Black Learners, Bright Futures

As a Gen X1 mum, I often marvel at how the cultural touchstones of my own youth have become a bridge between my generation and my Gen Alpha2 children. Growing up in the vibrant SEGA era, I spent countless hours glued to a CRT television, guiding Sonic and Tails through pixelated loops and collecting golden rings, all while the iconic sounds of their adventures filled the room with nostalgia. Those experiences weren’t just entertainment—they were formative moments that shaped my sense of wonder, joy, and adventure, instilling in me a love for storytelling and gaming that I cherish to this day. The thrill of rushing through levels, the satisfaction of defeating villains, and the whimsical charm of the characters brought a sense of magic to my childhood that I deeply wish to share with my kids.

So, when the opportunity arose to take my boys to the cinema to watch Sonic the Hedgehog 3, it felt like the perfect chance to bond over shared memories while creating new ones. The excitement on their faces as we walked into the theater was palpable, and I couldn’t help but recall the sheer joy I felt at their age, anticipating the next adventure with my favorite characters. As we settled into our seats, I knew this was not just a movie outing; it was a beautiful way to connect, reminiscing about my own youth while introducing them to a beloved franchise that has transcended generations.

A Blast from the Past

As we settled into our seats, popcorn in hand, I was struck by how the excitement in the air mirrored the feeling I had whenever I switched on my SEGA Mega Drive. Back then, Sonic represented more than just a blue blur; he embodied the fast-paced, cutting-edge world of the 1990s. Everything about him—his attitude, his speed, and his never-give-up mentality—resonated with the can-do spirit of Gen X.

For my boys, Sonic is just as cool, but for slightly different reasons. To them, he’s a hero from the big screen, a character full of heart and humour. Yet, as we watched the film together, I noticed subtle nods to the games I had loved: the iconic Green Hill Zone soundtrack, the rivalry with Knuckles, and the thrill of seeing a Chaos Emerald come to life. It was a sensory flashback, blending my nostalgia with their fresh excitement.

Sharing the Experience

The beauty of going to see Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was in how it became a shared experience. My boys asked endless questions—What was Sonic like in the ‘old days’? Who was my favourite character? Did I ever beat the final boss? Their curiosity was a reminder that, while the medium may change, the joy of storytelling and adventure is universal.

I told them about the afternoons I’d spent with friends, crowded around a small screen, shouting directions and celebrating victories. Their eyes lit up as I recounted how Tails always felt like the loyal little brother we all wished we had. “Just like us!” one of my sons exclaimed, drawing a parallel between the two of them and the characters on-screen.

The film ended with cheers and a round of applause, but the real magic happened on the car ride home. We talked endlessly about our favourite moments, debated what might happen in the next movie, and laughed at how I could barely keep up with Sonic’s speed in the old games. It felt as if the lines between our generations blurred, creating a sense of togetherness that was both comforting and exhilarating.

The Cuspers’ Perspective

In moments like these, I often feel like a “Cusper¹”—caught between the analogue past of my Gen X roots and the digital world of my children. Like Sonic himself, I straddle two worlds, borrowing attributes from both. Gen X gave me a love for gritty, grounded culture, while my kids’ Gen Alpha world is full of boundless optimism and high-tech imagination.

This dual perspective is a gift. It allows me to connect with my boys in a way that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. The SEGA era may have shaped my childhood, but watching this movie with my sons reminded me that the stories and characters we love can evolve and grow with us.

As a parent, there’s something incredibly special about sharing those experiences—where my memories and their dreams meet. It’s in these moments that I see the true power of culture: not just as a marker of time but as a thread that weaves us together across generations.

1. A cusper is a person born near the end of one generation and the beginning of another. ↩︎