Vercingtorix

Will the upcoming generation ruin the US and can it be changed through better schools?

Shinobu Sensui

So, how will they ruin it in the first place?

Dr Realism

Changed by better schools? No. That will never happen. They don't have a clue. Changed by better people? Yes. In the 19th century maybe, most people could only learn what their teacher told them and there wasn't that much information readily available. Things are different in the 21st century. You can teach yourself what you want to know and need to know.

This is my thought on the currency youth of American. I have 2 very young sons so I care.
For thousands of years practically every person lived a similar lifestyle to their parents and grandparents. Then came the industrial revolution and things started to change. The 20th century was a time of enormous change in the world and the 21st century will be even faster and involve even more change. Your life is probably a lot different from your grandfather's and your father's was quite different from his and yours is much much different. My grandfather was from the, turn 18 and go work in the factory, get married and buy a house and a car. And it was financially possible!!!
My father put himself through college by working in a shoe store!!!!!! WHAT?!!!! And it was possible. Many older people don't quite get that the younger generation is living in a different circumstance.

Many older people who were born before the internet came along cannot adapt. They are the, "work hard and you'll live the life," people. They are the 9-5 generation. They were married to their work. Staying loyal to a workplace for 30 years and expecting a pension. You are not a part of that generation. Your life is different.
The difference is that you gotta roll with the times and not be held down by what the older people tell you.
Go to College!!!! That's the key! Yeah right. Tell that to those indebted starbucks workers. My father still talks to me about putting money into my social security account. Are you joking?
I think the youth of today will be able to look through the fog of BS that clouds the older generation.
And the youth are very clever. My first son is 2 and he knows how to use a smart phone in and out. I see that and think. Wow! What'll he be doing when he's 20?

tvomx314

I'm still worried about the mess my parents' generation left us with. But the future generation doesn't look very promising to me either. Sure they will be technically able, but that's what might hold them back. People become so reliant on technology they forget how to think for themselves. And yes, I believe education when applied correctly can lead to open minds, and a more civil society.

laketahoejwb

I ask......

Lake

Mroto1017

Let's be perfectly clear here: young people didn't cause this mess we're currently in right now. That distinction clearly goes to smug old people who point the finger trying to deflect the blame from their own crappy political choices and the old rich snakes laughing all the way to the bank on the backs of those gullible losers.

Diced

Yes, but that young generation does have to take over the mess. Will they be able to? And will they be able to actually do something about the mess instead of just maintaining it?

I feel every generation is unique and every generation grows up differently. Some say the youth does not pay attention to what's important anymore, however how can you judge this? Perhaps they're learning skills that will be invaluable in solving the problems we have today. On the other hand, it is true that television has mostly been dumbed down, social media is keeping everyone occupied over trivial matters and the internet has enormous value... when used properly. When you just use it for porn and read up on the latest celebrity gossip it becomes less educational.

However, I do believe that the next generation will find its own way. I cannot imagine it consisting of only really ignorant individuals who just couldn't care less about anything important. Also, what we define important today may not be important tomorrow.

Mroto1017

If there's one thing that I've learned about history, it's that the older generation ALWAYS think that they were little harder working and a little more focused than the young-ins, typically because they only remember how much they accomplished and try to forget how much of their youth was misspent.

What this generation has going for it that no other generation before them has had is just how interconnected they are. I remember when I was a kid and I thought getting a car phone was just the neatest thing I ever saw. Nowadays everybody has a cell phone. And you're probably chuckling to yourself because you probably remember when there was only one phone in the house and Dad was usually hogging it for work. That's what I mean. This generation is keenly more aware of their surroundings and more aware of what people around them are doing, which is why previously contentious issues like gay marriage are quickly evaporating. Heck the concept of interracial marriage being a point of political contention seems like ancient history (when approval never really took off until the 90's). That's probably what is going to define the up and coming generation more than others who have come before it.

And also, let's not forget that the great depression taught the Depression generation valuable lessons about saving and appreciating money. And in these days when 50% of college graduates are unemployed and 24% are underemployed, they're going to remember what it was like busting their chops for 20k a year for a boss all too eager to throw them under the bus if it meant him keeping his 45k a year job. Meanwhile senior management just awarded themselves multi-million dollar contract extensions and sweet severance packages for their retirement. Yes, I'm pissed off about this entire situation, and I get pissed when people say that young people are to blame.

Diced

Because this sickens you the younger generation will be sickened by it as well and could help in fixing this situation in the future when they takeover. Perhaps by inventing laws for it, or simply because of ethical codes. When someone crosses the line and is caught they will be socially ruined by becoming an outlaw on social media. I don't know how it's going to work out, however it does show that there plenty of prospect.

bartieboy

Didnt the last 2 generations ruin it already?