Childhood characters: healing people both young and old
By Aaron Fair
Photo of No-Face figurine from the Studio Ghibli film “Spirited Away” taken by Aaron Fair
In recent years, the popularization of childhood characters has influenced the aesthetics of individuals and their homes on the internet. These cute, cuddly characters like Bluey, Winnie-the-Pooh or Charlie Brown—to name a few—are sparking generational waves of change throughout the internet, helping to cope with the existential fears of growing old.
Noah Worley, a senior at Owasso High School notes that, “Charlie Brown himself tends to be pretty relatable. … I’ve had a lot of experience with depression the past few years and being off and on with antidepressants.” Worley continues, “I definitely understand a lot of his usual moments where he’s feeling blue or unmotivated to … be present with the people around him.”
Childhood characters often represent the emotions that can be difficult to deal with while growing old. They help to provide comfort to those who relate while also educating them on healthy ways to communicate and regulate their feelings.
People can find solace within the innocence of these lessons when they see a beloved character from their past in their homes or on a warm sweater. It is less a stylistic choice for fashion or decoration as much as it is the comfort of the innocent memories that these characters represent.
Childhood characters have held steady through the high points and low points within the lives of so many people. They have influenced children for generations and have played a crucial role in the development of so many individuals.
Childhood characters have had a major influence on who we are as people and, as a result, it is only natural that we hold onto them as representations of our personalities. The characters people find themselves relating to on social media are not just aesthetics, they are the parts of their lives where they can find comfort and safety.
Photo of Harrison Wood wearing and holding Snoopy apparel, taken by Aaron Fair.