It would be a mistake, I think, to view the 1950s with (amnestic) nostalgia--they were certainly not the best of times for women and minorities (especially blacks)--but there were some things as regarding which this time was truly superior.

At that time, there were operators--real people--who typically took clients' calls.

Nowadays, they have been replaced by (impersonal) machines.

"There are many other callers now waiting. Please call again later." That seems to be the typical response.

Perhaps at that time, enough operators were hired to get the job done.

But no more.

I just really do not fit in with "the new normal."

More importantly, perhaps, I have no desire to...

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"In his second inaugural address, [Franklin D.] Roosevelt sought 'unimagined power' to enforce the 'proper subordination' of private power to public power. He got it…"—George Will, July 8, 2007

I think it all started with some fools exclaiming that change is good.

It depends on what change, but the misguided ones say ALL change is good.

Regrettably, some people confuse change with progress--and therefore assume that all change is good.

Hence the term "progressives."

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"In his second inaugural address, [Franklin D.] Roosevelt sought 'unimagined power' to enforce the 'proper subordination' of private power to public power. He got it…"—George Will, July 8, 2007

My car is getting progressively older and that is change. Eventually, it will change enough and get old enough that it won't work anymore.
You are correct, not all change and progression is beneficial.