Class of 2012 Mindset List
For each of the past 11 years, Beloit College has released the “Mindset List” for that year’s incoming Freshman Class - i.e., the list of things that the kids in the class have always/never known. It’s always a fascinating read, guaranteed to fill you with amazement & consternation, as well as make you feel really, really old. This year’s list, for the Class of 2012, is no exception.
Of particular interest to me:
- Students entering college for the first time this fall were generally born in 1990.
- The Warsaw Pact is as hazy for them as the League of Nations was for their parents.
- Schools have always been concerned about multiculturalism.
- IBM has never made typewriters.
- The Tonight Show has always been hosted by Jay Leno and started at 11:35 EST.
- Lenin’s name has never been on a major city in Russia.
Fascinating stuff, both the things that kids can take for granted as “normal”, and how quickly we can assimilate changes & start to accept them as normal ourselves.
-ghp
101 Most influential people who never lived
Interesting list over at USA Today — The 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived.
Fictional characters, and the influence that they have on society, is a very, very interesting question. Now, I can’t say that I agree with the whole list, at least not without knowing their ranking criteria, but it is an interesting question that’s sure to generate much debate. Thankfully (and somewhat surprisingly…) they didn’t include any religious figures. It shouldn’t surprise me, but given the tenor of today’s culture, I must say that I am pleasantly surprised.
Fwiw, my top 5 would include (in no particular order):
- Charlie Brown
- Bugs Bunny
- Dilbert
- Superman
- Calvin & Hobbes (they cannot be separated!)
I’m sure if I put some more thought into it I could come up with a bunch more, of varying levels of significance. But I’m comfortable that the five I just listed are both iconic and influential enough to merit inclusion — and four of my five didn’t make it on to the “official” list! 
What say y’all?
-ghp
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