Nostalgia proves matter of perspective of different generations

Despite the vast differences that seem to encase individual generations, one trait remains consistent: we seem to be addicted to nostalgia. For early 2000s kids, having an armful of Sillybandz likely hits the spot. For older folks, it could be some ancient food, item, or perhaps a place near and dear to their hearts. However, solidified in cement is that no matter what generation one hails from, nostalgic items vary from individual to individual. Nostalgia courses through the blood of music, movies, and games - all the way to a specific childhood memory. 

For health teacher Tony Gerharz, many of his favorite items feature what now would be considered vintage or ‘antique chic.’ 

Growing up in the 1960s, Mr. Gerharz’s most memorable nostalgic items feature “toys, lots of sports stuff, records, 45s.” He recalls that his family “had a record player at home” as well as a “little kid black and white tv with rabbit ears” that they had to put foil on in order to catch the signal. He also speaks on historical features as many buildings deteriorate and reestablish themselves to keep up with new trends over the years. Previously known as Frank and Pat’s Pizza, for example, was reestablished as the successful Cranky Pats Pizza in Neenah, where Gerharz grew up.

Nostalgia often dies in the face of cold, cruel capitalism. English teacher Holly Wergin sees chain stores and monopolies as blood enemies to the warm fuzzies of memories. 

“The Pick n Save in my town was not owned by Kroger yet, so it was very run down, but now it’s updated and really nice. But Pick n Save was not like a huge thing like it is now,” she said.

 It seems as though the nostalgia of being young and finding solemnity in a grocery store never goes away. For Wergin, “Piggly Wiggly was the place to be. It was my favorite store.”

While Gerharz fondly remembers 45’s and tv sets with rabbit ears, children of the 21st century look back fondly on the compact disc. As streaming takes over the recording industry, fewer and fewer people turn to this classic format. For some, like Wergin, the shiny little discs trigger fond memories.

“CDs like Hillary Duff or the High School Musical soundtrack take me back,” she said. 

Besides music, the written word also provided escape.

“All of the young adult books from when I was in middle school like Twilight and Hunger Games were coming out during that time,” she said. “I remember  Divergent and like going to those premieres.”

Given the perspective of these ‘divergent’ faculty members, one can only wonder what the student of today will remember in the nostalgia train of the future.

by Cristi Isaula-Reyes

Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue 3

November 29th, 2021