Life on Mars

[Charles King]

I'm just wrapping up watching the British version of this show, and I have to say it's pretty damn good. ... The American version, while it was good to see our pop references-- eh? --referenced falls short when compared to the Brit's version. ... But it begs an old question: are the 70's considered historical writing? Certainly, the 40-year gap between then and now is wide enough to drive a truck through--that is much of that world is gone. With that being the criteria, I'd vote for it being slapped with the historical label. Too, I'm guessing if it were in book form, it would be in first person. ... Anyway, thought I throw those out there and see what folks think

Charles 

[linda]

It may just be 40 years, Charles, but the vast changes that occurred since that era should qualify the 70's as historical writing.

I know that when I talk to anyone younger than 30, they have a tendency not to believe me about the 70's.  They honestly believe that I'm pulling their leg. 

Sigh ...

[Elena]

I think it depends on your intended audience. I am not a happy camper when I read about "historical" things that happened during my lifetime. Even census records are sealed for 75 years. But, Linda makes a point as I rub my mental bruises from trying to explain to a nine year old yesterday what a typewriter was. And, I totally avoid all mention of keypunch machines unless I'm talking to someone at least near retirement age.

Seems my problem with the label historical is that I hate being thought of as 'quaint'.

Elena