There’s a lot of negativity surrounding “kids these days” and the things they do, their motivations, and their “entitlement.” Gen Z and younger Millennials are often a joke among older generations; they’re undervalued, mocked, and talked about poorly.
But, guys, I actually think this generation of teens and young adults is amazing.
Think about it. Previous generations are always negative toward the following ones. Consider Socrates (or So-Crates for you Bill and Ted fans):
“Our youth now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for their elders and love chatter in place of exercise; they no longer rise when elders enter the room; they contradict their parents, chatter before company; gobble up their food and tyrannize their teachers.” – SOCRATES (yes, THAT Socrates)
“The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are impatient of all restraint. They talk as if they know everything, and what passes for wisdom with us is foolishness for them. As for the girls, they are forward, immodest, and unladylike in speech, behavior, and dress.” – Peter the Hermit, 1274
Literally, older generations today could have written those quotes. They say the same thing about today’s younger generations.
The problem is not with teens, it’s with the inability of older generations to realize that times change, society changes, and that every new generation is a generation of pioneers, having to figure out the way to navigate the ever-changing aspects of life.
Teens today are sensitive, compassionate, caring, and more likely to stand up for each other. They will say no. They should say no. Teaching them not to say no only teaches them to stay quiet in the face of injustice and to obey orders regardless.
Of course, they’re not perfect, none of us are. They’re human, sometimes they make bad choices. But those bad choices don’t define them. I believe this generation is defined by their willingness to stand up for themselves and each other, to care for their world, let their voices be heard, and to not settle for the status quo.
We should stop putting them down and instead listen to them, encourage them, and be their friend. This generation could very well be a generation of positive world changers if we let go of our stubbornness long enough to guide them.
Simple Little Amy 