September 18th, 2012Lost Generation
I have heard of the X generation, Y generation, Baby Boomers, but how about the “Lost Generation”. That’s what I call the ‘Today Generation’. You know the ones who think Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift is the absolute end. They are the lost generation. And you know what it is our fault. We are failing to teach our children in the public school system American culture and history. If you asked a typical teenager what happened on December 7, 1941 or on 6 August 1945?
During the week of September 11th, all I heard all week was “We Will Never Forget”. But I suggest that we already have forgotten. We as a society and culture in America have become so self-involved that we simply put history in the back of our mind to drag out once in awhile for a quick remembrance because someone else reminded us it is politically correct at that time. Like only going to church on certain secular celebrations like Easter or Christmas.
We want to live in the instant world, instant communication, instant gratification and most sadly instant history. Yesterday was then what is happening now, check that text, or tweet. It is not a political issue or a poor public school curriculum but a culture failing. With the recent teachers strike in Chicago and America suffering as a whole when it comes to test scores you have to ask why. Is it possible that we have become so indulgent that we are not taking the time for our own children and grand children? It seems that is a large part of the problem. Teachers and parents used to work side by side. For example teachers assigned homework and parents made sure the student completed it. Today, school districts are dismissing homework and parents are taking the easy way out by buying video games and cell phones. But there is no easy way to the future if we forget our past. Without a past we as a nation and a culture has no solid future. Like a house you must start with a solid foundation.
So start tonight. Take ten (10) minutes before everyone scatters to their rooms to play games, watch TV or text their friends and ask your Lost Generation something about your families history, or better yet ask them “ Why should we remember 9/11”. And in case you forgot, on December 7, 1941 Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and began our involvement in World II. And on August 6 1945 the United States dropped the first Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima Japan and effectively ended that horrible war. Both horrible days but still worth more than a foot note in today’s history class.
Excellent post Greg! You spoke your mind very eloquently. Good job!
Way to go, Greg…a few ‘english’ faux pas…….but who cares, the message was very clear and right on the money!!!! Kudos to you!
I believe parents are part of the problem because there is no discipline, but students need to take part of the responsibility. However, the government of the United States is the main focus of the problem. When the president himself cannot attend the remembrance of the anniversary of Normandy, how do we as a society expect our younger generation to care either. As well as the president who does not believe in Christianity but will celebrate other cultures holidays. Why should our younger generation care?
Loved this article, very well said. It’s sad but extremely true, makes me scared to see ehat future generations will be like.