativity. Although the calendar may read 2016, a time traveler from the distant future may arrive tomorrow and probably wouldn't be able to differentiate between 2006 and 2016.
It seems that every decade brings new trends and styles, from popular music to the automotive industry. Whether it's a hairstyle or a fashion fad, every decade is defined by its own unique aesthetic-- except for the 2010s, which, for some reason, look a hell of a lot like the 2000s.
Are we living on the cusp of a new Dark Age? Or, worse, have we reached the end of our cultural evolution?
Because this evolutionary stagnation extends to virtually every realm of the human experience, I fear that it is the latter. If you don't believe me, just look at the following examples, which illustrate the progress (along with the recent lack of progress) made in ten-year increments.
Automobiles
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| 2006 vs. 2016: Honda Accord and Chevy Silverado |
Sure, the 2016 Honda Accord has been updated from the 2006 model, while the Silverado looks pretty much the same for the most part, but these updated looks are a far cry from the evolution of the automobile over any other decade-long period in history. For instance, the picture below shows the drastic stylistic differences between a 1955 and 1965 Buick Skylark and a 1929 and 1939 Ford Roadster.
Aircraft
The following represents the evolution of fighter aircraft through the 1930s through the 1960s. As you can see, a cutting-edge fighter jet from 2005 is virtually identical to a fighter jet from 2015.
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| One is a 2005 F-22, the other a 2015 F-35. Can you tell which is which? |
Hairstyles
The difference between 2005 Kelly Clarkson and 2015 Nicole Gale Anderson. Even though there is a full decade difference, the looks are identical.
....Compare this to hairstyles from other decades
Music
Just as every decade (up until the 2010s) has had its own visual and aesthetic trademarks, the same evolution of style also exists in music.
Top Songs of 1955: Songs like "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and "Mr. Sandman" by the Chordettes defined the sound of the 1950s. Everyone knows what 1955 sounds like, even those of us who weren't born until decades later.
...and these songs sounded much, much different than:
Top Songs of 1965: "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones. "Help!" by The Beatles. "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers. Just like 1955, everybody knows what 1965 sounded like.
...and these songs sounded much, much different than:
Top Songs of 1975: "Love Will Keep Us Together" by Captain and Tenille, "Jive Talkin'" by the Bee Gees, "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas, and other similar hits were defined by a disco and funk style.
...and these songs sounded much, much different than:
Top Songs of 1985: "Like a Virgin" by Madonna, "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" by Wham, and "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds.
...which sounded much different than:
Top Songs of 1995: "Run Around" by Blues Traveler, "Waterfalls" by TLC, "Hold My Hand" by Hootie and the Blowfish. Whether it was the r&b style of Montell Jordan or the folky pop of Cheryl Crow, you know a 90s song when you hear it.
Now compare the ten-year evolution of sound between 2006 and 2016 and, well, frankly there just isn't much of a difference. No matter which genre you prefer, things still pretty much sound the same.
Computers
Yes, I know what all of you technology geeks are thinking. When it comes to technology, things are always getting faster or more sophisticated. However, from a purely aesthetic standpoint, you can see that even the world of technology has failed to evolve.
From state-of-the-art military aircraft to celebrity hairstyles, it's evident that the 2010s don't really look, sound or feel any different than the 2000s. So why is cultural evolution at a standstill? Have we reached our artistic and creative limits? Or have we just become lazy and incapable of imagination?
So what will the world look like in 2026? Chances are, it will look pretty much the same as it does right now. And if it does, then it's safe to conclude that we have reached the end of the creative and cultural evolutionary road.