Back in Time

Today is, as you likely know, the day on which young Marty McFly went back to the future. Interestingly, the world today doesn't look quite like it did in the movie. Many things have changed, especially in the areas of human rights and technology, but even though I've heard about a new hoverboard, for the most part people and places look the same. Except for shoulder pads and big hair. You hardly ever see those now.

I was reminded of the social changes in particular today when, having a moment to finally relax, I turned on an old episode of Law and Order. In this one, Lenny and Mike are trying to solve the murder of a gay councilman. They're really playing up stereotypes and actually referring to groups of people as "the gays". One of the things I like about watching old TV shows is that they are often reflective of society of that time. This is no exception. Twenty years have elapsed since it first ran, and gay rights have come far. And you hardly ever hear anyone say "the gays".

Recently I watched Back to the Future, bits and pieces of all three movies in a row. I don't recall every detail, even though I've seen all of them -- especially the original -- many times. One other coincidence (or is it?) has to do with a clock tower. This is probably a stretch, but I saw on the news yesterday that Big Ben is shutting down for major structural repairs, for "months or years". Hmm . . . I guess we shouldn't expect Doc to show up in London anytime soon.

[Gosh, I'm tired and my brain is crispy. Pardon my ramblings.]