NYC Teen Roulette is a win! This is the perfect antidote to the constant stream of "kids today" moral panic clickbait BS articles. Thank you for making the internet better, Anne!
Also, RIP Sherita. I guess we never really knew ye.
So glad you enjoyed Teen Roulette, Mr. Estrin. I wasn't so sure it was a great idea going in, because, well, I had no idea what would happen. But it was a lot of fun!
These teens are blowing my mind! I love how they look out for each other and Thea's insight about it being easier to do nothing than to do anything, and to be sad instead of happy. What a treasure, thank you, Anne!
Thanks Phoebe! Thea's comment struck me as well. I agree our default state is doing nothing. Or even worse, reacting. It takes a lot of conviction and energy to choose a path and move forward. But the alternative is a lot more painful.
When I was a teen, I had no idea that adults in general were confused. I mean, I could tell that the specific individual adults I knew were often floundering and confused, but I didn't arrive at the conclusion that this was the case for adults in general.
I think what would have surprised me the most as a teen, would be to know that at least some of the adults were aware of their own confusion. I think my strongest sense was that most adults did not realize how confused they were, even though they weren't doing a very good job of hiding it.
I could not agree more with this! I remember, in maybe my mid-20s, on a day when I felt very old (lol), I asked my grandfather around what age you start to figure things out. He laughed really hard and said "you don't," which SHOCKED me because he seemed to me like he always had everything figured out. I definitely wish there was more transparency about this growing up. I feel like people would be happier and more open to making mistakes and not feeling like you have to have all the answers.
The cynic in me wants to believe you just lucked upon a minority of smart, cool NYC teens, but my less dark side is trying to hope these are more representative. I'm pushing 60 and know barely anything of Patti Smith (though some friends are devotees), but the idea of a 14 year old reading her memoir warms my heart. And 70-somethings are not OLD! Love it! Plus, they "get" some of what's wrong, angering or merely amusingly quirky about older generations without being angsty or resentful about it. Hope.
It's interesting JEBNYC—Willa told me she had read the Patti Smith for school but was rereading it again because she loved it so much. And that her favorite novel was Donna Tart's "A Secret History." When I gave her my card, she noted my little card case and said, with admiration, "Very Patrick Bateman!" which was a hilarious literary reference. So yes, very reassuring!
Ha. Yes, she is absolutely obsessed with “The Secret History” and just about fainted when she found out I have a signed first edition. I promised her that she will have it someday.
I love that the teenagers are just as insightful as the seniors! Of course if you ask the seniors what they think of Tik Tok or who they would want to grow up to be, you might get some funny looks. Maybe you should swap age appropriate questions sometime.
I actually know a couple of those teens, but I will not reveal who since I'm not buggin.
Speaking of buggin, what side of the shoes in the house divide are you?
Mr. Stephenson, it'd be funny to try the senior questions on the teens and vice versa for sure. As for shoes in the house, I am GLAD YOU ASKED.
People asking me to remove my shoes in their home is one of my very few pet peeves. It's the FLOOR we're talking about. Why is it so precious? Also, my shoes are part of my OUTFIT. Also, I am less tall and therefore less terrifying in my bare feet, and that is no fun. Also, without my shoes my feet get COLD.
That said, I can ALMOST accept the no-shoes policy among folks who do not have pets. It's their home—let them be fuss pots if they wish. What really makes me crazy is people who make me take off my shoes even though they have dogs or cats who are in and out of the house all day long with their filthy paws tracking in all the best and worst of NYC. Which leads me to believe that asking guests to remove their shoes has nothing to do with hygiene, it's a CONTROL ISSUE. Maybe not even conscious, but it's totally about the wish to order someone about and dictate what goes on in their home.
How do you feel about people who take their shoes off in their own house and have a dog, but never impose their shoeless lifestyle on visitors? What about Japanese guest slippers? I have been a no shoes in my own house kind of person since before I had a pet and it's hard to go back even if I do occasionally see my dog urinate on his own paws.
Lol I respect you taking off your own shoes in your own home. You are also welcome to take off your shoes in my home. I have nothing to add about your dog.
Let's talk about people who voluntarily take their shoes off on an airplane and go sock-footed into the washrooms and then return to their seats to massage their feet!
My brother takes things a step further---its not about shoes or no shoes. It's about not wearing the same jeans in his condo after a subway ride in Toronto! (*But also wearing jeans, in general. He's not a nudist.)
Oh wow, very cool Equilbrist. Willa was such a thoughtful young lady—she was very kind to offer suggestions on where to find other teens and how to approach them.
Magnificent Teen Roulette! Thank you for considering and then carrying it out with such creativity!
Insaf gets it -- "I've never met a 30-year-old who acts like an adult. They're always confused." -- After decades of observation, I'm convinced that the 30s is when everyone loses it to some degree. Those fortunate enough to be aware and capable then take several deep breaths, reinvent themselves, and launch out into their 40s and beyond.
Violet gets it -- "People in power are always going to disregard the needs of others to benefit themselves and make themselves more money, even when it's obvious they're going to be affected by the bad things too." -- Short-sighted greed, through the ages.
And Thea, too -- "There's more temptation to do nothing then there ever was before, and it's hard to push past that and do things you know you're going to enjoy."
If you ran "Aging Low-level bureaucrat Roulette", I couldn't have given better answers myself.
OMG Daniel now I totally want to do Aging Low-Level Bureaucrat Roulette!
I agree that people are often at their most bonkers in their 30s. At least, that was my personal experience. But I think that "losing it in your 30s" may prevent a mid-life crisis in ones 50s. It keeps one from getting too far off course before it's too late to make a correction.
"But I think that "losing it in your 30s" may prevent a mid-life crisis in ones 50s. It keeps one from getting too far off course before it's too late to make a correction."
That's a brilliant insight -- helps to clarify a lot -- thank you!
That makes a lot of sense, considering (some recent tangents I've been following) that everything in the cosmos is moving; nothing is resting on bedrock out there; bedrock here isn't even resting on bedrock (re: our recent petit quake); and the Eastern wisdom of nothing being perfect or full or lasting.
All to say -- everything and everyone is always and everywhere in motion. With that frame, course corrections become routine types of crisis?
This was a “typeshit” type of article! Fantastic one Anne! But I’d love to see how would the teens react to the questions say in Harlem or Queens where there is a bit more diversity.. Love how the screenagers are as aware of screen time as old farts like us too..🥲
Anne I have to admit that I love teen roulette way more than senior citizens roulette for the saddest reason: it’s now easier for me to imagine the answers of a 70 year old than a 17 year old 😢
Wow, the kids ARE alright! If they’re a representative sample, I’m psyched. Love how the confusion around “Aharon” has not been cleared up. Cracking up at my question seeming “creepy”! (Typeshit!) Only realized it later, when I reread it.
NYC Teen Roulette is a win! This is the perfect antidote to the constant stream of "kids today" moral panic clickbait BS articles. Thank you for making the internet better, Anne!
Also, RIP Sherita. I guess we never really knew ye.
Finally, stay weird "Aharon."
So glad you enjoyed Teen Roulette, Mr. Estrin. I wasn't so sure it was a great idea going in, because, well, I had no idea what would happen. But it was a lot of fun!
It's a winner! You need one more demographic and you'll have a Roulette media empire on your hands.
These teens are blowing my mind! I love how they look out for each other and Thea's insight about it being easier to do nothing than to do anything, and to be sad instead of happy. What a treasure, thank you, Anne!
Thanks Phoebe! Thea's comment struck me as well. I agree our default state is doing nothing. Or even worse, reacting. It takes a lot of conviction and energy to choose a path and move forward. But the alternative is a lot more painful.
This was incredible! Also, speaking as a 40 year old, Insaf's comment that you don't really become an adult till 45 made me feel very seen lol.
So funny Samm!
When I was a teen, I had no idea that adults in general were confused. I mean, I could tell that the specific individual adults I knew were often floundering and confused, but I didn't arrive at the conclusion that this was the case for adults in general.
I think what would have surprised me the most as a teen, would be to know that at least some of the adults were aware of their own confusion. I think my strongest sense was that most adults did not realize how confused they were, even though they weren't doing a very good job of hiding it.
I could not agree more with this! I remember, in maybe my mid-20s, on a day when I felt very old (lol), I asked my grandfather around what age you start to figure things out. He laughed really hard and said "you don't," which SHOCKED me because he seemed to me like he always had everything figured out. I definitely wish there was more transparency about this growing up. I feel like people would be happier and more open to making mistakes and not feeling like you have to have all the answers.
“Please” “share” with “Aharon” that he “cleared” the “whole” “friend” thing up “perfectly”.
Love the teens - in some ways more thoughtful and clear than the oldsters.
Thanks for another great newsletter! Brightens up the Monday!
Thanks mordy! Glad you enjoyed the teens!
I, too, was thinking about how they compare to the seniors, but I think I'd need a few more rounds to draw any conclusions.
Yesss the teens! They are all so great! Cool pics too, and I'm glad they were so up for the questions.
Thanks Utpaladhi! Great teens but also cool questions the readers sent in, I think. Lots of people helping on this one!
yeah really cool questions :)
The cynic in me wants to believe you just lucked upon a minority of smart, cool NYC teens, but my less dark side is trying to hope these are more representative. I'm pushing 60 and know barely anything of Patti Smith (though some friends are devotees), but the idea of a 14 year old reading her memoir warms my heart. And 70-somethings are not OLD! Love it! Plus, they "get" some of what's wrong, angering or merely amusingly quirky about older generations without being angsty or resentful about it. Hope.
It's interesting JEBNYC—Willa told me she had read the Patti Smith for school but was rereading it again because she loved it so much. And that her favorite novel was Donna Tart's "A Secret History." When I gave her my card, she noted my little card case and said, with admiration, "Very Patrick Bateman!" which was a hilarious literary reference. So yes, very reassuring!
Ha. Yes, she is absolutely obsessed with “The Secret History” and just about fainted when she found out I have a signed first edition. I promised her that she will have it someday.
"But you have to try to stay positive, otherwise you want to just die all the time." -- This is my problem!
LOL Amran, you are the best!
That kid is wise.
I love that the teenagers are just as insightful as the seniors! Of course if you ask the seniors what they think of Tik Tok or who they would want to grow up to be, you might get some funny looks. Maybe you should swap age appropriate questions sometime.
I actually know a couple of those teens, but I will not reveal who since I'm not buggin.
Speaking of buggin, what side of the shoes in the house divide are you?
Mr. Stephenson, it'd be funny to try the senior questions on the teens and vice versa for sure. As for shoes in the house, I am GLAD YOU ASKED.
People asking me to remove my shoes in their home is one of my very few pet peeves. It's the FLOOR we're talking about. Why is it so precious? Also, my shoes are part of my OUTFIT. Also, I am less tall and therefore less terrifying in my bare feet, and that is no fun. Also, without my shoes my feet get COLD.
That said, I can ALMOST accept the no-shoes policy among folks who do not have pets. It's their home—let them be fuss pots if they wish. What really makes me crazy is people who make me take off my shoes even though they have dogs or cats who are in and out of the house all day long with their filthy paws tracking in all the best and worst of NYC. Which leads me to believe that asking guests to remove their shoes has nothing to do with hygiene, it's a CONTROL ISSUE. Maybe not even conscious, but it's totally about the wish to order someone about and dictate what goes on in their home.
Aren't you glad you asked?
So glad!
How do you feel about people who take their shoes off in their own house and have a dog, but never impose their shoeless lifestyle on visitors? What about Japanese guest slippers? I have been a no shoes in my own house kind of person since before I had a pet and it's hard to go back even if I do occasionally see my dog urinate on his own paws.
Lol I respect you taking off your own shoes in your own home. You are also welcome to take off your shoes in my home. I have nothing to add about your dog.
Let's talk about people who voluntarily take their shoes off on an airplane and go sock-footed into the washrooms and then return to their seats to massage their feet!
My brother takes things a step further---its not about shoes or no shoes. It's about not wearing the same jeans in his condo after a subway ride in Toronto! (*But also wearing jeans, in general. He's not a nudist.)
I can do you one better than the sock-footed plane passengers, Jules—the folks who clip their toe-nails on the NYC subway.
Your brother sounds like a character for sure.
And this is where I wish I could post the publicly toe nail-clipping, bare bum tanner in Santorini. Actually, I will send you that pic privately.
My brother is an exception to all rules! He's a microbiologist and biotechnologist, so it all makes sense. At least to family members!
Totally agree! Especially when I’m wearing boots that are hard to take off!
aww, these teens are so wholesome and also they have great hair
True, Jenne! Really, I could do a whole NYC teen hairdo issue!
Would absolutely read that 👍👍👍
Hi Willa! Proud to say that she’s my cousin!
Oh wow, very cool Equilbrist. Willa was such a thoughtful young lady—she was very kind to offer suggestions on where to find other teens and how to approach them.
Magnificent Teen Roulette! Thank you for considering and then carrying it out with such creativity!
Insaf gets it -- "I've never met a 30-year-old who acts like an adult. They're always confused." -- After decades of observation, I'm convinced that the 30s is when everyone loses it to some degree. Those fortunate enough to be aware and capable then take several deep breaths, reinvent themselves, and launch out into their 40s and beyond.
Violet gets it -- "People in power are always going to disregard the needs of others to benefit themselves and make themselves more money, even when it's obvious they're going to be affected by the bad things too." -- Short-sighted greed, through the ages.
And Thea, too -- "There's more temptation to do nothing then there ever was before, and it's hard to push past that and do things you know you're going to enjoy."
If you ran "Aging Low-level bureaucrat Roulette", I couldn't have given better answers myself.
OMG Daniel now I totally want to do Aging Low-Level Bureaucrat Roulette!
I agree that people are often at their most bonkers in their 30s. At least, that was my personal experience. But I think that "losing it in your 30s" may prevent a mid-life crisis in ones 50s. It keeps one from getting too far off course before it's too late to make a correction.
Glad you enjoyed the teens!
"But I think that "losing it in your 30s" may prevent a mid-life crisis in ones 50s. It keeps one from getting too far off course before it's too late to make a correction."
That's a brilliant insight -- helps to clarify a lot -- thank you!
That makes a lot of sense, considering (some recent tangents I've been following) that everything in the cosmos is moving; nothing is resting on bedrock out there; bedrock here isn't even resting on bedrock (re: our recent petit quake); and the Eastern wisdom of nothing being perfect or full or lasting.
All to say -- everything and everyone is always and everywhere in motion. With that frame, course corrections become routine types of crisis?
The kids are alright! (Not that I had any doubt 🙂) Love this! These were great questions also.
Thanks Malorie! The readers really came through on this one.
Typeshit!
Typeshit!
This was a “typeshit” type of article! Fantastic one Anne! But I’d love to see how would the teens react to the questions say in Harlem or Queens where there is a bit more diversity.. Love how the screenagers are as aware of screen time as old farts like us too..🥲
Queens and Harlem are for sure on the agenda next round!
“the kids are alright” - really sums up this social experiment 🙌🏻
(also, I’m THRILLED that I only just reached adulthood three years ago. Insaf for President!
So funny! Yes, thank you Insaf!
Anne I have to admit that I love teen roulette way more than senior citizens roulette for the saddest reason: it’s now easier for me to imagine the answers of a 70 year old than a 17 year old 😢
Ooooh nooos! Haha. But I know what you mean. We are WAY closer to the one side than the other.
Wow, the kids ARE alright! If they’re a representative sample, I’m psyched. Love how the confusion around “Aharon” has not been cleared up. Cracking up at my question seeming “creepy”! (Typeshit!) Only realized it later, when I reread it.
It's a GREAT question though, Courtney!
Thank you, Anne! It was interesting to hear the response. In a way, we are ALL screenagers!