Why I'm Nostalgic For Decades I've Never Lived In
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why I'm Nostalgic For Decades I've Never Lived In

Confessions of a girl who has always wanted to live in the past.

1778
Why I'm Nostalgic For Decades I've Never Lived In

My favorite word in the world is "anachronism."

When I first heard it, I loved it just for the way it sounded and the way it felt to say it. It became my favorite when I learned its meaning. For those who don't know, this is the definition:

"Somethingorsomeonethatisnotinitscorrecthistorical chronological time,especiallyathingorpersonthatbelongstoan earliertime."

To put it simply, at many times I've felt like something of an anachronism. Though I can't say for sure what other long-past decades were really like, I've often wondered if things might have been better before some of the of the inventions and ideas of today were even far-off speculations.

I am completely and painfully aware of the fact that every decade and period in history has its positives and negatives. Going backward in time automatically means poorer treatment of women, minorities, and people with disabilities, something my nostalgic mind is troubled by. I crave a simpler, happier past era, but recognize that where our country is now is the closest we've come to complete equality, despite how very far we still have to go.

Regardless of these concerns, I dream of living in the '20s. I fantasize about a culture of flappers, jazz, art, and great literature, a time where people were starting to let joy guide them. The real-life Gatsby's were making money and spending money, drinking, dancing and partying, falling in love and running into heartbreak, all the while living totally in the moment.

Perhaps this is what I want. I often find myself so disenchanted from the present tense mindset of self-obsession, distraction, and prejudice. I look around and see people who don't remember how to have a conversation face to face. I see a generation of young people who get every new fad of the week from a Vine or YouTube video and will never know a life without a phone attached to their bodies. I hear countless reports of senseless violence, hate crimes, injustice, and inventions designed to help us that are only making us less aware.

I guess time just replaces gangsters with terrorists, talking with texting, and flapper dresses with booty shorts. While I may wish some days that I was born in a different decade, I realize I definitely never had a choice. Generation upon generation of ancestors has been led up to me being stuck here in 2016. So, I'll choose to believe there's a reason I'm in the decade I'm in. I'll always be nostalgic, but I'm still a realist, grounded in the knowledge that I can create some difference in the era I live in. Little by little, I'll continue to make my mark for the future anachronisms that dream of decades of the past.

And in the end, I may be endlessly nostalgic and I may be an anachronism, but I do have one hope left. In four years, I'll be living in the new '20s and I truly hope they won't disappoint me. Let's make the flappers proud.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

44533
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28029
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952760
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

153559
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments