So USAToday has come out with a list of the top 25 quotes from the last 25 years. Several of the quotes that made their list are quite good and memorable. Of course there are a good number that just shouldn’t have made the cut. Rather than take apart each of their choices I will just mention a couple of items I think should have been in there instead.
This is your brain on drugs – Widely used as a joke rather than the serious public announcement against taking drugs, popular in the early ‘80’s
I’ve fallen and I can’t get up! – It’s sad in a way that this is an even bigger joke than the previous quote. Part of an ad meant to sell a device to aid the elderly and disabled this was keyed upon by teens and 20-somethings across the nation. Even today it holds the ability to get a laugh, especially when matched with a pratfall. Cruel but funny.
Hi, I’m Joe Isuzu – Yes another commercial. What can I say we are a consumer society. This introduction was the hallmark of the most honest advertising campaign ever. Joe just blatantly lied to you. Seriously. He was just openly honest about what most people feel advertisers are doing anyway.
Fight the Power – The theme of many of the songs (and featured prominently in more than one) by the political rap group Public Enemy. Headed by Chuck D, this group was the spearhead of rap music with a plan of the late 80’s early 90’s. Controversial for their views and lyrics, they were a massive influence in rap hip-hop until the emergence of ‘gansta’ rap. Very motivational or intimidating depending on your view.
President Bush hates black people – Inflammatory without question, and inappropriate as it was spontaneously spoken by entertainer Kayne West during a live televised Hurricane relief concert. Still millions shared the same view, especially after seeing the complete failure of the government on all levels in protecting the mostly poor Black American populace of New Orleans.
What if this is as good as it gets – another quote from the highly talented Mr. Jack Nicholson in a film (As Good As It Gets) addressing the awkwardness of not fitting in and the need for love.
Good Night and Good Luck – The signature saying, and title of a film, by renowned and respected broadcaster Edward R. Morrow. The film is a sobering reminder of the responsibility that the news media has to inform the public and the potential for abuse by the government.
Duoh! – The ever so eloquent Homer Simpson’s catchphrase. Not only one of the longest running programs on television ever, but also the first non-children oriented animation program to gain wide acceptance in the United States. Stoners, and regular families alike, have grown up with this family that eerily seems too close to our own.
Take the Blue pill and you wake up and believe what ever you want, take the red pill and see how far the rabbit hole goes – And down the rabbit hole we all went. The first Matrix film did for this generation what Star Wars did for the prior. It set up a new wave of innovation in the film industry and the sci-fi genre that hasn’t been matched since.
While this list isn’t extensive, and mostly limited to entertainment venues, I think it captures more memories in the last couple of decades than most of the list in USAToday.
This is what I think, what do you think?
No comments:
Post a Comment