As much as I might exaggerate, the experiences I had growing up as a Gen-X kid would likely sound just as outlandish to my own children. I can already picture myself telling them, “You think you’ve got it rough with your social media and fancy gadgets? Back in my day, we had to…”
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Manual Car Controls
Imagine having to actually use your hands to operate a car! Long before we had automatic transmissions and power steering, my generation dealt with the simple yet daunting task of unlocking car doors with our fingers. And if you needed fresh air or to vent out smoke (yes, smoking was quite common, even among kids), you had to crank the window open by hand. Oh, and let’s not forget about the seat belts—if they were even present at all. Kids could lounge on the back ledge of the car, with nothing but mom’s arm between them and the windshield. Thanks for keeping me safe, Mom! -
Changing TV Channels
Ah, the good old days of TV! You kids think rolling down a window is tiring? Try getting up to change the channel every single time! We only had 13 channels, and most were a real snooze. Sometimes, the TV would give you a little shock as you shuffled across the shag carpet. And commercials? You had to endure every last one! If the reception wasn’t great, you’d be adjusting the bunny ears or holding them in place like a human antenna. Remote controls? They had wires and were about as useful as a rotary phone, which you probably don’t even know about! -
The Vinyl Experience
Records—those large, round discs that look like something from a retro DJ set. We had to delicately place a needle on the record to play music, and that required a steady hand. One wrong move, and the whole thing could get scratched. If you were skilled enough, you could find the exact groove to play your favorite song. And our speakers? They were practically furniture! -
Answering the Phone
Back in the day, you had to actually pick up the phone without knowing who was calling—no caller ID, just suspense! It could be your mom’s friend or maybe even your crush. And when you answered, you were tethered to the wall by a coiled cord, making it impossible to escape. It was like a scene from a horror movie, especially when your mom’s friends would monopolize the line! -
Film Photography
You kids have it easy with your phones and Instagram. We had to load 35 mm cameras with film and hope we took the right shot because we were limited to just a few exposures. And the development process? It could take weeks, and sometimes your precious memories never saw the light of day because of light leaks. The suspense was real! -
Navigating with Maps
Before GPS made life simple, we relied on paper maps that unfolded into a big, wrinkled mess. You had to use your finger to trace routes, and one wrong move could leave you lost. The navigators in the car were often parents with a propensity for yelling, “I told you to turn left!” and no, there were no alerts for going off-course, just the occasional gas station attendant who might help—if they weren’t too busy. -
Researching Without the Internet
Ah, the library—where we spent time pouring over books made from trees. We didn’t have the luxury of instant information at our fingertips. Instead, we relied on encyclopedias and reference books, and if you wanted to find something specific, you had to manually search for it. And just imagine my despair as a child when I only had half of the encyclopedia set, missing out on vital information for school projects. Thanks a lot, Jane Smith, for getting the second half!
So, kiddos, next time you’re frustrated with your devices, remember how much we had to endure. Now, go charge your iPad before it dies!
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Summary
The experiences of growing up in a world without modern conveniences are nothing short of astonishing. From manual car controls and changing TV channels to navigating with maps and using film cameras, our childhoods were filled with adventures that today’s kids might find hard to believe. Even simple tasks like answering the phone or researching information required effort and patience. The stark contrast between then and now serves as a reminder of how far technology has come.