A Generation For Change

Our generation is not exactly renowned for its work ethic. However, every generation has things they need to do in order for the next to be able to do what they need to. Had the Wright brothers sat on their butts and chose not to build their idea for a flying contraption, we probably would not have the airplanes we use every day. If Alexander Graham Bell had not invented the telephone, our generation would not have the present danger that is texting and driving. Much like these fellows who have shaped our society today, it is our job, and really the job of every generation, to make a path for those who are to follow us.

I do not think any generation really knows what their job will be until it presents itself clearly. It is hard to see the big picture when you’re too close to it. We can look back on previous ages and say, “Oh, yeah, that was what that age group did and this is how it affects us now.” But when one is trying to figure that out in regards to one’s own life, it is incredibly difficult to see what exactly that thing is.

There is not a doubt in my mind that our generation will come up with cool gadgets and new inventions, but I think the most important thing we can do, really the most important thing any generation can do is change society as a whole. In 100 years, the iPhone 10 will be that ancient collectible that your grandma pulls out of the closet for family get-togethers that causes everyone to groan (because really grandma, we’ve all seen this 17 times by now.) Our legacy will be the advances we made towards humanity, not the technological hurdles we have leaped over. Frankly, I am a little concerned that our generation will lose sight of this. We have an unhealthy addiction with technology that will distract us from the main goal. Yes, I am using first person pronouns, because I am guilty of this too.

I do think one of the goals of our generation should to eliminate oppression in every demographic. It is 2013 and women still do not make as much as men for the exact same job. It is the 21^st century and gay people still cannot get married in all of America. Segregation has been declared unconstitutional for decades but people of color still have little representation in government bodies considering their numbers in the population. These three groups of people all have one thing in common: decisions are made for them by a majority of straight, white men. Now, these issues do not seem that big now, but look back on slavery: slave owners thought what they were doing was right too. Will future generations look back on the decisions we have made regarding these three demographics and feel the same disgust we feel towards those who owned slaves? The answer is, unfortunately, probably yes. Honestly, that makes me incredibly sad for our state as a generation and I hope to see a change of this in my lifetime.