I recently spent a week in Florida with my grandparents, whose political views are the exact opposite of my own. Which is cool… to each his own. However, I was subject to a great deal of Glenn Beck and the stereotypical grandparental view of “when I was your age” and “in the olden days”. Now, my grandparents rock my socks as they are both are fascinating people with fascinating stories, but I wonder: do they realize they are becoming the stereotype?
Every generation hates the one that follows, that’s just how it is, but it doesn’t mean they’re right. I’m sure I’ll hate my children’s music, choice of clothing, whatever, but I hope I will understand that’s me being old rather than judging each generation for what is really just a natural shift in culture.
This is relevant because, as I say over and over and over again, I’m sick and tired of always hearing about the economy, how times are changing, etc etc. Times are always changing. Granted, technology is improving at an insane rate (watch this video from Microsoft), but I’m not concerned about the world imploding due to our growing use of digital crap. Example: I was rewatching Alias, one of the greatest shows of all time, when I realized that on more than one occasion in the first season, the characters talk about the horrible economy. I noticed a similar conversation in a book I read set in 19th century France. And again in a movie from the 1980s. I’m noticing that people are always complaining about the economy – I can’t remember ever hearing anyone say anything positive about the state of the world’s finances.
People don’t like change or growing old, so I guess we take it out on people and whine at increasing decibels. I just want to point out though that this is nothing new and I hope people my age will take this “advice” with a grain of salt and stop worrying when we should be out there kicking ass!
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