Generation Y thinks in movie quotes

I think one of the most interesting generational shifts I’ve noticed is how prevalent Movie Quotes appear in the everyday language of the 20-somethings. Some of us are worse/better than others, depending on whether or not you appreciate movie quotes. I can appreciate a well placed movie quote in regular conversation and it serves as a great litmus test as to compatibility. No matter if you’re with a friend, girlfriend, boyfriend, family member, the question is: can the other person jive with a “We got no food, no jobs… our PETS’ HEADS ARE FALLING OFF!” or even better “You let the tying run get on second base and we lost the lead because of you. Start using your head. That’s the lump that’s three feet above your ass.”  These oft-quoted lines are an integral part of our growing up, what we thought was funny, important, and um, even instructional: “First you take the graham. You stick the chocolate on the graham. Then, you roast the mallow. When the ‘mallows flaming… you stick it on the chocolate. Then cover with the other end. Then you scarf.” As a general rule for those not in Gen Y, it is safe to assume that at least 25% of everything that comes out of our mouths is a movie quote.

So its not at all suprising that a silly little light-hearted movie called Evan Almighty had one moment that made an impact on me. This quote just popped right into my head the other day and I welcomed it. It’s when the only man on the planet who could possibly ever play God, Morgan Freeman, says this:

If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?

I love it. Talk about truth.