In "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," Hunter S. Thompson reflects on a significant cultural shift in American society during the 1960s and 1970s. He highlights how the ideals of consciousness expansion, which were prevalent under President Lyndon B. Johnson, faded away as the political climate changed with Richard Nixon's presidency. This transition marks a movement away from the liberating ideas of the counterculture towards a more conservative, repressive atmosphere.

Thompson contrasts the optimistic spirit of the 1960s, characterized by exploration and personal freedom, with the ensuing era that embraced drug use that sedated rather than enlightened. The reference to "downers" suggests a societal preference for escapism and denial rather than challenging the status quo. This commentary underscores a larger narrative about the loss of idealism and a shift towards disillusionment in American culture during this tumultuous time.