Beloit College in Wisconsin has released a Mindset List every year for several years. The list outlines a picture of the world as those now entering university know it.
For instance, do you realise that those 17 year olds starting university in the US this year have always known that photos are processed in an hour or less? In their lifetime, computers have always suffered from viruses. As far as they know, AZT has always been used to treat AIDS and Aspirin has always been used to reduce the risk of a heart attack.
To their understanding the Energizer bunny has always been going, and going, and going and Robert Downey, Jr. has always been in trouble.
The current list is interesting but try going through their past lists and get even more scared as you realise that they’re talking about people older than 17.
For those who are now 18, they have never gotten excited over a telegram, a long distance call, or a fax. They have always had a PIN number. Stores have always had scanners at the checkout. Computers have always fitted into their backpacks.
I think I need to go and rest.
Posted by Rodney Olsen
Do you think some of your friends would enjoy reading How old do you feel?? Please use the buttons below to share the post. Thanks.
I’ll have my daughter read the list.
I’ve had a few generation-gap instances in the newsroom in recent yeras….having to explain to the newbies that there was an earlier Gulf war..and who David Hookes was.
But it got me thinking……what would be the mindset of someone who was only allowed to listen to Sonshine growing up…and who is now entering university.?
1. They have never heard a radio station shut down or start up.
2. They can remember where they were each time they heard the news that one of Arthur and Heather’s dogs had died.
3. They have never heard John Bond’s discussion-starters for family time.
4. They have never heard an announcer talk…and talk…and talk about their kids.
5. They believe Dancing with the Dinosaur was a worldwide mega-hit.
6. They have never heard the radio in ‘pure stereo’.
7. They have never heard advertising without the words ‘station sponsor’.
8. They have heard the word ‘fuck’ on radio..only once.
9. The singer of ‘Let’s dance’ has always been Chris Rea…..not Chris Ree or David Bowie.
10. They have never heard a leprechaun reading the news.
Hey Lance – here I am in downtown Delhi after only 4 hours sleep in the last 30 or so hours.
I’m sure it wasn’t just the tiredness that made me laugh. Thanks for the pick me up. 🙂