Retro

:Retro may also mean Retrorocket.

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Retro is a contemporary term used to describe things from a bygone era. It is often used in a positive sense, referring to quirky or attractive products that are no longer available. For example, "Retro fashion" or "Retro Chic" may consist of outdated styles, such as tie-dyed shirts from the 1970s, or poodle skirts from the 1950s. A love of retro objects (things from the past) is called retrophilia.

Related Topics:
1970s - 1950s

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Retro, both in popular and in legitimized culture, can be seen as an uncritical exaltation of the past, used as a weapon against contemporary cultural forms. Retro is uncritical because it sees itself as a return to a lost authenticity, to basic values which somehow have been corrupted by later evolutions.

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A critical attitude towards both the legitimate and the non-legitimate would then be what is called camp. Camp is an ironical attitude, an explicit re-introduction of non-dominant forms. It claims legitimacy, but instead of aiming at timelessness, it wants to live only a short life. It does not want to present basic values, but precisely to confront culture with its waste, to show how any norm is historical.

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An example of Retro computing is the IBM 1130 computing system from 1966 which still has a following of interested users, albeit mostly via a simulator rather than the real thing.

Related Topics:
Retro computing - IBM 1130 - 1966

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A pastime which is becoming increasingly popular is retro gaming where individuals play video games on vintage computers and games consoles; although the idea of what constitutes a vintage or retro machine is one open to debate.

Related Topics:
Video game - Console

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Retrofitting is a term used in e.g. car customizing, where older vehicles are fitted with new technologies; power windows, cruise control, remote keyless systems, electric fuel pumps etc.

Related Topics:
Car customizing - Power window - Cruise control - Remote keyless system - Fuel pump - Etc

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