Allison Mao Week 15: The Rose-Tinted Monocles of Nostalgia
Why do things sometimes seem better in the past than when they are re-explored in the present? I can remember so many times when I was disappointed upon rediscovering something I really enjoyed when I was younger.
Rewatching Barbie’s Thumbelina last week brought back so many memories. I was a big fan of the movie when I was younger and was excited to rediscover it. Even though I knew my expectations would be higher for the rewatch, since the movie came out in the early 2000s, the animation style and character designs were much rougher than the smooth animations of today’s movies. It was a bit hard for me to get used to the difference and it was hard for the movie to contend with my expectations for a good movie today. Despite the average experience, I still see the movie in a good light. Similarly, reading some of the old stories I wrote made me feel embarrassed that I ever thought the plot was good. However, after a while, I would always crave a reread, expecting to enjoy it thoroughly. I remember searching for hours trying to find one of my old notebooks just to find the plot immensely mediocre. Even though I experienced disappointment at that time, just thinking about the story right now makes me want to read it again. Maybe I will, after I finish this blog. Whether revisiting a movie or rereading a story, tastes do change. After spending more time on electronics, I find it harder and harder to sit still and read a book. However, the electronic-free days of the past still seem so appealing.
Turns out research backs the fact that people often do find the past more appealing than the present. Carey K. Morewedge tested this hypothesis, discovering that “films and shows from years past were consistently rated as having been better than the films and shows of the present” by participants. We are better at remembering positive experiences than negative ones: entertainment is not the only thing that seems more appealing in the past than in the present. It makes sense why people may refer to the past as “the good old days.” This preference for the past is also beneficial for industries such as the film industry. They can take advantage of people’s nostalgia and reboot old movies that were well-accepted by the audience. However, that also explains why many critics would give negative feedback on the new movies. I remember how, when the live-action remake of The Lion King came out, many people disapproved of how “expressionless” the animals were.
Revisiting memories always brings nostalgia and sometimes disappointment, but there is no denying that memories are immensely important when influencing who we are today. If they ever do a remake of that Barbie Thumbelina movie, I would definitely want to watch it.
Hi Allison! I enjoyed reading your exploration of the passing of time’s influence on human perception, resulting in a widespread yearning for the “good old days.” I personally have been affected by this in the formation of my favorite movies, shows, etc. However, when talking about the film industry, it is also crucial to consider that filmmakers are restrained by the technology of their time. In addition, new directors have the advantage of a larger industry, budget, audience, and inspiration from past directors. Therefore, older films might be ranked higher in terms of what they were able to accomplish in their limitations. Yet the effect that you mentioned still holds true, and new films need to achieve far more in order to rank among the firmly established classics. I appreciate the tone you set your blog in, as it really allows me to relate with the experiences of embarrassment in revisiting the past. One reason the past appears so much better than now is because we like to filter out the negative memories. Similarly, most of our favorite past movies would probably turn out to be worse than our romanticized perception of it. Because the uncertainty of our memories is so widespread and relatable, I find this discussion to be extremely engaging.
ReplyDeleteHey Allison! After reading through your blog, it made me reflect on my own experiences with revisiting things from the past and finding them not quite as magical as I remembered. I find it really interesting how our tastes and perceptions can change over time, and yet there's still this lingering nostalgia that somehow finds a way to stay in our minds and makes us want to go back and revisit those memories. On a recent Target trip, I was in the book section when I came across a familiar title on display, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” This book was a staple of my childhood, so I picked up the book, eager to revisit the colorful illustrations and whimsical story that captivated me as a child. Nevertheless, the experience was a bit different than I had imagined. When I flipped through the pages, I could not help but notice how the illustrations, while still whimsical, seemed simpler than I remembered as a child, and the story felt shorter and less intricate as well. In the same sense, your reflections on re-experiencing childhood favorites and revisiting past joys that sometimes lead to mixed feelings are the same as mine. Whether it's watching an old movie or rereading a beloved story, our tastes and expectations inevitably evolve over time. What once seemed perfect and enchanting may now appear flawed or outdated. Yet, despite these moments of disillusionment, there remains an enduring fondness for the memories associated with these childhood staples. I think that it is fascinating to consider how our memories shape our perceptions of the world around us, influencing our preferences and judgments in the present. And who knows, maybe if they ever do remake that Barbie Thumbelina movie, it'll bring back some of the magic for you too!
ReplyDeleteHi Allison,
ReplyDeleteI think you touch on a really unique yet universal topic in your blog, especially when you mention how you find it harder to sit still and read a book after spending so much time on electronic devices over the past few years. I can certainly see that the amount of time I spend reading now compared to when I was younger has been at an all time low. However, much like you, I still yearn for my childhood days when I spent most of my time reading picture books. But there’s just something about the books now that isn’t as compelling as they used to be to me. As much as I wish I could change this perspective, I haven’t been able to do so yet. Despite all this, I couldn’t agree with you more on how our past appeals, no matter how disappointing they are now, have still influenced us today. In fact, revisiting our past, regardless of whether or not it’s disappointing, actually allows us to reassess the situation and possibly even grow from it. Just as you revisited the childhood movie “Thumbelina,” a few months ago, I also revisited my favorite childhood movie “When Marnie Was There.” Although I still loved it and was awed by it the same way I was when I was 7, I found that I was able to look at it from a different, more educated perspective. Despite the fact that you found that the movie didn’t quite meet your expectations, I believe that just shows how you grew and learned to look at things from a different pair of eyes, which is certainly admirable!
Hi Allison,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog about how people seem to find past memories more appealing compared to the present. While that was not the case with your own experiences in rewatching some old movies, it is nice that you still find the positives of the past. For me, I definitely prefer my childhood experiences as they were more worry-free, and most importantly, almost technology free. When I was younger, I would go to parks for hours and would never get bored and I hated using any type of device when I could go outside instead. Still, while I was young, I used technology to record funny videos or record old experiences I had, and every time I watch those videos, I always get emotional. Some examples that always make me miss my past are the photos of Christmas decorations at my old house and pictures of my summer experiences. Whenever I look at these photos, I always wonder how my life was much better, more carefree and enjoyable. I will always regret the thought I had of wanting to grow up and become older since now I just want to enjoy what I had all those years ago. Movies and television do have a big connection to the nostalgic feeling of the past, as I still remember a very specific list of television shows that I really enjoyed when I was younger. Of course, I have rewatched these series several times, and every time, I get a glimpse of my childhood. I hope to move forward but always remain connected to my past as those memories are unforgettable. Thanks again for sharing your experiences and thoughts on the past!
Hello Allison! Your reflection on revisiting childhood favorites resonates with many of us who have experienced the same mix of nostalgia and disappointment. It's interesting how our memories can sometimes paint a rosier picture of the past than reality, leading to a sense of longing for simpler times. I can relate to the excitement of rediscovering something from my childhood such as first being able to run, only to find that it doesn't quite live up to my adult expectations. The rough animation style of older movies or the simplistic plotlines of childhood stories may not hold the same charm as they once did, yet there's still a sense of fondness attached to them. It's as if the memories themselves have a comforting quality that transcends the actual experience which makes it something special. Research confirming that people often view the past more favorably than the present adds another layer to this phenomenon. Nostalgia not only influences our personal preferences but also shapes industries like film, where reboots capitalize on people's longing for the past. Despite any disappointments, revisiting memories reminds us of where we've come from and how our experiences have shaped who we are today. And who knows, memories could strike causing a stroke of thought solving world hunger!
ReplyDelete