The Negative Effects of Nostalgia Throughout Generations
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What do you think of when I mention the word “nostalgia”? Perhaps a family recipe? Or a movie? Whatever it is, ask yourself, “If I returned to this source of nostalgia would it be the same, and if it evolved am I going to be unbiased to its current form?” If you said no then your nostalgia blinds you and your outlook on life. I'm going to help you realize that answer and understand this concept.
Most likely, if you're reading this,you grew up with the recent Star Wars trilogy, “The Sequels”(2016-2021). But before that was “The Prequels“ (1999-2005), and before that was the original Star Wars. When The Original Trilogy Star Wars (1977-1983) released, it was interesting and captivating for audiences as it was a truly original concept and execution.
Now, fast-forward to the kids growing up in 1999 when Star Wars: The Phantom Menace came out. During this time, some of the now grown adult Star Wars fans hated it and possibly made statements like, “It's just not the same,” and “The original trilogy was way better.” But if you ask the kids who grew up with the three Star Wars movies in that era (1999-2005 “Prequels”), they would tell you it was magical and possibly some of their favorite movies.
But fast forward to 2016 and now those kids are grown and bashing on these new sets of movies. For context, these movies were definitely not the best, but the kids that grew up with it had the same magic the other two generations felt with Star Wars. But the past generation will constantly bash on it and potentially ruin it for the kids experiencing Star Wars.
Another example is the magic school bus reboot. The reboot was in reality not that bad. But everyone who grew up with the iconic original Magic School Bus hated it. For the primary reason Valerie(OG Mrs Frizzle) passed the keys to her younger sister. Along with the new cartoon style evolving. But at the same time it was praised as a fun continuation of the series! Now the cartoon style had to evolve as the reboot came out in 2017 and what long term fans have to realize is things change and evolve.
Another short example is any sports channel as a lot of times fans will tune in continuously to this sport as a kid. Potentially linked to a connection with their family. But fast forward a bit they might bash the sport and talk about what it isn't the same. But the fact is players retire and the best of the best are still in the sport you watched and are raising a whole generation after yours.
Notice a recurring pattern? As you grow up and possibly complain about a childhood memory, perhaps a movie like Star Wars, you will most likely not enjoy it as much as you did when you were a kid.
Ultimately the fact is you're NOT a kid anymore; you may like the movie but in your mind, is it the same?
Most likely you answered no. Ponder this: Perhaps it's not necessarily the movie that was special or the place, recipe, or even an experience. Maybe instead of, for example, “The new Star Wars isn't good,” maybe you're not the target audience; maybe you grew up and really it's your childhood that you miss or how things used to be. The factor that brings you nostalgia is sometimes irrelevant and it's really perhaps that time and how special it was to you, or the people you were with in this nostalgic memory.
Overall, when you grow up, you need to realize that some things aren't for you anymore. Now I'm not saying that you can't enjoy the things that you did as a kid, but don't ruin it for the next generation like Star Wars fans have done twice. At the end of the day, some childhood nostalgia from the media is meant for kids and, well, you're just not a kid anymore.
