Ponytail Picks #52 - Elders

We're looking through culture for the wisdom of our olders this week. Let's see if they know something worth knowing.

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LISTEN

A family reunion mixtape

These songs focus on those who came before us. Mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, grandmas, grandpas—they all get a turn at the jukebox this week.

-AK

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WATCH

Film & TV that respects its elders

Usually, in pop culture, there’s a tendency to reject the ideas of past generations in favour of the new. These films and shows take a different approach.

Reservation Dogs

For all it’s irreverence, there’s one thing the incredible, hilarious Reservation Dogs always seeks to honour—elders. From the laugh-out-loud role of William “Spirit” Knifeman to the scene-stealing older rez generation, this show had me inspired to visit senior homes on more than one occasion. Available on Disney+.

Letter to a Pig

This Oscar-nominated animated short will throw a wrecking ball through your psyche. It starts with a classroom of kids being little shits at exactly the wrong time to be little shits. It ends somewhere else entirely. Eerie and powerful. Well worth the $3.99 rental on Vimeo.

Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones

I first heard of Dan Buettner’s “blue zones” concept from his cookbook. Then this series dropped on Netflix and expanded the exploration of these high concentrations of centenarians way past the focus on diet. In the end, what’s the key thing tying all these communities together? Just that: community.

Nyad

Diana Nyad don’t quit. And last year’s film depicting her achievements doesn’t shy away from what it took to cross the Gulf of Mexico at the age of 64. Yes, it took a level of determination and self-absorption that clearly crosses the “pain in the ass” threshold, but it also took the loyalty and willingness of the people around her. In the end, despite portraying one woman’s unrepentant tenacity, the movie is more about unwavering friendship than anything else. Available on Netflix.

-AK

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READ

The beautiful, ordinary, musical story of Edward Penner

And now it’s time to get a little personal. Just ten days ago, Joel’s 99-year-old grandfather, Edward Penner, was “promoted to heaven” as his family put it in his lovely, detailed obituary. We invite you to read it and take the opportunity to remember the beautiful, ordinary people in your life that have gone on to the Great Beyond before you.

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It’s time to let our elders rest. Expect to get a little dirt on your tires in two weeks as we explore our culture’s

rural

landscape.