I Talk to Old People.
Tonight after work I stopped outside and talked to an older polish guy we affectionately call “Farmer”. We stood around in the parking lot and talked about all sorts of things: The price of gas, owning houses, the way things were 30 years ago, and other such topics.
I immensely enjoy talking to older people. Many times when my high school friends would throw parties I would end up in the kitchen or living room talking to the parents instead of down in the basement watching dull teen movies. Parents loved me.
I’ve never had too much trouble connecting with the older generations. I talk and listen carefully, prompting them for details where necessary; drawing the wisdom and stories from their memories and storing them away in my own.
One of the projects I’d undertake, if I had the means and the time, would be to buy a digital video camera, and then interview millions of older people. I’d ask them questions about historical figures and events, thoughts on the future and stories from their childhood. By the time I was old I would have thousands hours of interviews. Interviews of normal everyday people, the things that make anthropologists drool.
Perhaps one day if we ever develop artificial intelligence to a self-conscience level (I’m not holding my breath), it could watch my interview and gain an understanding of the generations that preceded it. I’m crazy, no?
I love old people! At work, the two people I get along with best are these two old guys in their 60s. I just love listening to them talk about the good old days when they both lived in Chicago and the town was run right. They are the coolest. People my age tend to bore me, unless they’re the artsy/intellectual type like me.
I love your idea of videoing old people! My dad actually did that with his parents, or at least his mom. On one of our visits, he just sat out on the porch with his camcorder and his mom and she talked and talked and he asked questions. I’ve only seen part of it, but it rocks. Now imagine doing that largescale! Groovy!
Comment by Hamlette — August 30, 2005 @ 1:47 am
I too have an adoration for old people. With age comes wisdom and so many people turn a blind eye to these precious gems of insight and history that are our elderly. They should be revered.
Comment by tj — August 30, 2005 @ 7:00 pm