No, it certainly wasn't. As a youngster, the only time I even heard whispers about a gun was during deer hunting season. No one locked their doors at night, kids played in the neighborhood until dusk, safely. No threats of violence, rage, anger at politics ( unless around your own Sunday dinner table with family),no demonstrations in the streets, none of that.
As a nation, we have lost respect for others in so many ways. We have become so frustrated with events, circumstances beyond our control, and mostly have lacked compassion for each other. We have become selfish. And bitter. And incapable of working through difficult times and situations beyond our control.
And none of the above reasons are an excuse for the hatred and violence in our country, or in any other country.