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At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, things have changed significantly since the 1970s, with several notable declines that shaped the events and atmosphere seen later in the Harry Potter series. These changes reflect both external threats to the wizarding world and internal shifts in the school's culture. Some of the most significant declines include:

1. Increase in Dark Magic and Death Eater Activity

The Rise of Voldemort and the First Wizarding War: In the 1970s, Voldemort’s rise to power led to a significant decline in the safety and stability of the wizarding world. Many students at Hogwarts in that era were affected by the influence of Dark Arts practitioners, including some students who became Death Eaters, like Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape. This atmosphere of fear and suspicion permeated the school, especially during the height of Voldemort's first reign.
The Return of Voldemort and the Second Wizarding War: By the time Harry Potter enters Hogwarts in the 1990s, Voldemort’s return and the beginning of the Second Wizarding War have made the school even less secure. There are instances of Death Eaters infiltrating the school, most notably with the appointment of Dolores Umbridge and the eventual takeover by the Death Eaters during Harry's fifth year, culminating in the Battle of Hogwarts.

2. Deterioration of Safety Standards

Increased Threats to Students: The safety of students at Hogwarts significantly declined as the 1990s progressed. The Triwizard Tournament in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" marked a turning point when the competition became the site of Voldemort's return to power, leading to the death of Cedric Diggory and the growing threats against Harry. Throughout the later books, students faced greater dangers, including attacks by Death Eaters, and the fatal consequences of these threats became more real.
Security Measures and Lack of Protection: The magical protections around the school were increasingly tested, and while the school had previously been a safe haven, the later years were filled with infiltration attempts, such as when Death Eaters entered through the Room of Requirement in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." The magical wards and protections around Hogwarts seem to weaken as dark forces become more prevalent.

3. Changes in Faculty and Leadership

Professors of Questionable Loyalty: Throughout the 1980s and beyond, the integrity of the teaching staff became a concern. While some professors, like Minerva McGonagall, remained steadfast, others became a source of internal conflict. Severus Snape's role as a double agent during the First and Second Wizarding Wars created an atmosphere of mistrust, and the appointment of Umbridge as a professor in Harry's fifth year led to a highly authoritarian and oppressive atmosphere.
Umbridge's Influence: Dolores Umbridge, as the Ministry-appointed Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and later Headmistress, caused significant harm to Hogwarts' reputation and educational standards. Her regime, characterized by oppressive rules, favoritism, and an attempt to suppress any opposition, marked a clear decline in the school’s moral and educational standards. The presence of her oppressive regime caused many students to rebel and undermined the trust between students and teachers.

4. Declining Academic and Moral Integrity

Increased Political Interference: The Ministry of Magic’s increasing control over Hogwarts throughout the 1990s reflected a decline in academic freedom and autonomy. Under Umbridge, for example, the curriculum was restricted, critical thinking was discouraged, and certain subjects (such as Defense Against the Dark Arts) were either taught ineffectively or suppressed. The school's independent and progressive spirit waned under such pressures.
Corruption and Suppression of Knowledge: During this time, the school experienced suppression of free speech and intellectual inquiry, as seen in the establishment of "Dumbledore's Army," a secret student organization formed to teach students practical Defense Against the Dark Arts in the face of the Ministry's refusal to properly educate them.

5. Fewer Strong Mentors

The Loss of Key Figures: The deaths of prominent figures like Albus Dumbledore, and the departure of other influential staff, left Hogwarts with fewer mentors capable of guiding students through difficult times. Dumbledore’s death at the end of the sixth book left a huge vacuum of leadership, with Professor McGonagall and other faculty trying to pick up the pieces but struggling to maintain control as the Dark Lord regained power.
Decline in Staff Morale: The staff at Hogwarts began to be less cohesive in the years following the 1970s. The stresses of a war, the rise of dark magic, and the Ministry’s interference with the school led to more frequent staff changes and divisions within the faculty, weakening the sense of unity that had been a hallmark of the school.

6. Increasing Prejudice and Discrimination

Blood Purity Ideology: While blood purity has always been a controversial issue in the wizarding world, the rise of Voldemort and his Death Eaters in the 1970s and beyond exacerbated the divisions at Hogwarts. Discrimination against Muggle-borns and half-bloods became more overt, especially during Voldemort’s second rise to power, as many students adopted his ideology. The Hogwarts students who supported Voldemort, such as Draco Malfoy and others, perpetuated prejudice against students of Muggle heritage.
Prejudice Against Non-Human Creatures: While there was always a degree of prejudice against creatures like house-elves, werewolves, and other magical beings, the decline of moral integrity at Hogwarts led to more overt discrimination. Characters like Remus Lupin faced prejudice for being a werewolf, and house-elves continued to suffer from poor treatment, though some like Hermione Granger tried to raise awareness through campaigns like S.P.E.W.

7. Loss of the School's Sense of Purpose

Shifting Priorities: By the time Harry Potter arrives at Hogwarts, the school’s focus on developing well-rounded, curious students had been undermined by external forces. The Ministry's increasing influence, the rise of dark forces, and the focus on preparing students for a world at war altered the school’s role from one of intellectual growth to one of survival. The sense of safety and learning that once pervaded the halls of Hogwarts was replaced by a more grim atmosphere, where students faced real-life threats and emotional tolls from the conflict surrounding them.

In sum, Hogwarts saw a significant decline after the 1970s due to the rising power of Voldemort, increasing political interference, declining moral standards, and a breakdown in the safety and unity that had previously defined the school. The idyllic Hogwarts of earlier years was replaced by a place of conflict, fear, and change, which played a crucial role in shaping the events of the Harry Potter series.

2d ago

So much for "progress"

My AI slop is better

The decline in the United States since the 1970s can be understood across several dimensions, from economic shifts to social and political changes. While the country has also experienced growth in many areas, here are some significant trends of decline:

Economic Inequality

Widening Income Gap: Since the 1970s, the gap between the wealthiest Americans and the rest of the population has grown dramatically. The top 1% has seen their share of national income and wealth increase significantly, while wages for middle and lower-income workers have largely stagnated, adjusted for inflation.

Decline of Manufacturing: The U.S. saw a major decline in its manufacturing sector after the 1970s, with many companies outsourcing jobs to countries with cheaper labor. This shift contributed to the erosion of the middle class in industrial regions.

Job Insecurity and Gig Economy: There has been a rise in contract and temporary work, as well as the growth of the gig economy, which has led to job insecurity and the decline of traditional benefits like healthcare and retirement plans for many workers.

Deindustrialization and Loss of Jobs

As mentioned, large-scale industrial jobs in manufacturing, steel, textiles, and similar sectors moved overseas, particularly to countries like China, in the latter half of the 20th century. This has caused job losses, particularly in the Rust Belt, leaving many workers without viable employment options or adequate retraining programs.

Decline of the American Dream

Homeownership and Education: Since the 1970s, there has been a steady decline in economic mobility, making it harder for working-class Americans to achieve the "American Dream" of homeownership, a stable job, and a college education. Housing prices have surged, and the cost of higher education has outpaced inflation, leaving many young people burdened with student debt.

Stagnation of Wages: Many people have found that their wages have not kept up with inflation, particularly after the 1970s, as labor unions lost power and the financialization of the economy shifted the focus away from wage growth.

Political Polarization and Decline of Trust in Institutions

Partisan Divides: Political polarization has become more pronounced since the 1970s. There was a shift from a relatively more moderate political landscape to one characterized by intense partisanship, especially in the last few decades. This has led to dysfunction in governance, such as gridlock in Congress and a decline in bipartisan cooperation.

Decline in Trust: Trust in institutions (government, media, big corporations) has significantly eroded. Scandals like Watergate in the 1970s, followed by the Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis, have fueled public disillusionment, while the rapid rise of misinformation and media fragmentation has deepened divisions.

Social and Cultural Shifts

Drug Epidemic: The U.S. has faced growing drug-related problems, notably the crack cocaine epidemic in the 1980s, and more recently, the opioid crisis. These drug crises have disproportionately impacted impoverished communities, contributing to issues like rising crime, healthcare costs, and a decline in life expectancy in certain demographics.

Decline in Family Structures: While family structures have changed significantly, the breakdown of the traditional nuclear family, including increasing divorce rates and single-parent households, has been cited as contributing to social instability in some quarters.

Environmental Degradation

While the U.S. has made some progress in environmental protections, the 1970s ushered in a period of unchecked industrial pollution that has had long-term ecological effects, from the decline of certain ecosystems to the rise of climate change impacts. In recent years, political and corporate resistance to more stringent environmental regulations has slowed progress in addressing environmental issues.

Healthcare System Problems

The U.S. healthcare system has faced growing challenges, including rising costs, lack of universal coverage, and disparities in access to care. While other nations have achieved universal healthcare coverage, millions of Americans remain uninsured, leading to a public health crisis in certain segments of the population.

Decline in Public Education Quality

While spending on education has increased, there has been a decline in the quality of public education in many areas. This has been due to a combination of factors, including underfunding of schools, rising student-teacher ratios, and the spread of standardized testing that many argue stifles critical thinking and creativity. Additionally, educational inequality between rich and poor districts has worsened.

Rise of Mass Incarceration

The U.S. saw an explosion in its prison population starting in the 1980s, particularly due to tough-on-crime policies and the War on Drugs. The U.S. now has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, leading to significant social issues, including the disproportionate imprisonment of African Americans and Latinos.

Foreign Policy and Global Standing

Since the 1970s, the U.S. has faced challenges in maintaining its position as a global leader. The Vietnam War's failure and the later economic rise of China have shifted global power dynamics. More recently, U.S. involvement in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, has been widely criticized for being counterproductive and damaging to American influence abroad.

These trends represent significant aspects of the changes in the U.S. over the past few decades. However, it's important to note that the U.S. has also seen periods of innovation and resilience during this time, such as advances in technology, the rise of the digital economy, and progressive social changes, making the overall story complex and multifaceted.