Adding to J. Wigands’ and PDubbs’ points above, American culture was both much more homogeneous during the Cold War era (1945-1990) and more competitive.
Most households received a print newspaper, which shared much of the same news feeds from the Associated Press, United Press International, or Reuters. Many subscribed to the same magazines (Time, Life, National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, and maybe a wrapped copy of Playboy). We all watched the same 3 national TV channels (NBC, ABC, CBS), plus a local affiliate or two and eventually, HBO & Showtime. We listened to much of the same music.
Meanwhile, our US Presidents and various councils really pushed patriotic programs and themes to compete with the Soviet Bloc, including the dreaded annual National Presidential Fitness Test, which introduced most kids to the standing broad jump, 600 yard run, 50 yard dash, shuttle run, and softball throw, among other events. The top 15% of kids were awarded national presidential fitness test recognition and marks were sometimes posted, while US-USSR track meets were televised to national audiences on ABC-Wide World of Sports. Quality sports writing and broadcasting was widely consumed and valued (Top Sports Illustrated writers -including running’s Kenny Moore-were practically considered literary figures, while Bud Greenspan’s Olympic documentaries were highly regarded and inspired untold numbers of viewers). When the running boom hit from the mid-70s into the early 80s, it was of a very competitive nature, when it seemed most suburban neighborhoods featured a local 2:20-2:30 marathoner or few.
That world is gone now, replaced by a fractured populace and news & information landscape. ‘Wellness’ is the rage now, not competitive fitness. Attention spans are shorter.
