What Did You Grow Up With That Gen Z Will Likely Never Experience?

Looking back on my childhood, I can vividly remember riding my bike alone and even asking for help from a stranger if necessary. In today’s world, this seems almost unimaginable. Our generation was blessed with countless hours of outdoor play, where we were free to explore and engage in imaginative games. From playing jump rope, marbles, and tetherball to riding bikes and rollerskating, our afternoons were filled with adventure.

Freedom in Play

Maybe my mother was thinking of our endless freedom, but I can still recall hiking the nearby hills practically all day long. Those days when it felt like my mother was contemplating the nearness of an adventure. Our summers were particularly exciting, filled with imaginative games like pretending a blanket was a rafts and a soda cracker was a meal. But the
sharks and the need to save a fallen comrade added an adrenaline rush to every game.

These experiences were seemingly ordinary, but they laid the foundation for our resilience and creativity. Our parents, like my sister's mother, had a different kind of mindset. She would measure my body and stomach, rubbed my thighs, and with a sad face, reminded me that I would be physically advantageous as a fertile woman.

Medical Misconceptions

This behavior wasn't unique to her. I experienced similar sentiments from doctors, some of whom suggested I would be like Quasimodo, using dental measurements as a marker of future physical form. Even a highly educated person, like my sister's doctor, who was the top of the class at a prestigious university, shared these concerns. The irony is, they used the same evaluation methods that were used during slavery and Nazi experiments, where physical characteristics were used to label and discriminate against individuals.

This experience left a lasting impact on my worldview. Now, when I hire employees in my current job, I ask them questions like, 'What are your dreams in relationships, what experiences do you want to have, and what are your plans if those dreams are not fulfilled?' This allows me to understand their aspirations and life goals, values, and motivations. It is a way to ensure that my workplace is a nurturing environment that celebrates individuality and personal growth.

The Loss of Traditional Tools and Rituals

Looking back, I also remember using paper maps, which were so much more than just a resource for navigation. They were works of art, with detailed hand-drawn routes and landmarks. And the sheer happiness of hanging up the phone, knowing there was a tangible connection.

Now, thought my cynical side, the apples from bobbing for them seemed to represent a simpler time. Today, we go to the movie theater, play spin-the-bottle, and enjoy birthday celebrations using modern technology. However, there is something undeniably nostalgic about watching VHS tapes, without worrying about cleaning them like DVDs, waiting for the Internet to dial up, and anticipating the tones that signaled a connection. Tamagotchis and learning to use flip phones, with their dialing systems and old-school ring tones, all added to the charm of our past.

Embracing Change and Nostalgia

While the transition from traditional games and tools to modern entertainment and technology is inevitable, it is essential to appreciate the unique qualities of each. Nostalgia for these simpler times should not overshadow the progress made in technology and societal changes. Instead, we can use our experiences to build a more compassionate and understanding world.

Today, as I reflect on my childhood, I realize the value of these experiences. They shaped me into the person I am today, and in many ways, they represent what my generation and the generations following us will never truly experience.