Kids These Days

As I get older, I find it harder to fight reactionary thoughts. It’s hard to resist the feeling that it’s all downhill from here. The spam emails and internet dating ruined it for my parent’s gen and each generation will find something new that makes everything worse. Like Skibidi Toilet. I have to report that it is, unfortunately, “a thing” – and for no good reason, I strongly wish it wasn’t. But despite this plotty potty saga (or is it more like a bathroom ballad?), I think the kids are alright.

Liminal photographs from the UDF lot

The other night me and my partner Shane went to UDF for a slushie and came out with a Hail Mary of life lessons (and without the slushie). The young person who informed us why the slushie machine was out of order, spent a generous amount of time talking to us. They explained why the machine was down and their commitment to coming to work and doing a good job. “Before work, I get myself in a good mood,” they said, because “the way you are affects the people around you.” What’s more my “I’m so short” boomer joke landed flat – they didn’t even know to laugh. I guess being short is not exceptional now; it’s just okay to be different (this is going to kill my comedy routine… lul).

All this is some pretty advanced growth mindset stuff. But even with social media controlling our brainwaves, algorithmically served content, Ai art, and a horizon cluttered with tech tragedies we have yet to consider. With the help of “kids these days,” I think we’re going to be okay.