Instructions

The phrase “The '90s: The Last Great Decade?” gained widespread recognition from a 2014 documentary series produced by National Geographic Channel. Narrated by Rob Lowe, the series explored the major cultural, political, and technological events of the 1990s and posed the question of whether it was the last truly optimistic and unified decade before the upheavals of the 21st century.

Additionally, the sentiment that the 1990s were the last great decade has been echoed in popular culture and online forums, where many reflect nostalgically on the era’s relative peace, economic growth, and cultural vibrancy.

After reviewing the decade, your task is to answer this question in a six minute narrated (meaning voiced over) slide show.

"Is the world today better than it was in the 1990s?"

Slides:

Your answer to the question and general thesis

Comparing Canada's Economy and National Politics today vs. the 1990s

Comparing Canadian treatment of different identities today vs. the 1990s

Comparing Canadian culture today vs the 1990s

Comparing International Events of today vs. the 1990s

Personally, would you rather have your world today or the world in the 1990s and why

Content Expectations

For the 1990s, only content from the lessons is allowed, no extra research required or allowed

For today, you can reference any current legitimate sources (provide them in a submitted document)

How to create this (options):

Create the slide show, and record yourself flipping through it talking to your phone (video on the slides, you don't have to be on camera).

Create the slideshow, then create a video of it using software

Communication requirements

Simple consistent slide design that is easy to follow

Titles and Images only, no text on screen other than titles

Source your images in a separate document and submit it to the dropbox

Max total slideshow time 6 minutes
make this sound like a grade 9 and not a ai.
things from the lesson:
Learning Goal: The goal of this lesson is to understand how Canada's political landscape and economy shifted during the 1990s
Learning Goal: The goal of this lesson is to understand how the Canadian Identity changed in the 1960s
Immigration becomes the Norm
Learning Goal: The goal of this lesson is to understand how Canadian culture evolved in the 1960s
The Biggest Changes #1: The Internet is Here
Learning Goal: The goal of this lesson is to understand the international world and how Canada was involved from 1990 until 1999
The End of the Soviet Union

1 answer

Slide 1: Title Slide

Title: Is the World Today Better Than It Was in the 1990s?

Image: A split image of the 1990s pop culture (like TV shows or fashion) on one side and modern culture on the other.


Slide 2: General Thesis

Title: A Complex Comparison

Image: Two paths diverging in the woods, representing the dichotomy between the 1990s and today.

Voiceover: "Today, many look back at the 1990s as a peak moment in history due to its relative peace and cultural vibrancy. However, the world today has transformed in ways that might suggest we are better off now in terms of technology and inclusivity."


Slide 3: Canada’s Economy and Politics in the 1990s vs. Today

Title: Economic and Political Landscape

Image: A graph showing economic growth in the 1990s next to a current image of Canada's economy (such as a bustling city or stock market).

Voiceover: "In the 1990s, Canada experienced significant economic challenges, including the recession, but it also began to stabilize and grow. Today, Canada has a more diversified economy and a focus on innovation, though we face challenges like housing affordability and wage gaps. Politically, the '90s were marked by shifts in party leadership and regional tensions, whereas the present is influenced by inclusivity and climate issues."


Slide 4: Treatment of Different Identities in Canada

Title: Evolving Canadian Identity

Image: A collage showing diverse Canadian identities in the 1990s, like Indigenous cultures and immigrant communities.

Voiceover: "In the '90s, Canada began embracing multiculturalism more openly. Today, while much progress has been made in accepting various identities, issues like discrimination and social justice movements indicate that the journey is ongoing. We see a more profound awareness of Indigenous rights and greater support for LGBTQ+ rights now compared to then."


Slide 5: Canadian Culture: The '90s vs. Today

Title: Cultural Shifts

Image: Icons from 1990s pop culture like TV shows and music next to current cultural icons.

Voiceover: "The '90s are often remembered for iconic music, TV shows, and a vibrant youth culture, but today’s culture is defined by the digital age, with social media shaping trends. While many miss the simplicity of the past, today’s culture offers a broader platform for voices that were once marginalized."


Slide 6: International Events: Then and Now

Title: Global Change

Image: An image representing the end of the Soviet Union on one side and images of current global issues (like climate change or geopolitical tensions).

Voiceover: "Internationally, the '90s were transformative as we witnessed the end of the Soviet Union and the start of a new world order. Today, global issues like climate change and international conflicts dominate discussions, indicating a world that has grown more complex and interconnected."


Slide 7: Personal Preference: Today vs. the '90s

Title: A Personal Choice

Image: A question mark with images from both decades blending together.

Voiceover: "Personally, I appreciate aspects of both decades. The 1990s had a sense of optimism and community, but the advancements and awareness we have today regarding equality and technology are invaluable. While the past will always have its charm, I believe the present holds more opportunities for growth and change."


Slide 8: Conclusion

Title: Reflecting on Change

Image: A timeline showing progress through the decades.

Voiceover: "So, is the world today better than it was in the 1990s? While nostalgia may color our memories, the advancements in technology, culture, and acceptance suggest that we are moving towards a better future, even if we look back fondly on the past."


Final Steps:

  1. Record Voiceover: Make sure to record the voiceover for each slide clearly.
  2. Submit Image Sources: Collect source information for all images used to submit separately.
  3. Practice: Run through the slideshow a few times to stay within the six-minute limit.

With this structure, you should be able to create a compelling and engaging slideshow for your presentation! Good luck!