6. Older Folk Have Criticized Kids’ Tastes and Fashion Since Forever
In an ever-changing world, there are some constants, such as death, taxes… and teenage fashions that tick off grownups. Whether neon spiked hair, garishly colored Mohawks, body piercings, Goth getups, or sagging pants, teenagers seldom have trouble annoying older generations – who had forgotten how annoying they had been in their teens. “Kids these days” is a complaint that has, literally, been around for ages. Indeed, few things are as predictable as grownups getting into a snit about the mannerisms, morals, and supposed softness of the young. Take this gem from the past: “Whither are the manly vigour and athletic appearance of our forefathers flown? Can these be their legitimate heirs? Surely, no; a race of effeminate, self-admiring, emaciated fribbles can never have descended in a direct line from the heroes of Potiers and Agincourt…” It appeared in a 1771 edition of Town and Country Magazine.
