That Girl from Derwent dwells on the value of religion this Christmas.
That Girl from Derwent has learned a few more things about prejudice since moving up North.
That Girl From Derwent reckons if you're going to be offensive, you should find a better reason.
That Girl from Derwent considers why it is that some words have wider implications than others.
Having recently turned 20, I’d like to say I’ve changed a lot since I was a teenager.
Sadly, this is not the case.
I’m still unable to grow a beard, I still have the dietary habits of a young child and I still get amazed if the town I’m from is mentioned on TV. However, there has been one change of major significance. I don’t know when it happened, but it’s shaken me to my core.
I now hate Holden Caulfield.
When I first read ‘Catcher in the Rye’ as a needlessly dismayed fifteen year-old, I reacted how I expect plenty did. I saw his angst-ridden tirades as accurate portrayals of the world around me. I thought he was the only one who understood. It was me and Holden against the world, taking on one phoney at a time. Eventually though, a time came when each new reading shed light on how bratty and just plain annoying Holden is. Of course, ‘Catcher in the Rye’ remains one of my favourite books, yet now I read it whilst slightly cringing at the thought that I ever related to it.
The shocking discovery of my newfound “Holden Hatred” is having wider implications. I’m beginning to wonder whether or not other books, films and bands I held dear as a teenager will suffer the same fate.
Is it the case that some things just appeal more to you as a teenager?
As someone who listens to a lot of music, I’ve experienced similar incidents with bands. CDs that I used to cherish now lay dormant gathering dust on my shelf. The fact that I’ve seen Razorlight live is nowadays said with regret, rather than with pride.
An avoidance of those things that I fear may be at risk also seems to be occurring. Since my ‘Catcher in the Rye’ revelation, I’ve warily resisted watching some of the films that I currently list amongst my favourites. What if I watch ‘High Fidelity’ and think that Rob Gordon should just stop all that darn moping around and list-making? Or what if I watch ‘Garden State’ and find Sam aggravating rather than adorable? Can I really afford to run that risk?
Given that there are films aimed solely at the teen demographic, it would make sense that these films lose their appeal after a certain age. However, it could also be that films aimed at teenagers are just plain naff to begin with.
I don’t mean to sound as if I think my current interests are unduly fantastic. I’m aware that in all likelihood, upon turning thirty, I’ll probably look back at the things I enjoy now with embarrassing disdain. Browsing through my iTunes, bands with names like ‘Casiotone for the Painfully Alone’, ‘The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt’ and ‘Dananananaykroyd’ may not seem as great when I’m a bit older as they do now.
Saying that, I REALLY hope they do.
For now, I guess all we can do is enjoy the things we do and hope to find something that will stand the test of time.
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