MEEKER | Is there anyone among us who can claim to know “what’s what“ anymore? Recently a famous actor appeared in a television advertisement that urged viewers to take his advice by obtaining a reverse mortgage. He (and his commercial sponsors) count on his familiarity, as well as his successful acting career to boost sales. His use of folksy phrases reminding us all that he can be trusted are used very strategically, so that even more viewers will be convinced that he is just a good ‘ol boy.
The camera close-up, when he makes the second assertion that he has earned your trust by saying, “This is not my first rodeo,” makes sure you know this is the guy you’ve watched play every manner of good guys on the TV screen. For many that might cinch the deal. It confirms that this man is only their old friend, who is not a nefarious adman but an actor, who plays all sorts of good characters. I am surprised that he didn’t don his white cowboy hat to seal the deal.
Think about it for a minute. During these turbulent times with the lethal combination of a pandemic and political chaos wreaking havoc throughout our country, does anyone believe that any of us can use those old-fashioned phrases anymore? While many of us are used to listening to our elders and accepting their advice, no matter what our age, the changes being made by these current conditions are enormous. Mature adults have not been able to tap into their years of experience to help with finding solutions. People talk about the “new normal” now, yet the definition has not taken shape.
“You know, I have been around the block more than a few times.”
I have not heard that one yet, but it could be coming on the TV screen soon. Both urban and rural folks might make this claim, but I don’t anticipate hearing it much since I have turned the television off recently. The old folksy sayings seem to be outdated these days. I find them grating, rather than comforting.
I certainly won’t tell anyone I know “what’s what.” Even though as a westerner I might be tempted to throw out “It’s not my first rodeo,” I won’t. As for looking at future events, with an eye on the “new normal,” I intend to strike that phrase from my conversation immediately.
By DOLLY VISCARDI – Special to the Herald Times
