Rocko Tried To Warn Us A LONG Time Ago...

Rocko's Modern Life was a Nicktoon that was never really afraid to go where others wouldn't. It would push the boundaries of what a cartoon could portray. Mostly, that would be in the form of innuendos and adult jokes that would fly over the head of the show's young audience. However, they also weren't afraid to poke at real world issues. These kinds of references are important in my opinion...
That's why today, on our nostalgic walk down memory lane, we're going to check out an episode of Rocko's Modern Life that tried to warn us about a very dangerous topic...
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[@evulpes]

The only difference in 90s Rocko's modern life and 2020''s modern life, is the fact that Rocko has a whole house. 😂😭

[@DuskTillShawn]

LMAO

[@LegendStormcrow]

And a big house in good condition. Mine is a decent size, but has a crap build quality.

[@leebulger7112]

​@@DuskTillShawnI have worked at Texas Roadhouse as Silverware Roller for 4 years and it was fine I got along with most people and the Managers are nice. In a Month I am quitting for a Americorps program making a new trail in Bur Oak State Park.

[@maxwellmeows]

I mean, you’re not wrong…

[@gregorycarter1940]

@@leebulger7112 I'm really happy for you but i'm ngl The name Americorp scares me

[@SageArdor]

One of the reasons I happily work as a crossing guard today is that I actually feel valued as a worker. The kids I cross to get to school are grateful for my work, and the employers treat me nicely and remind me how much I'm appreciated for coming to work every day. It doesn't make me a lot of money, but what it does give me is a sense of self and a sense of belonging.

[@DuskTillShawn]

I absolutely love this! I remember being a kid and having the crossing guards help me cross the street. They were always so sweet and kind. It was a fantastic way to start my day of school

[@BrandonScott-mi5pz]

AWESOME!

[@RogueT-Rex8468]

I want you to know something. You will be remembered by your kids for the rest of their lives. I remember Mr. Tucker to this very day, his smile, his greetings, the way he’d get up from under the willow tree. I will never forget that man for everything he ever said to me in his kindness. Crossing guard isn’t a go to idea for anyone- but for you to do that is a necessary thing that really lasts. As a kid with no friends- that smile and kind word meant the world to me. And from how you speak- I can see that you carry that spirit. You may not be mine- but thank you so very much for what you do. 🌌💙🌌

[@raymondjack]

As long as you’re happy that’s the only thing that matters.

[@ResidentMilf]

We parents appreciate you too. Making sure the most precious things in our lives make it to their destination safely.

[@Whatisthisgremlin]

Rocko’s Modern Life was one of those 90’s cartoons that got deep

[@DuskTillShawn]

It was a top tier cartoon! One of my favorites for sure! :D Thanks for watching, friend!

[@03bgood]

There was one episode where Rocko is crying. We've all seen Spongebob cry plenty of times but seeing Rocko crying is quite out of character and actually heartbreaking. It was one of the comic book store episodes IIRC.

[@honeybnoir824]

@@03bgoodNow that you mentioned it, I remember he cried when he had to take out his appendix. That organ was like the friend that Rocko never knew he had until he had to leave him for good. Unless that’s the one you’re referring to?

[@unnamed715]

@@honeybnoir824 There was a few instances when he cried. There was another where he went on a cruise for old people with grandpa wolf. Then grandpa wolf went off on him, to which he responded to with a rant about old people being grumpy. Then another kinder old person told him the reason why some old people are like that is because of the hardships they went through in life, and all the loved ones they've lost.

[@resto4life]

Have you seem the pron?

[@roderick8167]

It's funny that this episode of Rocko's Modern Life and the movie Office Space perfectly shows the daily grind of working a job and it's depressing that nothing has really changed the last 25 to 30 years since this episode of Rocko and the movie Office Space both came out

[@DuskTillShawn]

Office Space is such a great movie! You're totally right though. All these decades later and barely anything has changed at all... Thanks for watching, Roderick!

[@roderick8167]

@@DuskTillShawn yeah Office Space is one of my favorite comedies of all time ! and I know right it's ridiculous, also no problem dude !

[@blinkowarner3117]

Oh things have changed. Things have gotten much much worse and you are, adjusting for inflation, paid far less than you would have been 30 years ago.

[@calanon534]

If anything, it's just gotten all that much worse.

[@LittleMissLounge]

@@blinkowarner3117 Also, [full-body shudder] the rise of open offices and hot-desking. And we thought cubicles were bad.

[@GFCOLCQuote]

Oh wow, this show literally had the joke "Promoted to Customer" as the term of being fired before the meme, or at least I believe before the meme went viral.

[@jamestaylor3805]

Being a meme means an idea has become viral. Promoted to customer has been around since at least the 1940s when veteran GIs re-entered the workforce and the many militaristic "improving the enemy" quotes came with them. To improve the enemy means promoting them to corpse. Dark humor and the military have a long history together.

[@flewis02]

​@@jamestaylor3805 as a veteran u cant even sing most of the Military Marching songs without tons of dark humor

[@jamestaylor3805]

@@flewis02 the nicnames/actual names given to every single piece of equipment... Bouncing Betty sounds so sweet and wholesome. Claymores were known for removing limbs so of course thats what we call our APMs.

[@flewis02]

@@jamestaylor3805 facts..we hide our hurt and trama in jokes and false bravado....definitely didn't do any of that when my buddy in Iraq committed suicide

[@Zacman1123]

This show basically said "The American Dream is a lie" and we didn't listen.

[@SupHapCak]

The American Dream isn't a lie. The socialist dream is the lie. You all keep condemning capitalism but the faults you find in "capitalism" is actually socialistic policies, and you KEEP VOTING FOR IT. This is basically like a guy beating a woman, and telling her "stay with me because the neighbor is the one who keeps beating you up" and she effing falls for it. You want the economy to improve? Stop voting for Marxists, Communists, and Socialists. Stop participating with any companies that demand a subscription services for a product you should own (Go back to buying DVDs, CDs and MP3s so the companies can't force us to be a society that rents everything instead of owning it) Actually go work somewhere instead of being under this grand illusion that you should immediately be paid what the CEO makes your first day on the job. You shouldn't. You should be paid a FAIR WAGE, but there is a reason the CEO makes more money than the pencil pushers. I know your type hates to hear it, but learn an effing trade. You'll make tons of money with a trade. Working a job isn't furthering someone else's dream. You should be saving, budgeting, and learning skills to further your own dreams. Maybe it's too late for you, but then you focus on something new -- like your family.

[@mn0g0nm]

or some of us were literal children saying "see? I knew it, someone else sees what's going on around here, & idky I have to keep playing along with the _~everything's fine~_ charade or be an outcast in this world, but okay I guess"

[@xenogorwraithblade2538]

Carlin said it best: "You know why they call it the American dream? 'Cause you gotta be asleep to believe it."

[@whenimmanicimgodly4228]

It's not a lie, its a dream. Have any of your dreams ever been real? No.

[@uncle_Samssubjects]

The lesson is still going over your head.

[@HunterPBrown]

I recently lost my job. Was with my trucking company for SEVEN years. Laid off because the company closed completely. I knew my boss and dispatchers like they were my friends. I've been just a number working at companies like CR England or Schneider national or I'd have to mention my truck number alongside my name whenever I called in... And it was so demeaning...luckily I'm working again, small company owned by truckers for truckers. I'll never go back to being a number.

[@DuskTillShawn]

I'm so glad that you've found a company that is FOR the truckers. That's so incredibly important. Being a trucker is a long job that comes with a lot of dedication. My father-in-law was a trucker and seeing him getting treated badly by companies like Swift was just such a spirit breaker. When he got sick, he was employed by May Trucking Co and they were so incredibly good to him. They kept his position for him, hoping that he would recover. When he passed away a few years ago, they sent a card signed by everyone that he was close with there. It gave me a lot of faith for that industry. It brings me a lot of joy to know that your new company treats you like a real person, my friend!

[@garvensman]

Weird, because I work for J.B. Hunt. The 4th largest Trucking company in the country. I’m actually friends with my fleet managers, ramp manager, and had my slip seater at my wedding. We have more work than we can keep up with and my pay is phenomenal. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@HashknightGaming]

We are all numbers.

[@Saria6x9lol]

Ive been at my company for 3 years liked working till they swaped management gl decided to throw me under the bus suspended me with pay for opening break room door quickly and saying good morning to loud said i was to violent pending investigation stuck wondering if im fired consider yourself lucky just want to be myself and not be bullied into submissions man this sucks

[@michaelmetcalfe639]

Yeah I work for Prime and it has been one of the best places I have ever worked. I have always accepted having a number to identify myself because my name is so common there is probably like 30 people with my name so it is just easier.

[@dannigro8794]

The problem is is that when Rocko warned us we were only kids watching the show thinking it was a silly cartoon but everybody who was a kid when they first watched the show is now an adult in their 20s or 30s and now we see the world for what it really is and it makes even more sense re-watching the show.

[@trukarizma]

You mean 30s and 40s and we're the adult population suffering because we were sold the lie 😢

[@gusty7153]

@@trukarizma yup. i was a kid when this was on air. this is still relevant. also the social commentary was probably based off personal experiences from gen-xers.

[@dannigro8794]

@@trukarizma yeah I’m gonna be 35 I forget that some who watched the show likely a lot are in their 40s but I do know a lot of people who aren’t even 30 yet who watch the show a lot and it’s too late for them lol

[@carolynwilli213x]

​@@dannigro8794naw I'm 34 I watched this to death when it was on air 😂

[@mostef666]

37 this year

[@moonwolfv671]

Funny seeing oxygen being a service which has been cut off to his house.

[@Pwn3540]

Too many cartoons and movies are warning us about that!

[@redwarrior4226]

I'm reminded of the scene of SpaceBalls that had air in a can

[@oooh19]

Sad if one day air will be expensive! Ugh it’s the one thing that is completely free!

[@Pwn3540]

@@oooh19 well housing kinda used to be free, you could build your own so long as you put in your own labor. look at where it's at now ...

[@753studios6]

We are not far from this

[@blackflyingfox3365]

It was amazing how much adult humor was on this show. The combination of Rocko's Modern Life and The Lion King coming out at about the same time created a whole generation of furries. I was a 90's kid all the way. We will never have a decade or era like it again.

[@AtomicF0x]

For me, it was Tiny Toon Adventures and Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers that really made me a furry. But you're right, Lion King helped and Rocko's Modern Life definitely helped too, I'm sure.

[@fucktheGQP]

Peg from goof troop gots some cake.

[@davidminnich2637]

Many of the Nicktoons had adult humor. Aaaahh! Real Monsters was one of my favorites for that reason. Same with Angry Beavers.

[@Theomite]

I still have the VHS where the "Sex" letters show up in the dust after Simba lies down on the cliff.

[@honeybnoir824]

@@TheomiteMe too! I can only see it if I look really close at it. Otherwise, I don’t notice it. I also still have the tape of The Little Mermaid with the wiener shaped tower on the Atlantica castle on the front of the plastic clamp case. Of course, it went over my head. Even my parents didn’t notice it.

[@Rojiace]

You don't appreciate how real this episode is until you start working.

[@Swaggmire215]

Oh god yea

[@LegioXXI]

*You don't appreciate how real this episode is until you start working in the United States fixed that for you. The only other 1st world countries with a similar hustle culture are maybe Japan and South Korea. Almost all other 1st world countries regulate the level of greed a company can push onto its employees. I would never want to work in any of those countries, now matter how much pay i would get. Sacrificing my physical and mental health just to keep afloat in todays economy ain't worth it, especially when you know there is not even a basic level of welfare preventing you from becoming homeless if you lose your job (which happens a lot with the fire-and-hire culture). Imho it's only worth living in those countries if you are already so wealthy that you can at least afford only working part-time. Every time i see videos like this i thank all the gods of mount Olympus that i was born in Europe, even with a minimum wage job you can actually pay your bills and get a decent amount of mandatory vacation time here, while in those countries you have to "earn" those things as privileges - even in middle class jobs. Mental health should never be a privilege.

[@crocoshark4097]

I am basically terrified by every possibility of making money. Bending to a corporation. Bending to a faceless mass of consumers. Doing some random or enforced task every day because my life basically depends on it. It's a subject I have trouble even thinking about. You can shop around for better pay but like you pointed out, good luck shopping around for being treated as a human.

[@speks36]

No matter where you go life will be terrible. - Work for a corporation, you're beholden to your superior and their decisions. - Work as a content creator, you're beholden to the rules of the platform that hosts your content. - Work for yourself, you're beholden to the fickle customers who demand the best of your product for cheap.

[@_Geist]

well put.

[@ladyterror4663]

It seems terrifying, but not EVERYWHERE is like that. I’m a cashier at a big box store, but I developed relationships with a lot of customers. There’s people I know by name who tell me about the fruit trees they’re growing, how their grandkids are, we discuss what vegetables were putting in for our gardens, etc. You have to look at the people around you and understand that yeah, we all live in a system. Whether it be a family unit, on our own, with a roommate, etc. that doesn’t make it BAD, and no, maybe the situation you’re living in isn’t ideal. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t find joy and happiness in the people around you and build connections.

[@TaurusToyVideos]

It’s an necessary evil

[@GoldenGrenadier]

I think this is why piracy took off in the Atlantic. The daily grind was too much for too little for the sailors so they got ghetto. It can and will happen in modern times too, just with retail/fast food workers instead of sailors.

[@animegamesmoviesandotherst3037]

Rocko had a lot of depth. Not only did it show the reality of working for large companies like Conglom-O Corporation who is only doing what makes them money as that is what corporations no any business its goal is makng money. But also shows how the everyday person does not care were the items they buy come from as long as they get it. Places like the Conglom-O Corporation only have power as long as the consumers buy from them. And they well because places like Conglom-O Corporation give instant gratification, anything a consumers wants they sell it if you have the money or can get it to buy the item. Heffer Wolf is a good example of it he does not care were his new things come from as long as he gets what he wants. Places like Conglom-O in IRL are just mirrors of the society that built them.

[@Hack_Man_VII]

That phone gag went WAAAAAY over my head as a kid!

[@goofusmaximus1482]

Many a gag did that! Pee Wee's Playhouse was also known to put adult jokes in it in such a way the kids wouldn't notice.

[@honeybnoir824]

Same 😅

[@honeybnoir824]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@goofusmaximus1482I used to watch that show too, but frequently enough to remember anything potentially being an indirect adult joke. I just vaguely remember how the show was like and how Pee Wee Herman was along with watching the movie on TV.

[@bobhope4949]

Think the whole show lol

[@mastermoye3915]

I never regret buying the complete series of Rocko's Modern Life! Shows that tackle stuff like this is the reason why they're in my Hall of Fame. Great analysis review, Dusk.

[@DuskTillShawn]

I gotta pick up the complete series DVD! This show is absolute gold and I'd be so sad if Paramount+ took it away! Thanks for watching, my friend. :D

[@mastermoye3915]

@@DuskTillShawn There are two versions of the complete set, one by Shout! Factory (I have that one) and the other is Paramount. Whichever one you like the best.

[@mollietenpenny4093]

When they showed the screen with all of the employees being monitored I immediately thought of the time I was in an interview to be an Amazon delivery driver. They moniter their drivers with a dash cam facing inside the cab to monitor the driver and to watch their driving performance. When I worked at a certain grocery chain for a few weeks I felt like a number. The employees at grocery store looked miserable in their jobs but seemed to try to power through things because they needed the money.

[@DuskTillShawn]

I had no idea that Amazon did that!?!?! I mean, get tracking GPS or something like that, but filming the drivers is just WILD... 🤯

[@ragingraichu219]

I've been an Amazon driver for 3 and a half years. Yes, the cameras do watch you, but they don't save the footage and send it to the DSP unless it catches you doing something wrong. Or you get into an accident, or you hit a button on the camera itself. I've heard of businesses that record their drivers 24/7, so it's not as bad.

[@TeRenner123]

@@DuskTillShawn yes they tried to pull that in Europe too but the luckily European Management didnt even install the System in the first place because it is illegal I even worked at a Summer job that had Monitoring for the Store but also in the breakrooms and employee only areas. After an Union checkup thes Devices were ordert to be Dismantelt what Resultat in an non compliante lawsuit i got about 10.000 out of this lawsuit because for the 2 months i Was employed there.

[@Zinervawyrm]

Completely missing the point of having a dashcam to begin with. That's so backwards to hear, god forbid the dashcam be there for a driver's safety, like recording a crash that proves that the devilry driver is not at fault.

[@ragingraichu219]

@@Zinervawyrm I think the issue they have with the cameras is that they are... what's the term I'm looking for... Self-aware, I suppose? They aren't normal dashcams.

[@geminlove24]

Definitely experiencing this right now. I just put my two weeks in for my current job that never took my safety concerns seriously. And now as I leave, they're going to be struggling to the point where they might even have to close because literally no one will sign up to do this job 😅 I work with dangerous chemicals all day and things are always broken causing catastrophic spills that I'd have to clean. But hey, I'm going to get to travel the world with my husband for a couple of months. So I guess the BS was worth it in the end.

[@DuskTillShawn]

I'm glad that you're getting out of there, my friend! It's not worth risking yourself for a company who doesn't care about you. Move on and don't look back!!! Most of all though, have a blast traveling with your husband :D You deserve the break after putting up with all of that BS!

[@chaoticchaos7120]

Gene enhancing gum? Did they just invent Plasmids before Bioshock even became a thing

[@graysonllewellyn8734]

Eh... it's a very old trope.

[@rodneysmith873]

System Shock

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

It's a very old sci-fi trope dating back to at least the 50's.

[@KTChamberlain]

As astute as your analysis is, I think Charlie Chaplin tried to warn us A LONG Time Ago in his 1936 film Modern Times. In that movie, the Little Tramp is literary and metaphorically cog in the factory machine, as seen in the iconic shot where the Tramp winds through some cogs like film in a projector. He has no voice, he's badgered by a boss (a Henry Ford stand-in) on a big monitor screen, he gets overworked to the point of losing his job from a nervous breakdown, goes to jail, manages to get out early for good behavior, goes from job to job, and tries to live a nice life with the Gamin, played by Paulette Goddard, and their idea dreamhouse is the modest one-story type that were commonplace in the 1950s. And that movie beautifully encapsulated the hardships of the Great Depression. Come to think of it, I think Joe Murray did take some subtle cues from Modern Times (1936).

[@princessmarlena1359]

Charming movie. I remember his night guard job where his predecessor is being taken out on a stretcher and he just hands him the badge and light.

[@gingergoddess8953]

Oh hecks YES a Rocko episode!!! I'll be real, I was hoping you'd do the Zanzibar episode for Earth Day but this was my favorite Nickelodeon show and I could watch you do every episode. It's still weirdly relatable as well as dated, and I think its because Rocko is the main character and everything around him is hilarious, but he's shy and introverted and just has to kind of deal with it all. I feel that as an adult 150%

[@DuskTillShawn]

Right? Rocko is such a relatable character, especially looking back as an adult lol. It's such a great show and I love it! Thanks for being here, my friend! I really appreciate your support :D

[@drakependragon8439]

The first time you are given and identified by a number is birth it's your SSN.

[@bobhope4949]

That’s just gona get stolen anyway

[@drakependragon8439]

@@bobhope4949 80% probability anymore that you are right but it still technically only identifies you

[@cyanidenightshade]

Im pretty sure some places use part of your ssn as your code

[@drakependragon8439]

@@cyanidenightshade The Military always uses it

[@oooh19]

More employees work at retail or service now more than offices

[@JM-qt5mg]

Offices suck! I literally sit here all day on a fkcn computer, staring at a screen, eating, getting fat. Then go home just to sit even more. I rather go back to my waiter job where i was active and socializing with people. Sure they pay wasn’t as good but i felt happier at the end of the day and made life long relationships with coworkers. Here at my office job, its like everyone is tired and no one gives a shit. Its truly draining.

[@oooh19]

@@JM-qt5mgI guess it depends on the workplace itself I’ve had different jobs and no matter the job people can care or not.

[@THEGREATMAX]

The plumber "Could you get that? Thanks a lot." "Could you get that? Thanks a lot." "Could you get that?" This episode lives rent free in my head

[@blinkowarner3117]

I would have happily kept the plumber's pants job. Boring and kind of humiliating, but at least it was easy.

[@beauwalker9820]

I always wondered was that plumber human?

[@infjmale91]

7:29 - Don't forget Mr. Horny.

[@calanon534]

@@beauwalker9820 No, he's an anthro pig, and comes in as a secondary protagonist in a later episode.

[@753studios6]

I used to work for a plumber and this is accurate

[@nernerman]

I think there is another random detail that is sort of missed. You notice how Mr.Dupet who is also somehow Ed's boss makes him miserable. It is like misery goes down hill. The higher ups always bully the smaller people. Although in this case Ed unfortunately is the character who gets his comeuppance. So it doesn't quite showcase that point.

[@Father_of_Death]

I remember when I had my first three jobs. Home Depot, Goodwill and Walmart did nothing but treat me like a work horse. Thankfully, now I work at a school and it makes a big difference.

[@revolesto4151]

Used to work at a Walmart for several years myself. It's like that place is specifically designed to erode your soul away. I've seen a good handful of optimistic bright eyed new employees (cashiers) become a lifeless husk of their former selves within months

[@masteroker357]

Same walmart, a gas station and fedex. All 3 made me lose the will to live but now I work as a school bus driver and it is not perfect but I look forward to going to work everyday

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

@@revolesto4151 Me! Me! Me!

[@trashcatlinol]

Worked at Walmart and then at a mom and pop general store. My last boss kept having to tell me to slow down. But I'd still fly through backstock, then spend the rest of the time cleaning and organizing. Getting told ''you'll never make above minimum'' and getting a ten cent raise within a year felt like an accomplishment. My husband found a better job and we had to move. I haven't worked since, but it works, because my kid needed extra care after birth, and no way I could afford specialized care on minimum. My first job was for a horrendous mom and pop Cafe, where I was worked like a horse (at a petting zoo, if the zoo allowed you to grope the animals...) and had wages stolen. Place closed and the owners died, so now that I understand how I was robbed, I can't get anything for it. Walmart was just as bad, but I got paid above minimum. Just wasn't worth the perpetual emotional abuse because I hit my limit of working for 4 people across 2 departments before I couldn't keep up. And that's not including the day crews 'work' I had to clean up before I started. My next boss was worried I'd overwork myself, and I was hired part-time. I felt it the one week I nearly made 40 hours. I can't believe I pushed myself 4 times as hard before. But I also blame the recession for convincing that newly graduated adult that it was worth keeping any job, because there were none that paid above minimum. Almost 20 years later, and things haven't improved much. People start at what I made with my overnight differential. And they refuse to hire full-time now. I refuse to work if I can't predict my schedule, and I can't work around my disability. It's not the labor that's the issue. It's crappy managers who are power-tripping. All I can say is good luck to the fool who tries to tell me to find my own replacement for a shift if I fid get a job anywhere. YOU manage your workforce. Not me. I'll happily go back to being a housewife. I genuinely make more being jobless and not getting welfare.

[@curtiskretzer8898]

​@@trashcatlinolapply for SSDI,even if you've got to hire an advocacy (I did) Get wtfe SSI or SSDI will send you

[@KrustyMillennial]

As a former healthcare worker, who as a new grad in the clinic first saw 'expired' written across a patient's name on my treatment schedule I can say that we are really all just a number in the system, not just our jobs.

[@walpoleandworcester]

My favorite episode from this show was when Rocko got into credit card debt and had so much stuff! I remember a gigantic fire hydrant and TV.

[@gingergoddess8953]

OMG the sad clown in an iron lung...I painted a replica for myself

[@DuskTillShawn]

hahahaha an absolute classic episode. Thanks so much for watching this video! :D

[@TBoneTony]

One thing I noticed as a kid watching Rocko's Modern Life. Filbert was a random Turtle during Season 1 that would pop up during the episodes saying the most random geeky stuff while Rocko and Heffer either ignore him or interact with him like he was just an acquaintance. But from Season 2 onwards, Filbert becomes a close friend with Rocko and Heffer for some unexplained reason.

[@kurtweeks6812]

If you're American, you had a number at birth, long before a company assigned one. Social security number.

[@roshiiirohoe]

honestly the US is a company bro

[@753studios6]

Did you know you can call and get your money back from that?? I’m not a boy I remember my dad telling me something about this because technically it’s your money they made off of your existence in this country

[@Theomite]

The thing is, back in the early 90s this type of humor was *everywhere:* _The Simpsons,_ _Duckman,_ _The Critic,_ _Married With Children,_ etc. It was commentary but it was considered exaggerated. It was unintentionally prophetic, which is why nobody took it too seriously.

[@KairaSuperSayan93]

Lord do I feel this. My last job employed a toxic contract company that interfered with my job resulting in my layoff. While my new job isn't that extreme I do get those icky corporate vibes a little bit with them and it's just a shame because they accomodate around my disability a lot. It's everywhere too.

[@honeybnoir824]

Back in the 90’s, people got away with all sorts of stuff that wouldn’t be aired or streamed for modern shows for kids. That’s probably why we somehow had Ren and Stimpy.

[@baddiezone]

💯

[@adrian_veidt]

As someone who worked with Japanese employers, you're speaking the truth.

[@frankcastle013]

as a recently grown up, we are learn to face and learn our choices and test our faith , which are sounds too frightening but at the same time, if you and i can survive until now with great mental health, thats a blessing

[@TeRenner123]

I am so lucky to live in Germany because after 6 months in a job you cant be fired without a valid reason, and you cant have multipel short term Contracts after two you need to have an livelong one. And if anyone is revered to as a number something the Union will notice and sue on your behast automaticly

[@princessmarlena1359]

Must be nice. **sighs** 😞 Yet where I live, workers are considered less than human and treated as such.

[@TeRenner123]

@@princessmarlena1359 it is but only because the Goverments force employeers to Do this. In Franc it is a pit diffrent there the employees will litterly ripe the Employeers a New one

[@honeybnoir824]

That makes sense. I’m sure that’s also why some countries also mandate companies to give employees vacation time (more time than in the US if I’m not mistaken) and that mothers with newborns should get maternity leave while still getting paid and not fear being laid off for not being present at work for amount of time. Not that the threats always happen for employees in the US, but the attitudes of some politicians just don’t want to change things for whatever ridiculous reasons they have to justify giving people a hard time. Also, I learned this from see some of a documentary about these kinds of issues (don’t remember the name of it). I don’t know if Germany is one of those countries that have these benefits too, but usually I hear about this going on in European countries. In more ways than one, you all seem to get some things right that the US time after time fail to do.

[@TeRenner123]

@@honeybnoir824 yes we have These actually from the Moment of conception until 2 years later the mother has full protection against getting laid off, actually a Reform in that law is planned to give fathers the same protection. Fathers also can go on Maternity leave. Oh and in case of sickness. You get 6 weeks continuted pay after that the state takes over and pay you halve of your sallary. Even if you are accused of a crime you will have legal protection against getting laid off, and if you serfe time you still are allowed to leave prison to go to work.

[@TeRenner123]

@@honeybnoir824 also there is a law that reatricts the working houres to 40 per week. In extrem cases 60 ar permited in emergancys but ut must average out on 40 in a 6 months timeframe.

[@arorabora]

I was a department coordinator for almost 2 years in retail. Every day was soul crushing trying to complete an endless list of projects + helping ungrateful customers. It seemed like no matter what I did my managers weren't happy with me. Trying to sell credit cards to customers all day long, and if I didn't I was always fussed at. Washing dishes and delivering food to residents at an old folks home is much more rewarding than selling useless material items and dogging people to sign up for things.

[@armhand97]

My dad signed me up for disability benefits, and for the longest time I wondered why… I don’t wonder anymore

[@anablackwood6141]

I wish I could. I'm searching for a job right now but I'm too "high functioning" to qualify (I'm autistic).

[@ericalbers4867]

You're welcome. The rest of us are out there eating the shit from these employers so you can be happy you don't have to. If we all signed up to receive free ride benefits, tell me, who pays for it?

[@206beastman]

How long did it take to get bennifits I have a lawyer and haven't heard anything in a year

[@LimpDixkit]

@@ericalbers4867 Apparently, you lolol

[@RimuruSolosYourMultiverse]

@@ericalbers4867 You should honestly be more concerned with your tax money funding communist regimes and weaponizing the planet in preparation for imminent depopulation.

[@jamesgibson5818]

Everything you said about corporate America is so true even when it comes to nonprofit organizations

[@DuskTillShawn]

Corporations and large entities are definitely something to be mindful of, not only as an American, but as a person in general. So many of these companies prey on people and use them for their own gain... It can be dangerous for sure... Thanks for watching, friend. I really appreciate your support!

[@jamesgibson5818]

@@DuskTillShawn you’re more than welcome

[@TheGrmany69]

Those are those worse, some of the most toxic environments you will ever met.

[@explodojones]

If you want to know why the corporate landscape sucks so badly today, you need to look into the case of Dodge v. Ford Motor Co. in 1919.

[@zerocool5395]

Henry Ford wasn't a cool guy, pretty friendly with that Austrian painter. That's how uncool he was.

[@shift7808]

This isnt a warning. Its an episode about a reality that everyone is (or should be) aware of already... Like an episode covering racism wouldnt be warning you about racism.... Its just being relatable.

[@Lucky_9705]

The way this show portrays corporations and capitalism is why I will never be pursuing a business major. I want a job where my security is stable and one that I actually enjoy. I don’t want to be conditioned to work long, grueling hours under some monopoly.

[@robj577]

As a Business major myself,it's actually beneficial to know how businesses work so you don't get taken advantage of and can manage your own finances. But I understand how you feel. Remember most jobs are a for profit business.

[@Theomite]

Back in '12 I thought about going back to school for abnormal psychology, completing I and II, and then trying for an MBA and see if I could find psychotic behavior being ingrained in the curriculum. I never did it, but I still wonder if someone somewhere did that.

[@Theomite]

@@constructivesuffering "Find a purpose for your suffering" is the kind of romantic babble that justifies suffering instead of finding an end to it. With that kind of mentality, we'd still be living in caves because we'd romanticize and justify our lot in life by accepting it as a natural condition instead of trying to transcend it.

[@Astroqualia]

A business degree would allow you to be a manager at basically any place hiring one, including mom n pop operations.

[@twocvbloke]

Have a look at the history of mill towns here in the UK, where one man or family would own not only the mill people worked at, but the very homes they lived in, the shops they bought from, and the pubs they drank in, stop working or get the sack, you lost everything, you were ousted from the town and left to wander the roads until you either found another job somewhere, turned up at the workhouse (essentially a pauper's jail) in desperation, or died, though being in the workhouse didn't always guarantee that you didn't die... :\

[@TheFirstManticore]

It hasn't ALWAYS been that way. The generation coming out of WWII - the GI and Silent generations - often got jobs that lasted decades. My dad worked 40 years at the same company, and was happy there. It was in the 1980s I think, the big companies decided to "RIF" their long-term employees. They could hire new employees at lower prices, and fire them when they were about to earm pensions.

[@tk24life]

Still don't know how that got away with the phone operator scene.

[@xxSKAGhosTxx]

Groomers ran nickelodeon and still do.

[@Astroqualia]

Because back in the 90s we weren't politically correct as we are now, where snowflakes get offended at everything and meltdown, desiring cancelation.

[@TheoRae8289]

@@xxSKAGhosTxx no, they just wanted to see just how far they could push the censors during that time. No kid was going to understand that sex line joke unless they frequently suffered insomnia and were awake for the 900-number commercials. The (overtly) groomy shit didn't quite start until they switched their focus from shows like Pete and Pete, Hey Dude!, and Salute Your Shorts (wild and crazy kids, double dare, hidden temple, Guts, Figure It Out, etc etc) to trying to keep up with SNL, In Living Color, and Mad TV with comedy variety shows. There was a definitive tone shift. Leave it to the incoming showrunners to take the innocence of finding gross textures fun as a kid and replace it with so. many. foot gags..

[@CBrown86]

You turn a page, wash ya hands Turn a page, wash ya hands You turn a page, and ya wash ya hands

[@TheTonyMcD]

High school, in 2010? I got an ID card with a number back in middle school in 2001. Hell, I probably even had one in elementary school, I just don't remember.

[@Skull_E_Duggery]

now that you mention it i remember being in middle school and they had us using codes for the lunch aswell. my god

[@DuskTillShawn]

RIGHT?! When my daughter went to kindergarten, they had her trying to remember her designated number and it drove me absolutely NUTS.

[@Skull_E_Duggery]

@@DuskTillShawn great video as always Shawn. I only recently started watching your stuff starting with the hey Arnold videos. Can't wait for the new ones and god speed with the family man. Massive ups shawn

[@TheoRae8289]

@@DuskTillShawn I think my school might have been one of the pilot schools for that program, because I had two different lunch numbers in 94/95ish. I was confused about why I got a different number the next year because we were being told we'd carry that number forever basically.

[@makina323]

Life lessons from rocko's still fresh 30 years later

[@the-nina-beans88]

2:40-2:45 Well this would explain why Santa Claus didn’t show up or appear in the series Christmas special…

[@ShiningT1g3R]

So there's this comic called Dilbert...

[@HauntedCadaver]

Switching jobs every 2 years, for the rest of my autistic life, sounds like my ticket to unaliving

[@TsukiNoInu93]

Mood

[@crushersbutlessedgynow]

Fun fact! Rockos modern life is actually set in the past!

[@michelep9477]

No its not. Theres an episode where Bighead has a midlife crisis and it shows him having flashbacks of when he was a young up-and-comer at his company in the 60's. Then present day was '93 or '94 which is when the show was being made

[@crushersbutlessedgynow]

@@michelep9477 hey buddy? What year is it?

[@michelep9477]

@@crushersbutlessedgynow "set in the past" means that she show was set in a time before the making of said show, which this is not.... come on, this is an easy one, buddy...

[@triforcewielder8500]

My favorite cartoon as a kid! 90's all day!

[@DuskTillShawn]

Man, they just don't make em like they used to! Rocko is one of my all time favorites!

[@sapphireglaceon]

i like how the rhino's name is mr horny that is just hilarious

[@azaznogalesaz]

I absolutely love ur content ur my favorite… when I listen to ur videos it’s like sitting in a cozy living room with the fire place lit up and drinking hot cocoa with a blanket cause it’s cold but feels so warm in this room cause of you ❤️

[@DuskTillShawn]

Aww, thank you so much, friend. I really appreciate that right now

[@wethefreeproductions]

“My life is a fucked up corporate prison but I have to make sure my children also experience the fucked up corporate prison.”

[@joshuatewolde1837]

“Cover Video Day Is A VERY DANGEROUS Day…” --- Rocko

[@crocoshark4097]

Just to add a thought, I came to this video after watching a video from a vegan channel and opening the video about people being treated like numbers reminded me of how farm animals are treated. Large societies end up treating all living beings as objects.

[@DuskTillShawn]

That's a very good point. I watched quite a few vegan documentaries a couple years ago. The way that these animals are treated is just awful. I'll never forget seeing a scene where they played the sounds that come from a pig slaughterhouse. It's completely nauseating.

[@CallMeFreakFujiko]

My husband does something similar with jobs. Not leave every two years, but he'll start looking again as soon as the promised raises aren't given. He finally found a job he really liked- great pay, great hours (for us,) and great benefits. But then the owner of that building sold the building and everybody (60 people) got laid off. They gave everybody two months worth of pay and paid for everyone's benefits which was nice. He got a job working for the same company (different location) and there's now rumors of another set of lay offs. He didn't stop looking for another job though. He's just looking for one while working for that company so we can get their benefits in the meantime.

[@xletragedyx]

Yeah gotta keep the resume current, at least

[@rebekahjohnson5940]

Dang the thing talking about the number thing starting in high school hit hard for me. As 18201, now 204473 this is driving me nuts. I wish I could focus on doing things that would make me happy.

[@ShadyRK9]

Wow! I never realized how real Rockos Modern Life got! Also happy Friday shawn! I hope your dad is doing ok!

[@DuskTillShawn]

Thank you so much for being here, friend! I really appreciate it. Dad is still hanging in there. His birthday is about a month away and I'm really hoping that we get to celebrate it with him.

[@clarkside4493]

Skills pay bills. Never work for someone else as a long-term strategy. Work towards being your own boss, like DuskTillShawn has. You don't have to do KZbin like he did, but you can "sort it out." This means you figure out what people need, figure out how to produce it, and keep practicing until people are willing to pay for it. Research what other people and businesses are doing and charging, then decide what you can provide that your competitors aren't providing. These sorts of things should have been taught in high school, but that's not the world we live in.

[@andrewhaase1826]

The Plumber's crack and the "Speciality Phone Operator" being a sex hotline are the funniest things in the episode.

[@thecosmicblueautie]

It's crazy how Rocko went through a lot with his job from being laid off to being fired for constantly being late go BEING the boss overworking Filburt at the comic shop.

[@thespookylocker]

Turn over in jobs will never change as long as corporations value the customer over employees, it makes sense why they keep trying to hire cheaper and cheaper because they care more about short term profit over long term productivity that you get with employees who love their job

[@DuskTillShawn]

Very true... It's really sad to think that someone could dedicate a big portion of their life to one of these companies, only to end up getting canned and replaced by someone cheaper... Thanks for watching, friend!

[@princessmarlena1359]

The shareholders come first, customers next, employees last.

[@doomsdayrabbit4398]

@@princessmarlena1359 And the best part? The executive board gets stock options as part of their oversized compensation package. So they become the shareholders, rather than the everyday average joe employees who actually keep the company running, leading to constant and consistent shortsighted decisionmaking.

[@ShadoeLandman]

@@princessmarlena1359Shareholders, then high ranking officers, then customers. And they often don’t care about employees at all.

[@Cycloneyer]

video starts at 4:50

[@DuskTillShawn]

STRAIGHT to the point 🎯 Thanks for watching! :D

[@Cycloneyer]

@@DuskTillShawn love your vids man

[@thedeathtrap3693]

I worked at a factory for five years. I did have a number and they let me go just like anyone else despite my hard work. I completely understand.

[@xxSKAGhosTxx]

This show was a gem and probably the best show nickelodeon ever produced.

[@eeveefennecfox]

people say cartoon is just for entertainment,yeah well cartoons can go pretty deep and sometimes warns us of our future,rocko was one of those cartoons that wasn't afraid to show us that,we were litterally warned by a cartoon not to do these things,and what did we do? we did these things =.=

[@sirbarksalot9139]

Cartoons are just another way to express things.

[@mathieuleader8601]

Rocko's bills going up gives me flashbacks to playing the Sims

[@0x44_]

The 80s and 90s, despite how some might try to convince people, while not perfect, was the a time period where there was a lot more love in the world. Everyone appreciated creativity for what it was, and didn't look for reasons to hate everything, thus shows like Rocko's Modern Life were welcome with open arms, as they should be.

[@zakjackson2610]

Rocko subliminally laid the foundation for my entire economic framework. It’s that fucking good.

[@JD-fx9ly]

Working at Walmart for $18 an hour (the deli) currently, I've had worse jobs. When I started working at 17 I got $13.75, at 22 I'm making $18.00. I've managed to find a balance and an affordable living situation, not rich by any means but I survive well enough. Planning on going trade school and saving for a long time if possible (Might move to a different country.) Just want a 1-2 bedroom property I own. Surprisingly, Walmart gives many benefits to it's full time employees (Healthcare, vision, dental, PTO, PPTO, Parental leave, education, etc.) But it comes at a cost, oppressive environment.

[@thenightbutterfly1]

i just finished binge watching rocko from the beginning its such a gem of a cartoon has so much nostalgia for me hope youre doing well shawn much love from the uk - klaus

[@DuskTillShawn]

It's one of my favorites, without a doubt! Good to hear from you, friend! I hope life is treating you well :D

[@Xiaolruc]

19:29 "...however, I more saw this as a metaphor for how quickly losing a job can completely rock your world..." Don't you mean... ROCKO your world? :D

[@saiyan4414]

it just hit me but the guy that voiced Mr. big head in Rocco also voiced the red guy in Cow and Chicken.

[@goofusmaximus1482]

It's Charlie Adler. Prominent voice actor across many cartoons.

[@saiyan4414]

@@goofusmaximus1482 got you I knew the voice sounded familiar for some reason, he played Buster and tiny tunes as well.

[@lemb8941]

Rocko’s modern life was an all time classic that show was always my favorite when I was younger even now I still watch it till this day.

[@lavieestunsonge4541]

Happy Friday, Shawn! Thank you for your hard work and for keeping us all entertained! - Sal

[@DuskTillShawn]

Thanks so much for your support, Sal!!! I hope you're having a fantastic day, my friend! :D

[@quinbatcheller5805]

I'm on disability and honestly the preamble of this video made me very happy about that. I used to work, I've had many jobs, and they all drained my soul. It's so rare to actually have a fulfilling career these days, and so common for employment to be an absolute grind that leaves you depressed and empty with no energy left to enjoy life. I may not make as much money anymore, but at least my life is my own. The only good job I ever had was a workers co op. They actually cared about us and payed well, but that's only because there's nobody at the top trying to make as much profit off us as they can

[@ResidenceSkater]

I’ve always wanted a conglomo we own you shirt

[@DuskTillShawn]

Hahaha that would be awesome! I have a Conglom-O Can Koozie that I got from the Nick Box a few years back! :D

[@ResidenceSkater]

@@DuskTillShawn whatttt lucky!!! My only cool koozie is my futurama slurm koozie haha 🤣

[@FriendlyChemist907]

I've gotten lucky I that I've found a place I love working. its a production kitchen. I know that sounds bad but everyone there cares so much about the quality, everyone is super appreciative and empathetic including the owner. we even split the profit of the kitchen between the workers in quarterly bonuses. It fucking sucks how bad things are. I had the get a great job just to figure out how badly I was being used before. Keep your head up people, I hope something good comes your way soon

[@patcahill3724]

Rocko is one of my favorite cartoons of all time because it felt like an adult show except it’s targeted to kids. And this is one of my favorite episodes from the show too.

[@darkwingedangel7216]

I'm also the "black sheep" of my workplace. It's not the labour I'm worried about. It's the co-workers. I work as a warehouse associate, and a handful of my colleagues are immature. They give me a hard time for being stoic and hardworking. If I don't mimic their bad habits, I'll get bullied. I wish I had the resources to work from home. These mood stabilizers I'm taking can only do so much.

[@ladams1921]

Jeez, that wall of cameras hits different after even the smallest businesses in 2021-2022 had us working remotely with cameras on and tracking activity. The resemblance isn’t uncanny, it’s unsettling.

[@nopes5387]

The promoted to customer "joke" is based on Walmart they've been saying for years they don't fire their staff they promote them to customer I was promoted to customer in 1996

[@nigel_saxon]

"I had a guaranteed military sale with ED209! Renovation program! Spare parts for 25 years! Who cares if it worked or not!" - Dick Jones

[@Thetrickyace]

Just started the video, but I definitely think we need more CatDog!

[@DuskTillShawn]

I agree! We're overdue for another CatDog video :) Thanks for watching, my friend!

[@Qwent-23]

@@DuskTillShawn Rancid Rabbit is a critique/satire of American capitalism. The intro of CatDog literally shows him cutting the road that CatDog is on leaving them in a black void which is pretty much the American dream in a nutshell. Plus, he wears a red, white, and blue suit. A severely underrated show.

[@jamesmiller206]

Rancid rabbit was pretty much a dictator looking back at him. How else does he conveniently own every business catdog just so happens to bump into. Not to mention its implied his influence affects anybody living in nearburgh. The only thing that debunks that theory is that i dont think we ever see him in a high enough government role but we can definitely assume hes bribing people to keep his near monopoly from being cracked down on(the burger bone proabition episode definitely hints at this).

[@MTTT19]

What’s the deal with the Conglom-O employee crawling across the screen before getting swatted by Mr. Bighead? I don’t get the joke!?

[@DuskTillShawn]

That kind of confused me too lol. So weird XD

[@speks36]

I think it's a metaphor to say that corporations are full of slimy reptilians.

[@DarkReaper12]

To the higher-ups, an employee and an insect are about the same thing. Particularly if your boss has it out for you.

[@Theomite]

He's a gecko and so he can climb on the wall. Bighead swatting him like a bug is both metaphor and visual gag because the image on the screen interacts with the real world.

[@IamH8ted]

Glad to see a new video. Much love to you and your family. Hope all is well.

[@ch1pnd413]

Rockos Modern life warned us, and they were soooo right

[@ji9oli7]

That episode about the vacuum is one of my favourites. The way they showed something mundane like cleaning being exploited using maximum greed advertising, the total disregard of the client in name of the profit, and the surreal touch at the end (everybody being consumed by the product); make for one of the best commentaries about capitalism in an animated show.

[@alejandracervantes7837]

7:13 I just laughed when he said the rhino guys name. 🤣

[@LittleRaven21]

To add, when Rocko actually enjoyed his job with Mr Bighead Mr bighead would try the product rocko said he liked there would be bad results. Like he expected Rocko to hate his job, and wanted to have rocko hate his job. This job went out of its way to make the employees miserable. Simply bc they can.

[@ShadoeLandman]

Not just office jobs, but almost all jobs. Even if your supervisor and their supervisor value you, people above them can still ruin you.

[@KidDangerthepony]

Kid Danger: *wearing his mighty pup movie outfit* i love doing videos! It's my hobby/job to me. And excuse me for saying this, but, why the hell is he picking his nose as he works? gross! *sticks out his tongue*

[@hanakoisbestgirl4752]

Oh baby oh baby oh baby

[@DuskTillShawn]

In just the most robotic scripted voice ever lmao. Too funny 😆 Thanks for watching, friend!

[@mungdaalcatering2244]

Worked in food service for 5 years, and then did a chemical plant for 3, and now work as a pest control technician and am so glad I found this job! I learned a lot from both of my previous jobs, but was always tired and exhausted, and at the chemical plant, was definitely not valued by management in any way shape or form. Now i make decent money and its much more flexible with my work/life balance. And I get to go to different places and talk to different people all the time, so thats fun!

[@robertsides3626]

6:12 Salmonberries! It took me 30 years to get the salmon in the bush joke.

[@jamaicazipfel9088]

hahha I think I know who you worked for because I was selling them door to door in 2011 thrid party tho. I was traveling to state to state selling them. It was so bad if you didn't make money it was all commission. My manager screwed me over on that job and I never sold after that. This vidoe just brought up so mnay memories for me due to the show and the nature of the episode currently in my life as a almost 40 year old ,who watched this show as a child as it aired, Thank you for putting so much in to your videos. Makes me feel like I'm full circle with this.👏🙌

[@DuskTillShawn]

Thanks so much, friend. I appreciate your support more than words could ever say

[@Rey-xw4pf]

I still don't understand this. How is the boss of SuperLot-O-Comics became the boss of Conglom-O, and did Mr. Bighead lost his position and became a regular worker like everyone in Comglom-O after a few seasons later?

[@reimeiohcreatorforhire]

Only thing I could think of atm is not exactly following continuity on the show.