I
want to know when my age cohort became so intolerant, critical and
insulting of younger people? I see so many posts and memes that tell
young people that they are less than, unworthy, strange and undeserving
of our respect.
Of course we were ideal young people. We listened to the music our parents approved of, dressed in a way that they approved of, were never rebellious or angry and never took risks. We dated people that our parents approved of, read the same type of books that they did and never made mistakes, right? We weren’t obsessed with our appearance and our outfits and role models weren’t ridiculous.
So, if you think that every youngster in a hoodie and slouchy pants is a “gangsta” and every girl who twerks is a slut, if you think that every kid with piercings and tattoos is “evil” and every kid who likes rap music is a “thug”, then you sound and think like somebody's intolerant grandparents.
I think all the memes and messages to teens about “the world not owing them anything” is bullshit. Of course the world – WE- owe our kids lots. We owe them security, safety, an education. We owe them diversity, and the freedom to express themselves. We owe them the ability to become who they are. To make mistakes. To catch them when they fall.
I think those memes are about laziness. OUR laziness. If you know a teen or young person who is disaffected, step in, own your adulthood and have a conversation. If your teen or young person lacks direction, ask yourself if you are setting an appropriate example. Are you living a life of purpose? Who are the other people in your life that could positively influence that young person?
I’m not saying all young people are flawless and there are some out there who are making bad decisions as I type, but let’s not throw a whole generation under the bus shall we? After all, I know plenty of fucked up 47 year old's too.
So, to the young people in my Facebook life; Simone Le Pere, Miriam Ryan, Christopher Ryan, Brittaney Jamie McCulloch, Neo Sbu Nyati , Suubi Matshikiza, Toria Bayer, Anna Bayer, Alexandria James, Tammy James , Zain Lewis, Chloe Anastasia Johnson and the others who are too young for Facebook, or too smart and cool to have even accepted my friend requests, I love you all and am proud of you all. I love seeing you shine in your own way! When I look at you, I smile because I honestly believe the future is so much brighter with you guys in it.
Now don’t fuck it up!
(Excuse the language, but you guys know me by now)
Of course we were ideal young people. We listened to the music our parents approved of, dressed in a way that they approved of, were never rebellious or angry and never took risks. We dated people that our parents approved of, read the same type of books that they did and never made mistakes, right? We weren’t obsessed with our appearance and our outfits and role models weren’t ridiculous.
So, if you think that every youngster in a hoodie and slouchy pants is a “gangsta” and every girl who twerks is a slut, if you think that every kid with piercings and tattoos is “evil” and every kid who likes rap music is a “thug”, then you sound and think like somebody's intolerant grandparents.
I think all the memes and messages to teens about “the world not owing them anything” is bullshit. Of course the world – WE- owe our kids lots. We owe them security, safety, an education. We owe them diversity, and the freedom to express themselves. We owe them the ability to become who they are. To make mistakes. To catch them when they fall.
I think those memes are about laziness. OUR laziness. If you know a teen or young person who is disaffected, step in, own your adulthood and have a conversation. If your teen or young person lacks direction, ask yourself if you are setting an appropriate example. Are you living a life of purpose? Who are the other people in your life that could positively influence that young person?
I’m not saying all young people are flawless and there are some out there who are making bad decisions as I type, but let’s not throw a whole generation under the bus shall we? After all, I know plenty of fucked up 47 year old's too.
So, to the young people in my Facebook life; Simone Le Pere, Miriam Ryan, Christopher Ryan, Brittaney Jamie McCulloch, Neo Sbu Nyati , Suubi Matshikiza, Toria Bayer, Anna Bayer, Alexandria James, Tammy James , Zain Lewis, Chloe Anastasia Johnson and the others who are too young for Facebook, or too smart and cool to have even accepted my friend requests, I love you all and am proud of you all. I love seeing you shine in your own way! When I look at you, I smile because I honestly believe the future is so much brighter with you guys in it.
Now don’t fuck it up!
(Excuse the language, but you guys know me by now)
