I have to agree with your turn of phrase (the “before-times”), since the current MO of the Left is to categorize anything other than current accepted thought, as old and unworthy of contemplation.
For decades now Western libs, like the Khmer Rouge who re-set the calendar to “Year Zero” to indicate history starting with their “revolution”, have basically erased history prior to the point where young people overthrew the WASP establishment. History before Stonewall, Roe vs. Wade, etc. is unworthy of remembrance - in fact, it must be erased and/or re-written.