19th Century French Artists' Future Visions

The belief that humanity is doomed, especially due to negative predictions about the future.

A majority of young people expressed significant worry about the future, especially regarding climate change.

Concerns regarding climate change negatively affected the daily lives and well-being of a significant portion of the survey respondents.

Respondents felt betrayed rather than reassured by the governmental response to climate change.

Child mortality rates have significantly decreased across the globe in recent centuries compared to the pre-industrial era.

The proportion of literate people has risen significantly globally compared to the early 19th century.

Despite pessimistic attitudes, there are reasons to believe the future can be better with proactive efforts.

A sentiment of longing for a perceived simpler or better time in the past, often ignoring the challenges of past eras.

Supersonic Transport (SST) planes like Concorde and Tu-144 that have regularly served passengers commercially.

Concorde, the famous supersonic jet, stopped all commercial flights in 2003, marking the end of its service.

Loud sound caused by objects moving faster than the speed of sound, which is a concern with SSTs.

SSTs are associated with noise pollution (sonic boom) and potential air pollution (engine exhaust), potentially impacting the ozone layer.

Despite initial subsidized purchases and substantial operating costs, Concorde eventually proved profitable (at least in some cases).

There are plans and proposals for new supersonic jets (business jets), aiming to bring back supersonic transport and faster travel.

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in the U.S. has restrictions against supersonic flight over land due to sonic boom concerns.

A Soviet supersonic transport that was operated commercially but had less of a presence in passenger service than the Concorde.

A museum on Canadian agriculture, featuring a working farm, exhibitions, and a Hall of Fame.

A farm where the operations of farming are demonstrated and experienced.

Study of farming, including livestock, seeds, and bees.

A display recognizing important figures in Canadian agriculture.

Iconic building built for 1851 London World's Fair.

A period of major technological advancement and industrial growth.

International exhibitions showcasing advancements in technology and culture.

Improvement or care of farm animals.

In the 1950s, suburban homes, while seen as symbols of the era, also confined women, leading to the development of the feminist movement in the 1960s.

The landmark 1954 Supreme Court case that declared racial segregation in schools unconstitutional, a major blow to Jim Crow laws.

Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to give up her seat on a bus in 1955 sparked a year-long boycott by Black citizens in Montgomery, leading to desegregation on buses.

A US foreign policy strategy during the Cold War aimed at preventing the spread of communism, using diplomacy, threats, or military force.

The Korean War began in 1950 when North Korean troops crossed the 38th parallel, dividing North and South Korea, fuelled by the Cold War tensions.

The 1950s saw the rise of affordable television, with shows like I Love Lucy and The Honeymooners, establishing a popular entertainment era.

Actors like John Wayne, Marlon Brando, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe dominated the film industry in the 1950s.

The 1950s saw the emergence of Rock 'n' Roll, featuring artists like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly, targeting young audiences.

A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.

Joyce Kilmer contrasts the personalized feel of a small-town street with the impersonal nature of city streets.

Kilmer sees Main Street as a place of connection and community, where everyone is known and appreciated.

The poem criticizes the impersonal nature of city streets, where people are disconnected and surrounded by noise and traffic.

Kilmer longs for the calmness and simplicity of Main Street, comparing it to the Milky Way, a symbol of his path to heaven.

Wu Sheng's poetry focuses on rural Taiwan and celebrates its traditional ways, despite modernization.

Modernization and development are causing changes in rural Taiwan, and Wu Sheng writes about it.

The speaker's feelings of nostalgia are triggered by a return to a familiar place and the changing seasons.

The poem 'Nostalgia' by Giannina Braschi explores the longing and sense of loss experienced by Puerto Rican immigrants who yearn for their homeland. It could be seen as a reflection of the cultural and emotional journey of leaving one's country behind.

An 'elegy' is a form of poetry that typically expresses sorrow or lamentation, often for a deceased person. In the poem 'Elegy' by Mong-Lan, a Vietnamese American poet who left her homeland, it reflects on her journey and the loss of her home.

While 'Elegy' explores the theme of loss and despair, it also emphasizes the importance of hope and optimism. Mong-Lan suggests that even in difficult circumstances, hope can be found in unexpected ways, even in the face of adversity.

A.K. Ramanujan's poem 'Chicago Zen' reflects on the complexities of cultural identity. It highlights the conflict between the colonial legacy of English influence and the historical and post-colonial ethnic identities of India. The poem uses language and imagery to explore these cultural tensions.

In 'Chicago Zen', the speaker advises the listener to focus on practical matters like maintaining cleanliness and family responsibilities. The poem suggests that sometimes simple, everyday actions can bring a sense of order and purpose to life, even in a new environment.

Giannina Braschi's writing is characterized by its cross-genre nature. She seamlessly blends elements of poetry, drama, and prose, creating a unique style that defies categorization. This allows her to explore complex themes with a multi-dimensional approach.

Giannina Braschi's work explores the complexities of Puerto Rican identity and its relationship to the United States. She dramatizes the three key political options for Puerto Rico: independence, becoming a colony, or becoming a state. Her work critically examines each of these possibilities and their implications for the island's future.

Braschi's writings delve into the process of enculturation, the way immigrants adapt to a new culture and society. She highlights the challenges and changes faced by Hispanic immigrants as they navigate a new language, customs, and social expectations.