Canada 2017·Video

Iggy Pop, Shawn Mendes and Generational Snark

From Vine stars to punk icons to pop divas to a couple rap legends, here are a few moments where the generation gap took the form of a verbal slap in the face.

For an older generation, it's the default setting: see something new, even groundbreaking and, intentionally or not, dismiss it. When RKO Pictures screen-tested the legendary Fred Astaire, the scouting report read: "Can't sing. Can't act. Balding. Can dance a little." Decca Records famously passed on The Beatles.  

In this installment of Then Vs. Now, we present a few other instances, well-intentioned or outright hostile, where the older folk just didn't get it. From Vine stars to punk icons to pop divas to a couple rap legends, here are a few moments where the generation gap took the form of a verbal slap in the face.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dave Pearce is a co-founder of Slap Happy Improvisational Theatre Company, three-time Canadian Comedy Award-winner for best improv troupe. When he's not writing for CBC, he's living with his wife and son in Bobcaygeon, and yes, he's heard the song.