>I think the problem is back then, American society was more open, accepting of differences on a larger scale, free to experiment, less segregated on class and generally "nicer" in a genuine and not superficial way.
Was it? From what I remember it was more racist, more homophobic, more segregated, and most of the "niceness" was sarcasm and cruelty, particularly towards any marginalized group. I don't remember the "make things better for everyone" American society you do at all, nor do I see the internet as a whole being a game of "rich-get richer and cutthroat exclusionism." Certainly that's a part of VC and startup culture, but that doesn't define the whole. I see far more activism, inclusiveness, creativity, openness and sincerity on the internet now than I did back in the 90s. I guess we just grew up in different circles.
Was it? From what I remember it was more racist, more homophobic, more segregated, and most of the "niceness" was sarcasm and cruelty, particularly towards any marginalized group. I don't remember the "make things better for everyone" American society you do at all, nor do I see the internet as a whole being a game of "rich-get richer and cutthroat exclusionism." Certainly that's a part of VC and startup culture, but that doesn't define the whole. I see far more activism, inclusiveness, creativity, openness and sincerity on the internet now than I did back in the 90s. I guess we just grew up in different circles.