The "Current Year" Phenomenon

Summary

The video script delves into the 'current year' phenomenon, where individuals justify societal changes or censorship by merely stating the current year, implying moral progression. It critiques this logic as a form of smugness and a refusal to engage in deeper debate, highlighting examples from politics and entertainment. The script challenges the assumption that newer is always better, advocating for a nuanced view of progress that acknowledges both gains and losses over time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses the 'current year' phenomenon, where people justify changes or criticize others based on the assumption that societal standards and morals evolve with each passing year.
• 🎮 The 'Skull Girls' video game's censorship of risqué content in 2023 is used as an example to illustrate how what was acceptable in 2011 is no longer considered appropriate in the present day.
• 📅 The 'current year' argument is shown to be flawed because it suggests that the passage of time alone is enough to justify changes in societal norms, without considering the actual merits of those changes.
• 🔄 The video highlights the inconsistency of the 'current year' argument by showing how the same year can be used to justify both the acceptance and rejection of certain behaviors or content over time.
• 🗣️ The script points out that individuals who use the 'current year' argument often do so to express their personal frustration with societal progress not aligning with their expectations.
• 👶 The video suggests that the 'current year' phenomenon is tied to the natural human process of maturation, where people's views and preferences change as they age.
• 🔮 The script argues that progress is not inherently good and that change does not automatically equate to improvement, challenging the utopian expectations some people have for the future.
• 📚 The video uses historical examples, such as Eddie Murphy's comedy specials and the evolving views on them, to show how societal attitudes can shift over time.
• 🌐 The script criticizes the idea that newer is always better, emphasizing the need to consider the trade-offs and different perspectives when evaluating progress.
• 🏛️ The video touches on the tendency of some to erase or rewrite history to fit their current ideological stance, which is a reflection of their inability to accept the complexity and continuity of societal development.

Q & A

What is the 'Current Year' phenomenon discussed in the script?

The 'Current Year' phenomenon refers to a trend where people justify changes or the current state of affairs by simply stating the current year, implying that societal standards and morals have evolved, making past practices or content inappropriate by today's standards.

Why did the creator consider the 'Current Year' phenomenon worthy of a separate discussion?

The creator found the 'Current Year' phenomenon interesting because it's not just about a specific video game but reflects a broader cultural trend of how society views morality and progress over time, which they believe deserves a wider context of discussion.

What are the two forms of the 'Current Year' argument mentioned in the script?

The two forms are: 1) justifying the current state of affairs by stating it's the current year, and 2) justifying changes by claiming the previous year's standards were problematic and are no longer applicable.

How does the script connect the 'Current Year' phenomenon to the censorship of 'Skull Girls'?

The script connects the 'Current Year' phenomenon to the censorship of 'Skull Girls' by illustrating how the game's risque content, acceptable in 2011, is being removed in 2023 under the premise that societal standards have evolved, reflecting the 'Current Year' argument.

What examples are given in the script to mock the 'Current Year' argument?

Examples include John Oliver's comments on the European migrant crisis in 2015 and Justin Trudeau's statement about gender balance in his cabinet, both of which were mocked for their use of the 'Current Year' argument.

How does the script analyze the logic behind the 'Current Year' argument?

The script analyzes the logic by suggesting that the 'Current Year' argument is a shorthand way of referencing moral changes over time, implying that what was acceptable in the past may not be in the present due to societal progress.

What is the script's stance on the idea that newer is always better in the context of 'Current Year'?

The script argues against the notion that newer is always better, stating that progress is not automatically good and that change can have different implications for different people, requiring a nuanced evaluation rather than a blanket assumption of improvement.

How does the script address the issue of people changing their views over time within the 'Current Year' context?

The script suggests that as people mature, their views may change, but this maturation process can be hijacked by ideology, leading individuals to repress content or ideas that were once part of their exploratory phase, reflecting a personal shift rather than societal progress.

What does the script suggest about the relationship between progress and the 'Current Year' argument?

The script suggests that the 'Current Year' argument is often used to imply that progress is linear and that newer automatically means better. However, it argues that progress is not universally beneficial and that what constitutes progress can vary greatly among individuals.

How does the script critique the use of the 'Current Year' argument by public figures and celebrities?

The script critiques the use of the 'Current Year' argument by public figures and celebrities by pointing out the inconsistency in their views over time. It highlights how these individuals may have defended certain content or behaviors in the past but later condemn them, reflecting personal changes rather than a coherent argument for societal progress.