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I no longer completely understand current culture, but I did click “Accept.”

By Jim LaJoie, co-publisher, contributor

I try mightily to stay relevant. My definition of “staying relevant” is staying abreast of the news (cringing as I do), attempting to understand and utilize current technology, and knowing what is going on in popular culture (heavily leaning on younger family members and friends to help in that effort). I would like to think that although 70 is within view, I have not allowed myself to be stuck somewhere in the past.

But there are constant reminders that I have a tenuous grasp on some areas of popular culture, barely hanging on by my fingertips tenuous.

Music, for instance. I enjoy music, at least the music I like, which tends to skew toward classic rock, but embraces Motown, blues, some country and almost anything that came out of Stax Records (Memphis soul it has been called, think Otis Redding). I listen to music nearly daily.

At one point in my life, in what doesn’t seem the distant past, I could name just about all the popular artists and their songs. Today? Not a chance. Sure, I’ve heard of Taylor Swift and Beyonce - I don’t live in a cave - but Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Tyla, Tate McRae, Dua Lipa? I hear these names, understand they are current popular artists, but their genre? No clue. Can I name any songs of theirs? Absolutely not.

When did that happen?

Same with actors. My wife and I don’t go out to see movies very often, preferring to watch movies on a streaming service in the comfort of our den. Often our movie choices are older films. At one point I could easily rattle off all leading actors and their movies. Now? Nah (said while shaking my head). I recently read that Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega and Anya Taylor-Joy were “emerging gen z” actors. Haven’t a clue as to who they are. Jacob Elordi, doesn’t he play for the Edmonton Oilers? Jenna Ortega, isn’t she the nice lady who lives down the street? Anya Taylor-Joy, novelist? No? Then I haven’t a clue.

When did that happen?

Language is an area I always considered myself at least somewhat proficient at. Now I am not so sure, at least in keeping up on current vernacular. I recently saw an ad on television where the actor said “That outfit was drip.” Didn’t think he meant the clothes were water proof, or damp, but had to look up what it meant (for those who need a definition: it apparently means an outfit that is fashionable, and often expensive). “Cheugy”, “sus”, “glow up” all mean something to gen z, but might as well be a foreign language to me.

When did this happen?

Technology seems to be changing more rapidly than I can keep up with. In recent weeks I have read stories, or heard on the news, words and terms such as “zero trust,” “blockchain,” “Retrieval augmented-generation (RAG),” and “Generative Adversarial Network (GAN).” I made an effort to find the definitions of the first two, didn’t want to hurt my brain with the latter pair. Although far from being a techie, I used to know far more of what was happening in the word of technology than I do now.

When did this happen?

I turned 67 a couple of months back. I sometimes am surprised by that, I don’t consider myself “old.” In my mind, I’m stuck somewhere in my 40s. When I see myself in the mirror each morning, expecting to see the younger me, harsh reality stares me - literally - in the face. I am in good health, thankfully, but there are times, especially after a vigorous workout, when my body is telling me I am in fact nearing 70. Many mornings just getting out of bed reminds me of that fact.

When did this happen?

I will not give up the good fight in attempting to stay relevant. I will continue trying to understand the increasingly changing world around me. I will try to understand who and what is important to younger generations even as it seems to be admittedly getting more difficult. I will continue to maintain a youthful and positive outlook. I will keep up the good fight. Even if, at times, it feels as if I am losing.

Now, can someone tell me who The Weeknd is?

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