Staff Ed: Back to the 90’s

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS STAFF

Social media has become an essential part of the, specifically, teenage American culture. As the disconnect continues between us and our parents, typically concerning the birth of memes, a revitalization of our childhood has ensued.

The definition of memes alone befuddles parents as they are described as “an element of culture or system of behavior that may be considered to be passed from one individual to another by non-genetic means, especially imitation.”

One would think this progression of social media would spawn new ideas, new jokes, new entertainment. Alas, it has brought us back in time. It is not a loss, however, because we all know and accept that the 1990s were the best years of our lives.

The bandwagon of meme viewers begins with Arthur. Written in 1976, The Arthur Adventure Series was read in almost every household. At least, it was read aloud in ours. Fast forward to 2016 and Arthur has become a cultural icon. His fist, most commonly used, is everywhere. Coming in close second are memes concerning Harambe. Since the killing of Harambe at the Cincinnati Zoo memes have been created referencing both Arthur and the infamous gorilla.

Though this is a recent event internet users have transported him to the past. With this social culture drumming on the feel-good times of our childhoods Netflix has decided to revive 90s television shows. The site now streams iconic cartoons such as Animaniacs,

Courage the Cowardly Dog, the Magic School Bus, Dragon Tales, the Powerpuff Girls and Pokémon Indigo League.

Even fashion is beginning to back track. Thrifting has become increasingly more common than shopping at Forever 21. “It’s the find,” said Alex Spence, senior English major. Indeed it is, for seniors especially.

Relishing in our childhood becomes so much easier as it only takes one click to connect to social media. Day in and day out we are constantly reminded of our favorite teachers such as George Feeny, our friends Arnold, Tommy Pickles and Ash Ketchum, and our dogs Courage and Scooby.