I was thinking, maybe its like the every other decade theory. The 50s were cool and prosperous for many americans(although it was kinda square). There was so much new tech and stuff in the 50s compared to the 40s. The 60s sucked (violence, drug paranoia, Mass protests and gov't tramplin on rights). People were unhappy and wanted things to change which they did. In the 70s the fruits of 60s protestors and people who changed things came to fruition. The 70s were pretty cool like that. Cool cars too. The 80s sucked because they cracked down on drug use and society was very materialistic. People were concerned with the almighty dollar. Not to mention Mtv started in the 80s and started the retardation of music. The 90s were cool thanks to awesome tv and the fall of the Soviet Union. America was guaranteed to be #1 for a long time. This attitude of optism was reflected in many areas of society. There was good music again that started in the late 80s but really became pop in the 90s like alternative/grunge and gangsta rap. The first decade of the new millenium sucks because of 9/11 and the war on iraq. People in america(and in europe too) realized that we are not the invincible superpower we thought we were. This bad vibe of vulnerability has again been reflected in society. Music sucks because of commercialization. Only a few good artists get popular, most of them suck(which makes no sense because good music should be popular). Also it seems everyone is getting fat and kids are stuck inside because of overprotective mothers afraid their child is gonna get kidnapped or sexually assaulted. Here's to hoping 2010 will usher in a new decade of coolness.

This is my theory anyway, not sure if its completely true as i didnt grow up in the 50s 60s 70s or 80s. But from the stuff ive learned about past decades i think i about sum it up.