The 2000s: Between Hipsters and Paid Ring Tones, a Difficult Decade

Journalist Jens Balzer's new book, "Confusion Is Next," delves into the first decade of the 21st century, painting a picture of unfulfilled hopes and a decline in quality. The book suggests that the era, often remembered for its "highlights" like the Nokia 3310, actually saw a downward trend in everyday culture.

“

Great hopes have not been fulfilled. The level fell.

Balzer's analysis posits that the "good old days" often improve in retrospect, implying that the 2000s might still be too close for a truly nostalgic view. The book is the fourth in a series that has previously covered the 70s, 80s, and 90s. However, unlike those decades, the 2000s are characterized by a sense of "inferiority" rather than optimism and a spirit of departure.

“

The good old times are all the better the longer they are behind us.

"Confusion Is Next" reflects on a period where collective memory has not yet fully "transfigured" the Y2K era. The author notes that current trends, like children asking parents about the 1990s on TikTok, indicate a delayed nostalgic focus. The book also touches on fleeting fashion trends, such as the resurgence of interest in John F. Kennedy Jr., who died in 1999, possibly influenced by media like the series "Love Story."

“

Optimism and a spirit of departure are characterized here by the taste of the inferior.