What Everyone Wanted in Middle School: A Joint Perspective from 2005 and 1992
Every middle school student has a wish list. Some aspire to new tech gadgets and social media platforms, while others favor traditional games and collectibles. Here, we explore what mattered to two students - one born in 2005 and the other in 1992 - during their respective middle school years.
2005: Greyson's Wish List
By 9th-grade, Greyson had graduated from middle school only a month ago. His technological desires revolved around gadgets that addressed common issues he faced. Greyson and his peers craved sleek, tech-savvy devices that made life easier. For instance, the iPhone 11 was a status symbol, and possessing it meant being part of the 'cool' group. Greyson, however, had settled for an iPhone XR, his previous iPhone 5c had given out after years of use.
Functional wear was also essential. AirPods were a must-have; they had to be comfortable and free from tangled wires. Grayson has a HydroFlask water bottle, which he values for its durability and ability to stay hot or cold for hours. His wish list includes Air Force 1 sneakers, perfect for any sporty outfit, and Snapchat, an app he wants to use despite not being allowed. Greyson is still in the dating phase, hoping to find a girlfriend or boyfriend in high school, especially with his parents' strict rules in place.
1992: Matt's Game of the Year
When Matt was in Year 7 to Year 9, the main fad was tazos. These collectable plastic placards with cartoon characters were a hit, especially those featuring characters from Dragon Ball Z. Tazos were not just toys; they were tokens of identity and social standing. Kids would often exchange or trade tazos, turning it into a form of gambling, which caused disputes in the playground.
A game that brought the whole school together, regardless of their popularity, was handball. In the quadrangle, you'd see at least five to six handball games in progress, each a battleground for skill and agility. Handball was a game of strategy, quick reflexes, and teamwork. The game had a hierarchy system called King, Queen, Jack, and Dunce. Kings could serve to anyone or any dunce, while the loser of a game was demoted to the dunce category.
Handball was accessible to everyone. All you needed was a tennis or bouncy ball and a desire to play. Even Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia was spotted playing handball, illustrating the universal appeal of the game. Rebound rules made the game even more exciting, allowing for quick bounces and strategic play. Handball was a game that could be enjoyed by everyone, and it brought students from different circles together, creating a sense of unity and friendly competition in the playground.
Conclusion
Middle school memories are often associated with excitement, exploration, and the desire to fit in. Whether it's the latest tech gadget or a simple game, the items on the wish list always reflect the challenges and interests of the era. For students in 2005 and 1992, their desires were shaped by the technology of their time and the games that defined their youth. Both eras share a common thread - the impact of technology on social dynamics and the enduring appeal of simple, social games that bring peers together.