If there’s one thing our generation likes to do, it’s reminisce. And often, we like to reminisce about our favorite aspects of pop culture. Pokémon, Transformers, Nicktoons, and even Disney Channel are among the things that sometimes pop up in conversations that start with “Remember when…?”

But why is it that nostalgia is so powerful? What’s the worth in talking about something that is by modern standards passé? Why do we fixate on the old?

I think part of it has to do with a disillusionment with the new. Now this isn’t true of everyone, but if you’re anything like me--and you have a lot of criticisms for things like remakes, modern pop, et cetra--then this is probably something you’ll understand. When we see a lot of problems with modern pop culture, we tend to kick into hipster mode, breathe in deeply, and start with, “Back in my day…”

Okay, maybe our nostalgia trips aren’t that drastic. Point is, there are moments where the new just can’t seem to keep up with the old. No offense to those ingrained in the new and ingrained in the modern, of course, but it has to be said that sometimes you can’t beat the classics. In the eyes of those who are deeply nostalgic, the TV shows, movies, and other pop culture things of yesteryear have this memorable, distinct air that new stuff can’t compete with.

This brings me to my second point: the things that we reminisce about so much are near and dear to our hearts. Nostalgia is at its height when the thing we are remembering so fondly is something that we have a deep connection with. I, for one, grew up watching the likes of “Batman: The Animated Series” and “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers”; these kinds of shows got me into the world of comic books and superheroes with their imaginative adventures and interesting characters, and have secured their place in my list of shows to re-watch when I’m bored.

Nostalgia can be so powerful because it is a gateway into our memories; the powerful ones we don’t ever want to forget or leave behind, no matter what new interests we may pick up, no matter how old we get, no matter where we go. That’s why, given the changing, hectic times we live in now, a little old-fashioned goes a long way.

So revel in your hipster-ness. Shirk the modern for a day or two to go back to simpler times. Take a trip--or several trips--down memory lane in the best ways you know how. Because it’s good to remember where you started out once in a while.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got several DVD box sets to comb through.