By Museum of the Purpose of the Object
Museum of the Purpose of the Object
The year of 1968 was a turning point for Mexican society. In this year great events occurred that shaped the modern Mexican identity in several spheres: from the technological to the social participation, passing through the economy, culture and entertainment. In this last part we will analyze the legacy of the sixties in the Mexican context.
From pacifism to the sexual revolution: the legacy of '68
The decade of the sixties was the scene of endless social transformations favored by young people: the sexual revolution, the liberation of women, the protests against consumerism and war, environmentalism and the fight against racial discrimination.
Norinyl. Píldora anticonceptiva (1963) by Laboratorios SyntexMuseum of the Purpose of the Object
The 19-norethisterone was synthesized by Luis E. Miramontes at the Syntex Laboratories in 1951, being the base of the contraceptive pill. Which would change human sexuality during the sixties.
Medidor de ciclos de ovulación. (1969) by C.D. Indicator, Ltd.Museum of the Purpose of the Object
After the pill a variety of contraceptive products appear, separating the reproduction of sexuality and promoting the Sexual Revolution.
Dis-Pakk. Condones lubricados (1970) by Laboratorios Gelt de México, S.A.Museum of the Purpose of the Object
Representación de un átomo de sodio. Fotografía (1968) by Productor desconocido.Museum of the Purpose of the Object
Nuclear power was at the center of public debate during the 1960s. With voices for and against, the shadow of the Cold War and nuclear weapons vs. the clean energies.
Sistema Nuclear de Potencia Auxiliar 10 A. Fotografía. (1968) by Raúl LaraMuseum of the Purpose of the Object
In the framework of the Cultural Olympiad, a technological exhibition on the advantages of nuclear energy was presented in Mexico.
Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Abanico (1968) by Jas. H. Thompson & Son Inc.Museum of the Purpose of the Object
On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. leader of the Civil Rights Movement was assassinated. His work focused on fighting against racism, war and poverty.
In Mexico the end of the sixties also marked the end of the "Desarrollo Estabilizador", economic policy initiated in 1940, also called the Mexican Miracle, where Mexico experienced unprecedented economic stability.
Vista Panorámica del Palacio de los Deportes. (1969) by Raúl LaraMuseum of the Purpose of the Object
The Olympic Games of 1968 marked an advance in the fields of urbanism, architecture and design, presenting Mexico as a vanguard country in Latin America.
Merce Cunnigham and His Dance Company. Programa Cultural de la XIX Olimpiada. (1968) by Comité Organizador de los Juegos de la XIX OlimpiadaMuseum of the Purpose of the Object
The Olympic Games were accompanied by a rich cultural program with advanced events.
Vestíbulo del Centro de Prensa Olímpico. (1969) by Pool NacionalMuseum of the Purpose of the Object
The most significant events in Mexico were the Massacre of Tlatelolco and the Mexico 68 Olympic Games.
Todo es posible en la Paz. Campaña (1969) by Abel QuezadaMuseum of the Purpose of the Object
Both events leaved an impression on the identity of a complete generation, since they triggered changes in very diverse areas of society...
...such as: design, architecture, urbanism, fashion, music, social protest, civil rights and solidarity.
For the first time, youth was the main actor of social changes, embracing the values of the decade: freedom, peace and love.
Un Hombre Ante la Historia. Disco 33 rpm. (1964) by NotimexMuseum of the Purpose of the Object
Gustavo Díaz Ordaz has gone down in history as a character with a convulsive and contradictory legacy.
5º Informe de Gobierno Gustavo Díaz Ordaz. Hoja de contacto. (1969) by Dirección General de Difusión y Relaciones Públicas de la Presidencia de la RepúblicaMuseum of the Purpose of the Object
From economic stability to authoritarianism ...
... From the discourse on peace and nationalism to repression and censorship.
Gustavo Díaz Ordaz recibe a estudiantes en Palacio Nacional. (1967) by Dirección General de Difusión y Relaciones Públicas de la Presidencia de la RepúblicaMuseum of the Purpose of the Object
...from the technical perfection of the Olympic Games to the repression and massacre.
The main legacy of the sixties in Mexico, was the visibility of young people in social, political and cultural events.
Muchachas con globos. (1969) by Martín La SalleMuseum of the Purpose of the Object
Tommie Smith y John Carlos realizan el saludo del poder negro en los juegos olímpicos de México 68 (1968) by Revista LifeMuseum of the Purpose of the Object
The questioning of the dominant systems and power structures is illustrated by one of the most famous phrases of the French May: Let's be realistic: demand the impossible!
MODO Team:
Antonio Soto, Arely Chong, Carlos Gónzalez, Daniel Cervantes, Diego Salgado, Edmundo Vargas, Javier Ávalos, Jonathan Torres, Lizbeth Chavez, Mariana Pérez, Martín Cruz, Natalia Cheng, Paulina Newman, Piedad Romero y Rosario Luna.
Selection and texts by Antonio Soto
Museo del Objeto del Objeto © 2018
