TV shows influence lives
Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 8:34AM Brittany Guilfoyle
guilfoyleb@mytjnow.com
Kids’ shows just aren’t what they used to be.
But, I’m proud to say, our generation grew up watching the best of the best from the 1990s to the early 2000s.
Nickelodeon and Disney were at their prime, and I’m sure others around my age would agree.
I think I’m not the only one who remembers getting frustrated when the kids on “Legends of the Hidden Temple” couldn’t assemble the three-part shrine of the silver monkey statue in Olmec’s Temple.
I wanted to be on that show just so I could prove to everyone how easy it was and win those prizes.
And did anybody else cringe when Topanga chopped off her long hair with scissors in the school hallway in that classic episode of “Boy Meets World?” I’ll never forget it.
When I think about the great memories from my childhood, watching shows such as these always pop up; “Are You Afraid of the Dark?”, “Bug Juice” and “Gullah Gullah Island” are at the top of my list.
If we all watched these shows now, then we’d probably realize they’re not as great as we remember. However, I know they’re better than the shows kids must suffer through now.
“The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” “Hannah Montana” and “Wizards of Waverly Place” just don’t cut it.
This may sound like a stretch, but I think the shows we watched growing up impacted our lives.
Maybe watching “Kenan and Kel” made you an orange soda lover.
“The Wild Thornberrys” could have inspired your love of traveling or “Rocket Power” could have influenced you to learn how to skateboard.
Who knows, “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” could have even made you thankful you’re not a redhead.
So, don’t feel ashamed if you were fond of that football-headed kid or Patti Mayonnaise – others can relate, even if they won’t admit it.
Let’s be glad and take pride in the fact our generation shares this positive period in history and feel pity for those who’ve grown or will grow up without ever knowing the greatness of “All That.”
And if you’re ever looking for a conversation starter, well, I’ll let you wild and crazy kids figure it out.
