Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Romanticizing

I have been reading a lot of Jane Austen and other works that romanticize that period in history recently. The polite conversation, the quietly passed evenings, and the chaste romance seem to be ideals that have been lost. Enough time has gone by that we look back and yearn for those simpler days.
It’s got me wondering: what will it be like when people start to romanticize this period in history? What kind of a world will it be that those living in it would admire our rude conversation, the nights spent clubbing, and the subtle dance of the booty text? Will their actors dress up in skinny jeans and “Keep Calm and Carry On” t-shirts, portraying life in the early 21st century? Will their historical societies stage reenactments of our televised political debates? Will people start using twitter again just to feel like they’re back in the past?
Romanticizing the past is a little silly. Life was harder then. Those who worked had more to do, those who were ill had less advantages in medical aid and knowledge, and those without the means to take care of themselves had little opportunity to improve their lot. And in the future, they will probably think the same things of today as we do of the past.
Though I’m sure it won’t stop them from romanticizing.

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