Nostalgia
“Trying to stay” relevant is a defeating statement. If you are “trying” to “stay,” you do not accept that change is always moving. I always hear a saying, “Hip Hop is a young man’s game.” While I know females will protest the lacking statement, the age requirement to participate in the culture is a misconception.
Recently, I witnessed the emcee Jadakiss bring the 90s rap back to the limelight. In the recent Versuz battle between The Lox and Dipset, two successful hip hop groups, I remember my childhood and memories tied to the songs each group played. As I listen to these rappers weave clever rhyme schemes and stories, my yearning to go back to that time overcame me.
Time Machine
Reflecting on sentimental times in our past is a time machine remembering the history that has led us to where we are today. While being present is a more mindful and aware state, nostalgia is a bittersweet yearning for the past. The sweetness of transporting to good times and bitterness that they have left and cannot return. Nostalgia is enjoyable to experience when we find an old photo and remember being a child. It can be an escape from immediate stress or anxiety, or fear of what the future holds. As often as it provides emotional support and advice from past experiences, it can be a distraction to avoid problems that need present solutions.
Romanticized Past
Change exists with no exception. Growth, or decline, good or bad, transformation provided by the time is inevitable. The dream of adventures into the unknown is what we hope for, but only when a backbone of stability keeps us balanced. We can no longer live in our past greatness. However, that does not prevent our thoughts from being seduced by our past. During unstable times, our brain searches for positive memories to cope. Because our thoughts are bias, we seem to continually rediscover the “good times.”
Pollyanna Principle - Positive Bias
Nostalgia sounds more like an escape from your current reality, a retreat from responsibility or unhappiness. Being disconnected from your current time interferes and prevents the acceptance and/or motion of change. Reminiscence can also refocus and stabilize us as well.
Pillar
Knowing ourself, and holding to the reminder of our identity are dictated in our experiences in our personal history. A traumatizing relationship in the past may have scarred us. Still surviving and progressing after it, our personal growth and development are more substantial because of it. Having nostalgic memories can provide therapy to overcome regret and trauma.
The structure and foundation of who we are can offer solace in the directions we go. If we are debilitated due to current events, nostalgia can assist in moving forward. When we suffer without acknowledgment or the proper treatment, we can become consumed with the constant desire to exist only in the past.
“An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one.” - Charles Horton Cooley
As I finished the Versuz performance and reflecting on my history of good moments, I reminded myself how hip hop has affected me and continues to endure in the everyday progressions of change to the best future I hope to achieve.
“Artists are not like athletes. We cannot win gold. We cannot beat other creatives. We cannot come first. Sport is objective. Our craft is subjective. Creating to be the best is a waste of energy. Instead, create to connect to the people who need you. Because they are out there. Create in your way. Because there is no right way. Take the pressure off, and focus on your unique brand of magic.”
Olympic Thoughts - Amie McNee
