In 2038, embarrassment is a filter.
In 1999, it was a phase.
 
I didn’t know what this was at first. A black plastic box with a sticker that said "Be kind, rewind." Turns out it’s called a VHS tape — and this one contains American Pie, a comedy that defined a generation learning what it meant to grow up... without anyone watching.
 
My father labeled this Artifact 0014, and wrote in faded Sharpie across the back:
“This movie came out before anyone performed for the algorithm.”
It’s messy. Honest. Stupid in all the right ways.
 
And it made me realize — teenagers used to be allowed to get it wrong without becoming a trending topic.
 
Includes:
1999 VHS tape in original box
My father's post-it note
Original Blockbuster stickered tape
 
This isn’t just a tape. It’s proof we used to grow up in peace.