Granddad... What was the end of the last century like?
Ah yes... girl power, affordable housing and food, people still had hopes and dreams. Climate catastrophe was the hole in the ozone layer and everyone rallied around to fix it by changing their fridges and their hair. Instead of smartphones we all had a Teddy Ruxpin and the passage of time was marked by David Beckhams new style. The Royals were beloved and all the bigots were easily identifiable. Where the choc ices flowed and we knew nothing of the Findus horrors. Where Ai was only in films and the most evil global leaders were mainly fictional and lived in secret volcano bases. Back then, the news came on once a day and you could simply miss it. Opinions were formed quietly, in pubs, and then left there. Billionaires mostly wanted to go to space in books. Algorithms didn’t raise our children, and the word “influencer” meant someone who sold you a dodgy aftershave in a department store. We thought the future would have flying cars. Instead it has delivery apps, anxiety, and a fridge that emails you to say you’re still poor. But yes, child. It was a simpler time. Now fetch Granddad his meds and log off before the toaster joins a think tank.
