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I Have Seen

I am borrowing something from a commercial. I think it was an ad for eye glasses, but it doesn't matter what it was selling--it was a clever piece of film. A man who is over one hundred years old begins with "I have seen," and he names the various events, cultural oddities, and inventions he has seen throughout his life time. I like the idea so much that even though I am only 45, an unremarkable age, I will name what I have seen.

I have seen houses with only one television, black and white with no remote control to rotate through the four channels.

I have seen houses with only one telephone, a rotary dial with a twelve-inch cord, stuck up on the kitchen wall.

I have seen houses with just one car, and kids who walked to school.

I have seen mankind landing on the moon for the very first time, fuzzy and distant and full of pride, and I suspect a little fear.

I have seen corporal punishment in schools, those fear-inspiring hand paddles and ass paddles and rulers used to smack tiny palms.

I have seen stores closed on Sundays.

I have seen a world without the Internet and cell phones and Blackberries.

I have seen gas at 25¢ a gallon and bread for 17¢ a loaf. And people complained.

I have seen people saving S&H Green Stamps, hoping to get a sewing machine or a set of golf clubs.

I have seen typing classes conducted with electric typewriters with an Elite wheel for italics, a return lever that dinged, and onion-skin paper that smudged.

I have seen seat belts installed in all vehicles.

I have seen popcorn cooked in a little oil on the stove top.

I have see the mood ring come in and go out of fashion several times since my childhood.

I have seen stores that sold clothing made in my very own country by union workers. Shoes, too.

I have seen the demise of the Soviet Union and the reunification of Germany.

I have seen six presidents peaceably pass the office onto the next wide-eyed hopeful.

I have seen three wars, lumping the war in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq into the same fight.

I have seen the world population double.

What have you seen?

Comments

dive said…
I have seen my favourite blog turn a most revolting pink colour. Yikes, Robyn! That not only makes my eyes hurt, but can you imagine the gay jibes I will get as soon as one of my workmates sees me here?

And by the way:
That's my TV.
And my telephone.
And my car.
And what's an ass-paddle?

Thanks for this one, Robyn; I'll do it when I can.
8:22 AM
Scout said…
You don't like the pink, Dive? Rich was so afraid this blog was turning pink, so I thought I'd give it a try.

An ass paddle: the kind of paddle that is used to swat an ass.
8:31 AM
dive said…
Wow! They make a special instrument to swat ass? What kind of person would think to design one of those?
That's almost as scary as the pink.
9:17 AM
Gina said…
I've seen the rotary phones, the world without computers, and the mood ring. You are older than me Robyn, so I have nothing to add!
11:16 AM
Neponset River Bridge Dig said…
OH NO!!!! no you Robyn turning PINK!! Oh no!!

I agree with dive on this one. Go back to that split pea soup color will ya???
12:23 PM
Neponset River Bridge Dig said…
Funny story - I went into a blog (that I will not name)once and posted a comment and was told it was a "pink" blog and that my manly comments were not appreciated.
12:26 PM
Scout said…
Dive, you've never been spanked with a paddle?

Gina, yes. Sigh. I am older than you.

Rich, Thank God! you finally showed up. Now I can get rid of this nauseating color.

That is a very funny story.
12:28 PM
Cheltenhamdailyphoto said…
Well i liked the pink.

I've seen childhood get shorter and shorter.

I've seen gun crime appear in Britain.

I've seen footballers earn obscene money.

I've seen the wonder on people's faces at the first colour tv in the house.

I've seen letter writing as the only form of long distance communication.
12:47 PM
Anonymous said…
I have seen a Nation weep for it's assassinated President.

I have seen forced school integration.

I have seen houses with only one television, black and white with 4 channels and an antenna you would have to get up to move to try and dial in a better picture. What’s a Satellite Dish?

I have seen a farmers dozen (13) ears of corn cost just a dollar and a tin cup at the roadside and the honor system.

I have seen the flower power/psychedelic clothing come and go in and back out then back in again as well as pedal pusher, culottes and Palazzo pants.

Those are just a few!
2:46 PM
dive said…
I've seen Robyn in London.
And now she's going to have to come back to spank me with a paddle.
3:37 PM
Cheltenhamdailyphoto said…
Those ass-paddles sound just frightful, Dive. I wouldn't if i were you.

I've seen psychadelic dresses too, but with kipper ties!

I've seen clever boxes of lights which enable me to talk to all of you!
4:01 PM
Anonymous said…
This is an awesome post Robyn.
Love it love it love it.
Doing this one in the next few days once i get Thunderbolt friday launched tomorrow.
1:17 AM
Neponset River Bridge Dig said…
Ahhh glad you went back to the pea soup look. Damn, that pink was bright.
9:01 AM
Anonymous said…
I have seen a baker's cart and horse come to our street and the greengrocer van too.
I have seen children's clothes get brighter and the choice get much wider
I have seen sweetcorn sellers on Jimbaran Bay beach in Bali, before the bad guys blew it up.

And I agree, this is an awesome post, Robyn. Very thought provoking and a trip down memory lane.
6:03 PM
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