Chapter 2: Cultural Disconnect

I've interacted with individuals in their late teens and early twenties who haven’t even heard of films made prior to 2000. And it’s not just the classics from the 1960s; they’re missing out on films from the 1980s and 1990s as well. For instance, they’re having a movie night, smoking pot, and have no idea what "Up in Smoke" is. Really? Let me show you what you’re missing.

Recently, I watched "Cheech and Chong’s Up in Smoke" with my family, and we were in stitches. One family member, who has a heart condition, was laughing so hard that we had to pause the film because he could barely breathe! We were definitely enjoying it at the peak of our high—it's almost a requirement for watching that movie.

When my son revealed he had never seen "Purple Rain," I was flabbergasted. So, I introduced him to Prince’s iconic film. I fondly remember my older cousin’s reaction to it, licking the TV screen—gross but hilarious!

This disconnect among Gen Z stems from a larger issue: many parents discarded their VHS collections. My husband, who is older than me, noted that the internet has robbed an entire generation of experiencing cultural history. The 20th century was a remarkable time for art, literature, music, and film. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, we had no choice but to engage with the past—new movies were few and far between. If you wanted to see a film, you had to visit the theater, and radio stations filled the airwaves with older music out of necessity.

Section 2.1: The Internet's Impact

Today, the internet allows instant access to any content, which has led to a generation that often lacks broad knowledge. Imagine a child who always gets what they want, like hotdogs for dinner every night. They’ll only learn about what they desire, limiting their experiences.

The internet, while seemingly beneficial, can mirror flawed political policies—great in theory but detrimental in practice. It has made real-life interactions less essential, as people can find everything they need online. Physical presence and commitment have diminished.

Watching a VHS movie is a physical act, much like listening to vinyl records. In my youth, with limited TV options, I was compelled to explore older films, which deeply influenced my tastes and appreciation for cinema.

Section 2.2: A Challenge for Gen Z

To the younger generation, I present a challenge: engage in something tangible!

This summer, I’m learning to play an instrument because I refuse to be a mere poser.