Last of the Animal House Generation

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The author reflects on his time as part of the "Animal House" generation, a group of college students in the 1970s who embodied the raucous, rebellious spirit of the classic comedy film. He describes his own experiences with partying, drugs, and general mischief, and how the movie resonated with him and his friends as a reflection of their own lives.

Why it matters

The author's personal story provides insight into the cultural impact of "Animal House" and how it captured the zeitgeist of a particular era, when youth rebellion and disregard for authority were more commonplace. It also highlights how societal norms and expectations have shifted over the decades.

The details

The author recounts his time in college, where he and his friends engaged in activities like dice shooting, drug use, and fighting, which he describes as being part of the "Animal House" lifestyle. He had a girlfriend named Monique Williams who viewed him as a "thug and a gangster" due to his behavior. The author also discusses how the movie justified the hard drinking he and his friends did in high school, and introduced them to the concept of "toga parties" which they called "LAGNAFs" (Let's All Get Naked And...).

• The author states that he and his friends were "Animal House before the movie came out, during my 10th-grade year."
• The movie "Animal House" was released in 1978.