Halfway Through the 21st Century: A Decade-by-Decade Retrospective

As we approach the midpoint of the 21st century, media outlets have seized upon this milestone as a perfect opportunity to compile lists of the best music, literature, television, and other cultural artifacts of the past few decades. While such lists can be a fun way to reminisce about the past, they often lack nuance and context.

In this retrospective, we'll take a closer look at some of the most notable events, trends, and releases that have defined each decade since 2000. We'll also examine how these cultural touchstones reflect and shape our understanding of the world around us.

2000-2009: The Rise of Digital Culture

The year 2000 marked a turning point in the development of digital culture. The internet had become increasingly accessible to the general public, and social media was just beginning to emerge as a major force.

• Music: The early 2000s were dominated by the rise of pop-punk and emo music, with bands like Blink-182, Green Day, and My Chemical Romance achieving widespread success.
• Literature: The novel "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" by J.K. Rowling was published in 1997 but gained popularity in the early 2000s, spawning a beloved book series and film franchise.
• Television: Shows like "Friends," "The O.C.," and "Survivor" became huge hits, influencing the way we consume and interact with television programming.

2010-2019: The Age of Streaming

The 2010s were marked by the rise of streaming services, which revolutionized the way we access music, movies, and TV shows.

• Music: The decade saw a resurgence in vinyl sales and the growth of independent record labels. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé achieved massive success on streaming platforms.
• Literature: The novel "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson was published in 2005 but gained popularity in the 2010s, spawning a best-selling book series and film franchise.
• Television: Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu transformed the way we watch television. Shows like "Stranger Things," "The Handmaid's Tale," and "Game of Thrones" became cultural phenomena.

2020-2023: The Era of Social Justice

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point in recent history, leading to widespread social unrest and increased awareness of social justice issues.

• Music: The decade saw a surge in socially conscious music, with artists like Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Kendrick Lamar using their platforms to address issues like climate change, racism, and inequality.
• Literature: The novel "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab was published in 2020, exploring themes of identity, community, and the power of storytelling.
• Television: Shows like "The Mandalorian," "Tiger King," and "Normal People" tackled complex social issues and sparked important conversations about representation, diversity, and inclusion.

A Decade of Diversity and Disruption

As we look back on the past two decades, it's clear that each decade has been marked by significant cultural shifts and transformations. From the rise of digital culture to the present day, our understanding of music, literature, and television has been shaped by a diverse range of events, trends, and releases.

While these lists can be a fun way to reminisce about the past, they also reflect the complex and often contradictory nature of human experience. As we move forward into the second half of the 21st century, it's essential to continue exploring and engaging with the cultural artifacts that shape our world around us.