The Next Generation

So this is my Blog. I just deleted my first version; it was about 9/11 and it sounded sappy and repetitive. That’s not the impression I want to make. I guess I just want to start posting my views and leaving my mark in cyberspace. It’s my Freshman Year in college, it’s 9/11, and I think it’s a good time to try new things.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my role in the next generation. People call us “Generation Y”—the tech-savvy, independent, and self-important youths who are out to “challenge the status quo” and who thrive off of creative innovation. Our parents (Generation X) were similar to us, but USA Today says that we are “Generation X on steroids.” To us, social equality is a norm, not a privilege. In our world, the Internet has always existed, and if we need something we can pull it up with high speed. As we assume leadership roles, we will demand change with that same high speed. The Y’s are the ones who will determine what happens next. The storm is here, and our parents are almost done ruling. We are next in line. This is not a rebellious rant, but rather a declaration: We are charged with the fate of the world. This is serious.

My two greatest fears are fanaticism and apathy. I’m afraid of the fanatics because of their blind devotion to extreme views that are, more often than not, dangerous. I’m afraid of the apathetics because they don’t worry about the fanatics. My experiences with many of my peers, and fellow members of the Y Generation, have ranged from inspiring to despairing. Growing up, I was lucky to make friends with some of the most intellectually active people—these were people who challenged my thinking and made me who I am today. I’m also lucky to have had family members and teachers who forced serious reflection and questioning—tools that are now a part of my very being. However, I have encountered countless who refuse to question…refuse to think…refuse to learn…refuse to care. These are the Paris Hiltons. These are the Entertainment Channel addicts. These are the ones who have never watched the news or read the paper. These are the ones who don’t know the capital of Iraq. These are the self-indulgent mallrats. These are the ones who continue living without regard to the world. These are the overly-patriotic citizens who vote Republican or Democrat without any knowledge on the issues at hand. These are the blind, propaganda-devouring, ethnocentric masses. These are Americans.

Well, I like T.V. and I have an iPod—the difference is that I’m also writing a Blog. I have BBC.com open on my computer and a NY Times on my desk. My point is that you can care and act on your beliefs while still enjoying the perks of life. I do. The problem arises when people push out all of the stuff that matters just to fit in another show or another visit to the mall. Don’t sacrifice democracy just so you can fill your life entirely with meaningless extras. We can maintain a balance.