Let's do The Time Warp Again

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Rebecca Missel

Alas, it seems that in the 90's everything old is new again, and every day our decade's cultural identity is slipping away.

One of my favorite examples of this trend comes from the typically avant-garde world of fashion. When I was a kid, people at various events requiring a costume would sport an ancient sultan's outfit, 1930's flapper fringe, or circa 1970's pimp-wear. However, considering what icons this decade has provided, in 25 years, when little Billy needs a cool 1990's costume, his mom will probably have to make him into a giant Nike swoosh.

Now, I don't mean to wax nostalgic, but think about what previous eras have offered for posterity. The 50's gave us rock-n-roll. The 60's sought freedom and equality. The 70's brought on women's liberation. And even in the 80's we saw the peaceful end of the Cold War amidst all the materialism. Unfortunately, all that the 90's seem to have given to future generations is the not-so-attractive grunge trend, the sell-out to corporate America ethic, and the world's biggest medical advancement since the polio vaccine, Viagra.

So why do we have this need to reminisce rather than look forward, especially at the brink of a new millennium? We cling to the past because the future is by definition unknown and mysterious, and, as history has indicated a plethora of times, humans fear the unknown. The 21st Century used to symbolize a Jetson-esque world filled with flying cars and apartment complexes named after celestial bodies; however, behind this idyllic image is the scary reality of poverty, prejudice, and disease.

When we look at the past we tend to gloss over the unpleasant memories. For example, the 50's also included McCarthyism; the 60's had Vietnam, the 70's Watergate, and the 80's Chernobyl. Thus we need to remember the problems experienced by people in previous decades so that me might look ahead with more anticipation and less trepidation.

So, while certain occasions warrant a pair of bell-bottoms, an entire wardrobe should not be comprised of polyester leisure suits. And furthermore, one might even consider tossing away all those clothes of days gone-by and actually buying truly current threads, but then again you might be left naked.

In addition to being a journalism and media arts freshman, Rebecca Missel is also a devoted child of the 80's.