A Dialogue Between a Time Traveler from 1997 and Her 2018 Counterpart
The year is 1997, and a curious woman suddenly finds herself in the 21st century. She expects to encounter some changes, but the conversations that follow reveal just how drastically the world has evolved. This dialogue between a 1997 traveler and a 2018 individual paints a humorous yet insightful picture of technological advancements and cultural shifts.
The Year is 1997...
Back in 1997, technology was on the cusp of major transformation, but many concepts that seem fundamental today still lacked the widespread adoption they have today. The young man, a 17-year-old boy who calls himself "He," and the time traveler, a woman from 1997 who will refer to herself as "She," engage in a conversation that highlights the vast differences between their worlds.
Emails and Blockbusters
He begins by mentioning something called 'email.'
He: So I sent an email to…
She is perplexed, not knowing what to make of this term.
She: Whats an email?
He quickly realizes his mistake and decides to change the subject.
He: Nevermind. I was watching that new Netflix series…
But She is equally befuddled.
She: Whats Netflix?
He explains that Netflix is a service from which one can get movies. However, She thinks that movies are still obtained from a place called 'Blockbuster.'
She: No, you get your movies from Blockbuster.
He: Whats Blockbuster?
This exchange highlights the monumental changes in how media, particularly movies and television shows, are consumed in the digital age.
Music and Internet Downloads
He plays another card, hoping to connect with her over a common interest.
He: Thats where you get your movies from. And CDs. Do you still have a CD collection? I have more than 100 and I download everything from the internet.
She is astounded by the ease with which he can download music.
She: You mean music! From the internet! Thats impossible! It took me 3 hours just to download that picture of Mariah Carey!
He marvels at the time it took her to download a file, which she mistakenly thought was an image, and She further reveals her skepticism about internet downloads.
She: High speed must be running slow. And who is Mariah Carey?
He educates her, explaining the concept of high-speed internet, which she initially dismisses as so outdated that it almost describes dial-up.
She: High speed? Id hardly call dial-up high speed.
He: Uh, what is dial-up?
This exchange shows the digital divide and the rapid evolution of internet technology.
Batman and Marvel
The conversation then shifts to discussing superhero films. He mentions the 'Batman' series, but She has a different reference point.
He: Wasn’t there a series of Batman and Robin with George Clooney?
She: Huh, Im talking about Batman and Robin with George Clooney! Ben Affleck as Batman! That kid! And who is Heath Ledger?
She is also confused, and He defends Ben Affleck's portrayal of Batman, even suggesting that the Dark Knight series starring Christian Bale is also fantastic. She is also skeptical about the perception of Heath Ledger.
She: Huh, Im talking about Batman and Robin with George Clooney! Ben Affleck as Batman! That kid! And who is Heath Ledger? Jack Nicholson is the Joker and he will always be the best one. I cant imagine anyone topping his performance!
This dialogue illustrates the changing landscape of superhero movies and the different interpretations of iconic characters over time.
Politics and Entertainment
The political landscape also undergoes a significant transformation, with different leaders and concerns.
He: Uh, oooookay. Well changing subjects, I still cant believe Trump is president. Hes screwing up our economy and persecuting immigrants…
She: Wait, that billionaire dude with the ugly hair…
She is skeptical of the current political situation and makes a joke about the nature of entertainment under such circumstances, in stark contrast to the serious tone of He's comments about Trump's actions.
She: Whos the first lady, Marla Maples? Ha! He: No, Melania…
He is surprised by her statement, which reveals a significant misunderstanding of modern politics. She continues to express her skepticism towards reality TV and thinks the entertainment industry should focus on traditional shows with proper scripts.
She: High speed must be running so slow. And who is Marla Maples? Ha! He: No, Melania…
She: Helmet? US Secretary of Defense? Haha, you mean the new White House Lady? And what is this reality TV nonsense? People want to watch shows written by WRITERS!
She is astounded by the reality TV culture and believes it to be a form of nonsense, even though it has become a crucial form of entertainment. He tries to explain the popularity of reality TV and the fact that it saves on production costs compared to traditional scripted shows.
Despite the differences and conflicts, both individuals express their love for entertainment, specifically mentioning the iconic 'Star Wars' trilogy. They reminisce about the beloved series and express their opinions on the prequels and sequels, with She having a romantic view of the original trilogy and He maintaining an interest in the modern interpretations of the franchise.
He: Actually, reality TV is one of the most popular forms of TV entertainment we have today. It also saves TV studios from having to pay high salaries to those writers you mentioned.
She: Oh dear God. I cant believe my ears. At least we still have our beloved Star Wars trilogy. Hopefully George Lucas wont release yet another edition that will suck the magic out of the original.
The prequel trilogy with its non-stop talk about trade negotiations. And The Last Jedi? What is the Last what?
The conversation ends with a humorous misunderstanding, but it also highlights the enduring appeal of the 'Star Wars' saga and the contrast between the two eras in Hollywood and entertainment.
The dialogue illustrates the rapid technological and cultural shifts between 1997 and 2018, showcasing how the digital era has transformed almost every aspect of daily life, from communication and entertainment to politics and cultural preferences.