Our generation has a huge responsibility. We are to decide how the most technologically-advanced, globalized, and complex era in human history unfolds. We are to decide whether the events of the last century were a burden or a legacy to sustain.
Our generation has a huge responsibility. We are to decide how the most technologically-advanced, globalized, and complex era in human history unfolds. We are to decide whether the events of the last century were a burden or a legacy to sustain.
Recently, the United States was ranked #36 in math and #28 in science by the Program for International Student Assessment, a subsection of the Organization of Economic Co-Operation and Development.
It surprises me that the nation filled with prestigious Ivy League institutions, high-tech research facilities, and state-of-the-art think tanks could produce such low marks. But, in an increasingly globalized world, intelligence and the success it fosters is not just found or brought to few leading nations, but travels across the world at the push of a button.
This new era, one of computers and smartphones, texts and tweets, has greatly minimized the socio-political current that previously surrounded each and every interpersonal relationship. Our generation is at a crossroads – do we continue with the gradual decline brought on my rampant individualistic hedonism, or make a drastic change?
America must look inward and our generation should lead the way
In my opinion, there is a third option – a combination of the two. There is no way that a successful “superpower” can continue to foster progressive development without global interaction. America, though, as large as it has become, must look inward, and aggressively fix its internal problems, (e.g. Health care, the tax-system, and large-scale public schism and dissent. )
This two-pronged plan must incorporate a shift in the handling of government, from top to bottom. Stalemate in Congress, economic depression and distrust are a relative to the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of recent years to relieve national hardship. What we need is the veil of smoke to be removed from the our nation’s capital
In my opinion, we, the young people of this country need to incorporate these four things into our daily lives to reroute this recent decline.
First of all, we need to get involved. Not just in local and national government, but in communities and activities that we are passionate about .
Second, our effort is key to our success. Today’s youth just can’t be bothered to put the time into anything, and it shows.
Third, disconnect. So much of what we do and how we get to know people is on screen or in a text, we need take some time away from that, look up and evaluate the situation with our own two eyes. Lastly, and most importantly, vote. In the past few election cycles, young people have voted in staggering low numbers. Our vote counts and our voices need to be heard – and it defines our future.
Our generation has a huge responsibility. We will decide how the most technologically-advanced, globalized, and complex era in human history unfolds. We will decide whether the events of the last century were a burden or a legacy to sustain.