Ode To The Oldest Generation | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Ode To The Oldest Generation

They wanted me to call this "To the Oldies-but-Goodies."

23
Ode To The Oldest Generation
Emma E. Larson

In the moment when we're all trying to figure out how to survive as 20-somethings in 2016, it can seem like the oldest generation doesn't have much to offer. After all, the activities that were necessities for them are hipster hobbies for us; the everyday items from their houses are the vintage items that have started cropping up at Target; the jobs they did are now often obsolete. If we listen to them, it's only to borrow their style and pity them for the hard lives they lived.

And yet. There is something about sitting in a dim room, nursing brandy waters and wine, chatting softly around a fireplace instead of staring vacantly at a television screen. We often shy away from sharing our opinions with those older than us, assuming that their views will be archaic and stubbornly set. They can't possibly understand the way that society functions these days, how pop culture works, or why this election is so crucial.

And yet, this is severely underestimating our fellow humans. When we sit in the presence of those who look on life and the world with the confidence of age, we hear more than we can possibly expect. We hear histories of the nation we so aggressively divide, memories of relatives we have never had the privilege of meeting, reverence of the years that so swiftly come by us. We might hear how pheasant hunting was popular among the corn rows in rural areas, before farmers planted corn much closer together. We can be entranced by the idea that our grandparents went decades without meeting a person of a different race. And if we are searching for a new perspective on the presidential issues, hearing the experiences of someone who has voted in a dozen elections might be just the viewpoint we are looking for.

There are no better storytellers. We crave the knowledge of our family, of the black and white photos on the mantle - there is breathing memory in the room, just hoping that we'll ask. We deeply desire wisdom to use in our daily struggles, and beside us is a soul that has seen struggles.

Perhaps the people around this fireplace are the oldest we know, and yet, when we take a moment to listen, we find the new ideas we have always wanted.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

3119
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1880
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

201150
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21512
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments