Missing Things I Guess
For my first blog post, I want to talk about how reading the Mezzanine during coronavirus has made me think about life before quarantine. Reading a book so focused on the material world, specifically the aspects of it you find in public, I've been missing the sort of day to day encounters with the objects one might come into contact with during more normal times. Since I haven't been able to leave the house recently, I haven't seen as many blow dryers, or escalators, or other things like that. Especially since these objects are found in places inaccessible to me at the moment because of the dangers they pose. While I hadn't really been thinking about escalators in the past few months, after reading this book, I've realized that I do sort of miss the constant effortless motion an escalator provides. And while they could be quite a pain, I also miss the sensation of a powerful blow dryer's pressurized air pushing my flesh off to the sides of my hands. These are experiences I don't really think all that much of, but now that I've been stripped of the liberty to experience them, I find myself wishing I could now more than ever.
I also definitely miss the human social interactions he talks about. I'm aware that the vast majority of human contact Baker describes is painfully uncomfortable and awkward to read about, but honestly at this point I'd settle for anything. And when you think about it, those awkward experiences often lead to the funny or gripping stories we love to recall for our friends once the initial discomfort has passed.
I would agree, while reading the interactions where Howie is being careful to do exactly what is socially expected of him, under normal circumstances I would be annoyed by these descriptions but it was been months since we have been in the described circumstances. It kind of speaks volumes to the unnoticed that Baker has picked out though if no one ever mentions these interactions but then everyone can relate to Howie's descriptions and has strong feelings on them.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean it is weird hearing about all these thing we don't really have access to anymore in such detail. I haven't seen an escalator in years but this book really brings you back to if you ever have gone on a escalator. It really makes you wish for life before Covid as it talks about all the things you aren't able to do anymore.
ReplyDeleteI feel like reading The Mezzanine also made me feel nostalgic, but without necessarily missing these everyday objects themselves. I don't really miss hand dryers (because as you said, they are rather obnoxious) or paper towels (also annoying) or anything like that, but I just miss the sense of normalcy that accompanies them.
ReplyDeleteI definitely relate to that feeling of longing and missing the outside world, especially once it's been so carefully deconstructed and picked apart. The descriptions and depictions of everyday life in The Mezzanine could be so compelling at times that I found myself almost wishing that I could go out and experience these same things Howie talks about, even though I'm certain I wouldn't be able to see it the same way as him. However, I would say that his depictions of the incredible awkwardness of social interaction didn't make me miss it at all - I'm a pretty introverted person in general, and reading all those descriptions just gave me physical pain. Having not had to go through it (as much) in the recent months seems to have made me forget how horrible they are and dulled my hatred - can't have that happening, The Mezzanine was a very strong reminder.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I don't really miss or feel nostalgic about everyday objects. I understand where everyone is coming from, but I find myself missing the experiences in day to day life: school, sports, clubs, that kind of stuff. Reading The Mezzanine has definitely made me more aware of the things I'm missing out on during quarantine, but I don't necessarily miss any of the physical objects mentioned in the book.
ReplyDeleteI do understand where you are coming from. Personally, I wouldn't say I hold a nostalgic feeling for the smaller things I may have lost access to from the pre-Covid world, but probably some of the bigger, more important things that resonate with me, such as being able to go play basketball at the gym, or going out with friends, or even just going into the building. However, I would say that your points about The Mezzanine does make me realize something: like I said, I wouldn't say I have nostalgia for drinking from the 2nd floor water fountain, but it does make me really realize and reflect upon the bitter absence of those things and how long we've been without these tiny little experiences that used to make up our daily routines. Fantastic post Elias!
ReplyDelete