As the bracket of ‘modern’ continues to shift forward, majority teens are becoming infatuated with generations that came before them and the lifestyle they lived. Ellen McIndoe , a fifteen-year-old living in Bournemouth, will be acting as an allegory for the young generation as we explore the ins and outs of this newfound nostalgia. 

So what has founded this longing for a place they have never been? Well first off there is the deep disappointment with the modern day; with the the onslaught of new tech and addictive social media isolating people to their own unrealistic standards and comparisons, no wonder young people are becoming engulfed with a desire to live in a time without it. Arguably, this could be considered a last hope and avoidance of nihilism. Despite this, as is quite obvious young people are becoming increasingly attached to their devices – particularly mobile phones – and many wonder if they’d even survive in a time such as the 80s. Well Miss McIndoe acknowledged this during our interview and responded earnestly: “I mean I’d like to say I could. I’d certainly try!” Consequently, she went on to explain how social media allows the majority to appreciate different cultures (including those of the past) when curriculum and daily productivity does not. 

Another cause is of course music, which could be considered another drowning mistake or an outward expression of someone’s very soul. Miss McIndoe began by saying “music has come a long way, I mean if you consider the recording of the Quarrymen [just prior to the development into the Beatles] the quality in my record player, or even Spotify is dreadful!” However, she then went on to aptly criticise many modern radio station’s tendency to repeat the set of songs or even just sounds to the mark of insanity. Whereas older radio could be considered to have a wider variety because there were upcoming pioneers within their respective genres, releasing new hits to be played alongside the classics of a juxtaposing sub-genre. Moreover, Miss McIndoe said that in her personal opinion the beats and basics of the music across multiple generations before the current are more appealing to her, similar to those now of the Weekend and other likewise artists. 

Conversely, she then went on to consider the downsides of this new found cultural preservation. Upon being asked her opinion upon the possible underlying consumerism driving the purchasing of things like vinyl records and other ‘vintage’ media forms, Miss McIndoe (after considering the affect of the industry prices increasing) thoughtfully responded “It really is more about the sentimentality of collecting rather than just having” leaving the subtle message of appreciating what you have, while satiating your interests. Besides, there is a clear divide between controlled collecting and radical consumerism – becoming a slave to advertisement. Yet, combating this, the whole idea is really quite sentimental within itself - with Miss McIndoe receiving her love for all things before being passed down to her by her loving mother. 

When all is said and done, what is the problem with a passion for protecting the past? Miss Ellen McIndoe argues nothing at all.