Case in point – I was convinced by one of my younger friends to watch the pilot and the first season of “Battlestar Gallactica” – a show that provides for his generation the thrills that “Star Trek” provided for mine. I’m watching it and I’m enjoying it. Of late I’ve also surmised that “The Big Bang Theory” is the “Seinfield” of today’s young adults. I stumbled on it only because the reruns of “Seinfeld” that I usually watch when cooking dinner have been replaced with “BBT”. I don’t like the characters on this show, they make me uncomfortable and they seem more alien than Klingons. But, an interesting thing happened last night while I was watching -- a character from “Battlestar Gallactica” showed up in a dream sequence on “BBT” & I recognized her. Not only that -- I GOT THE JOKE!
Now the characters seem less alien-like and I felt more comfortable with the show. Why is it important for me, a 58 (yes, still 58 for about another 24 hours) year old woman to understand a show totally alien to my experience, but universally loved by young adults? Because I want to understand today’s culture and the young adults who are living it. What makes them laugh? What is dear to them? Who do they revere? Yes, it’s important – it keeps me engaged and prevents me from becoming one of those “people” who sneer and say “What the hell does that mean, Who the hell is that? Where the hell am I?”
I do not want to be that kind of person.
If none of this makes sense or feels important to you, there are other reasons to keep in the good graces of younger people – they can drive you home from your colonoscopy; they can help you figure out how to use your new cell phone; and they can read the fine print on your prescription bottle…
I’m just saying…
I love it Pam! Happy Birthday and we are VERY grateful to call you and Bob dear friends!!!
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