kids react to typewriters

Kids React to Typewriters

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I actually remember typing on a typewriter when I was younger. My dad had one of the more “advanced” models that had some digital aspects to it (don’t ask me the specifics, but I’m sure he could tell you), but it was a typewriter nonetheless. I suppose back then it was cool to hear the click-click of the keys and the ding of the paper wheel. I remember always being slightly amazed with the “backspace” function on this model because it actually blotted out the letter/word for you.

He told me stories about typing papers in college and the absolute nightmare it was to make changes. Just the thought of retyping a page, or many pages, because you had to change one sentence, or rearrange one paragraph makes my skin crawl. Something so simple now, was an arduous and emotionally painful process not too long ago. (Can you imagine what it was like when EVERYTHING was handwritten, gah!)

I can’t even fathom what technological advances will be around in 18 years when Isabel goes to college. I’ve already contemplated the fact that she may not actually need to drive. She may also never know what it is like to get that dreaded “low battery” warning on her phone right before it dies, or how it feels going into Starbucks fiending for an outlet to charge your computer so you can get some work done, because some genius will have invented batteries that can charge via air.

These kids surprise me with the fact they actually know about typewriters – granted, most learned about them from TV or the movies, but still. And their reactions to some of the nuances are quite amusing (especially the 6-year-old in the pink shirt).


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