Over the years I've come to realize just how much pop culture history there is on the internet. Besides all the newest media constantly being produced, almost everything that came before the internet is routinely discussed, examined, chronicled and reviewed, including in video form. For example, when it comes to Atari and retrogames in general, it is almost certain one can find a YouTube video review, or at least a play-through, of most titles going back to the beginning of the "Golden Age of arcades" and the earliest successful home consoles.
In my biography I mention being a Gen-Xer (in addition to being a retro-gamer). And lately I've been watching a lot of interesting videos from various "psychology" YouTube sites talking about the history of Gen-Xer's and how they think and act. A general discussion of my generation would, of course, fill countless web pages. But one common theme routinely emphasized in these videos is how Gen-Xer's, the generation between Baby Boomers and Millennials, have generally been successful in transitioning from what may be referred to as the "World of Silence" to the "World of Noise".
Before today's world of the internet, instant communication devices, and various forms of buzzing, beeping, distracting notifications constantly bombarding us and clamoring for our attention at every moment, there was the "World of Silence". And this was the world that generations before mine, who were not "connected" the way people are today, lived in. While there was passive media to engage with when / if people chose to (radio, television, etc.), folks had lots of personal, face to face interactions with others (talking, playing, etc.), as well as quiet time for thinking uninterrupted by electronic interventions. As the pop psychology goes, past generations were therefore able to better relate to others, as well as their own internal thoughts and contemplations. They didn't need constant media stimulation and instant gratification like young people today have become accustomed or even addicted to. And Gen-Xer's were the last generation to fully grow up in this quieter environment, while at the same time still being young enough to easily adapt and transition to the emerging (at that time) "World of Noise". Put a different way, much of the psychology suggests that Gen-Xer's were strengthened from living for so many years in the "World of Silence", which has been to their benefit today.
The two images above obviously highlight some typical activities of Gen-X kids, emphasizing how much fun we all had playing outdoors and doing things together. And I do remember this well and have fond memories of those days. But being that this is a retrogaming blog, I'll also point out that when the weather wasn't as good as it is pictured in these photos, I would often keep myself entertained with my trusted Atari 2600. And the simple pixels and sounds coming from that very much "unconnected" (except for the wires) console were also sufficiently entertaining when there were a group of us together.
The Atari 2600 was very much a part of the "World of Silence" in the same way that board games were. That is, it was a simple activity that fostered fun, interpersonal communication and interaction all ages could enjoy. Or if someone was by themselves, it provided an enjoyable singular activity that you alone controlled the pace of, unlike the phones of today which pull at their owners with implied urgency. And it's interesting to note that, while the Atari of today has expanded into many of the new technology platforms (as would be expected for any tech company), their main focus is still on retrogaming. Indeed, many of their most advertised new consoles are updated versions of their classic systems. And this makes sense, since Gen-Xers grew up with these consoles and many still have such a strong connection to those days of playing them in the long ago "World of Silence".
No comments:
Post a Comment