Freaks and Geeks and Euphoria offer stark generational looks at high school life

As a child of the ’80s who vividly remembers the carefree days portrayed in “Freaks and Geeks“, it’s quite a shock to witness the raw, unfiltered reality that is “Euphoria”. The stark contrast between the two worlds is like night and day – or more accurately, the bright lights of a disco in 1980 versus the neon-lit chaos of today’s social media.

One season of the television series “Freaks and Geeks” aired on NBC in 1999, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the lives of high school students during the 1980s. In stark contrast, Max’s “Euphoria” presents an unnerving portrayal of contemporary teenagers, with a gap of four decades between the two settings. At its best, this time difference is unsettling; at its worst, it is downright terrifying.

The TV series “Freaks and Geeks” consisted of only 18 episodes, while “Euphoria” currently has 19 (and counting). It seems that “Freaks and Geeks” was rather brief, leaving one wanting more, and “Euphoria” feels quite intense, almost overwhelming.

The two series, “Freaks and Geeks” and “Euphoria”, exhibit starkly distinct atmospheres. While “Freaks and Geeks” aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and accurately portrays the era it depicts, “Euphoria” deliberately shocks its viewers with a strong emphasis on contemporary realism. The experiences that today’s youth face seem unimaginable to those who came before, while their past appears almost innocent in comparison. However, there is very little innocence left in today’s world.

Generational differences between Freaks and Geeks and Euphoria

Back in 1980, my teenage years were a whole different ball game compared to today. No smartphones, no laptops, no internet or social media, and definitely no constant surveillance through cameras everywhere. We’d learn about the day’s events only during the nightly news broadcasts from our local networks, which were just three in number. Quite a stark contrast, huh?

Modern teenagers have never known life outside of a digitally connected world. They start using computers and smartphones at an early age, rarely spending significant time away from immediate internet updates. Extensive use of social media has cultivated a generation of youngsters who might appear less socially adept compared to their counterparts from the 1980s. Their conversations often unfold via text messages or online chats, and many people establish relationships initially through virtual encounters before meeting in person. This digital lifestyle has led to a shift away from traditional face-to-face interactions that were instrumental in shaping those who grew up during the 1980s.

1980’s world was vast compared to today, appearing minuscule by contemporary standards. In retrospect, the world of 1980 exuded a certain purity and innocence that seems absent from our current reality. Unlike children growing up in the 1980s, today’s youth have grown up with an ongoing concern about potential gun violence in their schools – a fear that was non-existent at that time.

In both real-life high schools and the world portrayed in “Freaks and Geeks”, certain elements were present. Although overt depictions of sex and drug use were subtle on the show, they were still a part of its narrative. The series also depicted family dysfunction, as teenagers often clashed with their parents and teachers. While “Freaks and Geeks” romanticizes the era, it doesn’t avoid tackling heavy topics like sex, drugs, dishonesty, and parental indiscretion.

In the TV series Euphoria, there’s a prevalent portrayal of drug use, sexuality, and nudity that appears to be an everyday occurrence among its characters. This depiction frequently spills onto the internet for wider consumption. For some teenagers, this lifestyle seems ordinary, while for others, it is imposed upon them and they struggle to adapt. Some are unable to cope with their environment, leading to widespread use of medication – both legal and illicit.

In the year 1980, aspirin was the most frequently used medication for general purposes. Other drugs like marijuana, amphetamines, and LSD also existed. Today, it’s hard to say what substances are being used, with marijuana, ecstasy, fentanyl, and many others being among them. Moreover, legal medications for conditions such as depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, asthma, and various others have become more common. While these drugs were present in 1980, they were rarely diagnosed or treated in teenagers, and their use was not as widespread as it is today.

In the world of “Freaks and Geeks,” I found that adults, particularly parents and teachers, took on a more supportive role in shaping my character. They had the freedom to correct us when needed, fostering an environment where rules mattered. Even though we had more autonomy back then, our parents generally kept tabs on who we were spending time with, even if they didn’t always know what we were up to. They knew who our companions were, and that was enough for them to provide guidance when necessary.

The Wier family portrayed a typical 1980s family ideal, with the father being a rough yet compassionate working-class man and the mother, a self-respecting homemaker who skillfully managed the household and ensured meals were ready on schedule. Some of the adult characters in the show, including parents, were portrayed realistically – they were abusive, strict, and tough, often playing minimal roles in their children’s lives. Cal Jacobs, however, emerges as a truly malicious parent living in a cruel world, gradually corrupting his son over time.

In the TV series Freaks and Geeks, the challenges and themes depicted were authentic for that era, as I personally experienced this when I started high school at 14 in 1980, similar to Sam Wier’s character. Reflecting on those times, it appears that the struggles adolescents faced back then seem relatively minor compared to what today’s teenagers encounter. Regrettably, our society has not been particularly nurturing towards the younger generation. The environment that modern-day teens must traverse is significantly more complex, perilous, and demanding, both mentally and physically, than it was in 1980.

Watching Freaks and Geeks is a delight, although it does portray an idealized version of the ’80s. On the other hand, Euphoria is hard to watch due to its raw depiction of modern teenage struggles. It’s as if you can’t help but get pulled into their world filled with distress and turmoil. A striking contrast between these two periods is the loss of innocence that has taken place from 1980 to 2020, a reality that is both heartbreaking and overwhelming.

Freaks and Geeks” is a series that caters to a wide audience, whereas “Euphoria” may not appeal to everyone. Both shows offer unique insights into particular eras, but the former can be watched with your family, while the latter is a program you’d prefer your kids didn’t watch, and there’s a reason for that, although it might not always seem so apparent.

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2024-12-05 22:28