It's so interesting to see both sides of the "free love" movement of the 60s. There were a lot of advancements, but there's another side to it too. Joan Didion has really helped to shine a light on so many important people and events of the past, there's no wonder her writing is still adored today :)
I know! I always see it as an exciting time that I would have loved to see, but there were actually a lot of darker sides to it, too. Didion does a brilliant job of exposing them!
Oof Kate now I need to reread Slouching Towards Bethlehem and The White Album all over again. To say I love Joan Didion feels like an understatement. I was CONSUMED by The White Album when I read it. It was as if I was sinking back in time to the 60s/70s. It's amazing to me how her words can still pierce even today. Lovely post as always!
I agree; I guess perhaps she felt it illustrated what she was trying to get across in her story about the disintegration of society, maybe. But it is interesting to hear her speak about it in the documentary.
I hope so, it was last time I looked on Netflix. Would definitely recommend it as both an insight into Didion's life and writing but also a snapshot of the times she was writing about.
I didn't realise the relationship to The White Album here or many other things. How cool was Joan Didion really on the vanguard of writing at the time? This is brilliantly written and researched.
Awwww!!! Charles Manson. Urrrggg. I learned about Charles Manson at 8 or 9yrs. It REALLY freaked me out so I had nightmares when I was older. Why I was told about a situation like that at such a young age I'll never know. I feel for people like them because they're hugely mentally ill. Those girls could have been swayed either way and I bet Charles Manson knew it. Based on what I learned, Charles Manson was in many prisons before having a following and there he learned how to brainwash in order to gain a following. He was also tortured or treated badly, etc. which could have only made things 3,000 times worse. Although, he was kind at first, he grew angry as you say here and later treated some of the girls as he was treated in prison. It's rather sick if you ask me... at the same time REALLY SAD! How many people could be exactly like him today due to their mental status is scary. I hate to sound odd but his getting those girls to do exactly what he wanted makes me think of how Trump got people to do exactly what he wanted. They brainwashed people to actually 100% believe in them and due to that think everything he wants, etc. is right. In my eyes they are not so different. History does tend to repeat itself as well. We were just lucky those in the White House did not end up killing people like those girls killed Sharon Tate, etc. Those who follow Trump would argue that he is right, just as those girls would have smiled and agreed with Charles Manson. How different is it really?
Names that still stalk our culture and imagination today although we barely remember the story
Absolutely, Sarah. It was interesting to learn more about them.
A five year old kid on LSD? I wonder how they got on it...
I know…apparently the child’s mother, completely shocking stuff.
If that sort of thing happened today, the kid would be on meth, or even fentanyl...
It's so interesting to see both sides of the "free love" movement of the 60s. There were a lot of advancements, but there's another side to it too. Joan Didion has really helped to shine a light on so many important people and events of the past, there's no wonder her writing is still adored today :)
I know! I always see it as an exciting time that I would have loved to see, but there were actually a lot of darker sides to it, too. Didion does a brilliant job of exposing them!
Oof Kate now I need to reread Slouching Towards Bethlehem and The White Album all over again. To say I love Joan Didion feels like an understatement. I was CONSUMED by The White Album when I read it. It was as if I was sinking back in time to the 60s/70s. It's amazing to me how her words can still pierce even today. Lovely post as always!
Thank you, Luka! I know, she was just in a class of her own. I hope you enjoy a re-read :)
Didion goes to some pretty hardcore places of the human psyche. Incredible. Thanks for bringing it together like this, Kate!
Thanks, Kate! I know, right? Such a talented writer and chronicler. Thanks for reading :)
Thank you for your examination and critique.
“It was gold” - strikes me as such a cold thing to say given the circumstances but I suppose journalism attracts that.
I agree; I guess perhaps she felt it illustrated what she was trying to get across in her story about the disintegration of society, maybe. But it is interesting to hear her speak about it in the documentary.
Yes I wonder if the documentary is still available, I’ve not seen it.
I hope so, it was last time I looked on Netflix. Would definitely recommend it as both an insight into Didion's life and writing but also a snapshot of the times she was writing about.
I didn't realise the relationship to The White Album here or many other things. How cool was Joan Didion really on the vanguard of writing at the time? This is brilliantly written and researched.
Thank you! I know, she was such a talented writer and commentator of the times.
Awwww!!! Charles Manson. Urrrggg. I learned about Charles Manson at 8 or 9yrs. It REALLY freaked me out so I had nightmares when I was older. Why I was told about a situation like that at such a young age I'll never know. I feel for people like them because they're hugely mentally ill. Those girls could have been swayed either way and I bet Charles Manson knew it. Based on what I learned, Charles Manson was in many prisons before having a following and there he learned how to brainwash in order to gain a following. He was also tortured or treated badly, etc. which could have only made things 3,000 times worse. Although, he was kind at first, he grew angry as you say here and later treated some of the girls as he was treated in prison. It's rather sick if you ask me... at the same time REALLY SAD! How many people could be exactly like him today due to their mental status is scary. I hate to sound odd but his getting those girls to do exactly what he wanted makes me think of how Trump got people to do exactly what he wanted. They brainwashed people to actually 100% believe in them and due to that think everything he wants, etc. is right. In my eyes they are not so different. History does tend to repeat itself as well. We were just lucky those in the White House did not end up killing people like those girls killed Sharon Tate, etc. Those who follow Trump would argue that he is right, just as those girls would have smiled and agreed with Charles Manson. How different is it really?