Understanding Collective Mood Swings and Change

The video explores the collective mood swings in America, from the giddiness of the 90s dotcom boom to the darkening mood post-September 11th and the recent economic crash. It discusses the misconceptions and fears that have arisen, leading to a current apocalyptic mood. The role of apocalyptic fiction, like Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road', is examined, along with the idea that Americans are being forced into change, which could present new opportunities.

What mood characterized America during the 90s according to the speaker?

• Giddiness

• Gloom

• Fear

• Grief

What event is mentioned as causing a significant mood shift in America?

• September 11th

• The dot-com boom

• The 2008 financial crash

• The Cold War

How does the speaker describe the mood after the economic crash?

• Optimistic

• Stable

• Darkening

• Joyful

What does the speaker think about the misconceptions people had?

• They were beneficial

• They were misconceptions

• They were accurate

• They were irrelevant

Which book is mentioned as an example of apocalyptic fiction?

• Brave New World

• The Great Gatsby

• The Road

• 1984

What feeling does the speaker associate with the current American mood?

• Apocalyptic

• Excitement

• Indifference

• Joy

What does the speaker suggest about the American way of life?

• It is better than expected

• It is exactly as expected

• It is unchanged

• It is not what was thought

What does the speaker believe about voluntary change in America?

• Americans will change voluntarily

• Change is unnecessary

• Americans need to be forced to change

• Change is impossible

What does the speaker suggest might result from the forced changes?

• Stagnation

• No opportunities

• Complete failure

• Opportunities for growth

What does the speaker imply about the future after the current mood?

• It will remain dark

• It will worsen

• It will improve

• It will stay the same