Nostalgia can be a peculiar thing. The definition for nostalgia is “a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.” But do you ever feel a yearning/nostalgia for a time you have never lived? For example, If you were raised in the 2000s like I was, you could fondly recall the 80s and 90s. What is this? Why is this? It’s a feeling known as Anemoia.
The 80s and 90s have made a comeback in recent times. Millennials have almost attached themselves to these eras as if they were their own. It must seem like a peculiar thought to the older readers that teens, male and female alike, will go into their parents closets to unironically look for “vintage” clothing to wear. Younger men love the look of sportswear from this era and young women have created a fashion statement out of the 80s/90s era jeans style or what they have affectionately dubbed “mom jeans”.
Vinyl and even cassettes are making a comeback as well. Everyone loves the look of a vintage stereo. Why and how is outdated technology even making a comeback?! It is Anemoia, a.k.a, a nostalgia for a time that you’ve never lived. I think you can attribute this to how complex things have become in today’s society. From politics, to technology, to social media, I think everyone can agree it can be a bit much at times. People will always yearn for happier times. If they want to imagine super happy times, they dream of a certain time and place they have never lived through.
If you are a history buff like me, It goes back further. Sometimes I dream of being an explorer hundreds of years ago. A time before all of the world’s land masses were discovered, a time if you left on a certain ship, you didn't know where you were headed.
I think everyone can think of a time they think they would be pleasant. If you like animals, imagine living among all of the extinct creatures. Perhaps you seek adventure like I do, think about the age of sail. If you are after ancient knowledge, think about dwelling among the ancients at the library of Alexandria. If you want something entirely new however, think towards the future.
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