Summer 1997

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

Someday I'll have a disappearing hairline

Someday I'll wear pajamas in the daytime

If "Afternoons and Coffeespoons" by Crash Test Dummies is any indication, I'm on the fast track to being an old fogey. Male-pattern baldness is a long-standing tradition among the LeBlancs of south Louisiana, and working in a home office means I can announce a "dress down" day at whim. The more important a given story—e.g., if I'm writing about the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops—the more likely I am to stay in pajamas all day. Any day now, I expect to feel a sudden hankering for a shot of Geritol along with my morning coffee.

Most of all I worry about growing old because of the cultural cues. I began to realize I could not answer the musical question "What is hip?" when Nirvana was such a smash. Now my tv tastes are suspect: I want to defend Saturday Night Live as a venerable institution.

In his thoughtful and provocative book Glued to the Set: The 60 Television Shows and Events that Made Us Who We Are Today (Free Press), cultural critic Steven D. Stark argues that Saturday Night Live is "TV's most self-congratulatory hit." With Stark, at least, I can comfort myself that he's older than me, judging by his bald spot and his round, friendly face.

There's no such comfort from Rob Owen, author of Gen X TV: The Brady Bunch to Melrose Place (Syracuse University Press). Best as I can tell, young Mr. Owen refers to SNL only to mention Melanie Hutsell's campy imitation of Jan Brady and to list an Internet newsgroup devoted to the show (alt.tv.snl). The show earns not a single mention in the index to Gen X TV. Am I the only person writing about tv in America who believes SNL deserves to celebrate not only a twenty-fifth anniversary (in October ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.