“Is our generation the dumbest generation?” This question seems to be a major point of discussion during recent times, both in class and in the real world. Bauerlein’s book “The Dumbest Generation,” claims that our generation is filled with ignorant thoughts and general cluelessness. While reading the article it mentions multiple slightly random facts. The one that really sticks out is “47 percent of the grads in 1950 could name the largest lake in North America, compared with 38 percent in 2002.” Is this a serious problem that actually threatens the future well being of our nation? I think not!
Even with everything we have been reading and discussing in class. I still have seen no legitimate evidence that proves to me beyond a reasonable doubt that our generation is “dumber” than previous generations. I think that we are vastly different from previous generations, but what I feel that many of the authors of these pieces of literature fail to notice or mention that the world is a very different place than it was when they were our age. It’s in my eyes nothing but the “old man” theory, “you have it so much easier than I did, and I’m not happy about it.” I have even heard my grandparents make that type of statement to my parents and I feel that it is something that happens between all generations.
Another major theme of these pieces of literature seems to deal with social network sites. It is made to appear that these sites have no true benefit other than to communicate back and forth through a screen. I agree with this to some extent, (I do not have a facebook) however it has become such a major thing inside our society that it can be hard, at times, to get along without it. Facebook is not just for social networking and wasting time anymore. Many businesses, events, gatherings, and places looking for volunteers use Facebook in order to help them reach their goals, collect feedback, or gain support. So while many people use it for just talking back and forth and wasting time it can be used for beneficial reasons and not just something to do out of boredom.
I never even thought about the idea you brought up, about past generations, that they never experienced what we are experiencing now. The world is a different place then what it used to be. Good point!!! If they say our generation is "dumb", what will the next generations after us be considered??
ReplyDeletei agree with your "statistic" debate. These questions that are seemingly asked to 'smarter' generations seem to really be nonsense questions. does it really matter what the largest lake in the U.S is? Would every body in our nation knowing the answer really make us that much smarter? nah
ReplyDelete"Is this a serious problem that actually threatens the future well being of our nation? I think not!"
ReplyDeleteThis statement made me laugh! Although, is this not the problem we are facing at the moment when explaining our merit to the judgmental generations? When is it a problem that we don't know something, and when is it simply not worth our time?
Older generations will always criticize the younger generations because things will always change from one to the next. But it's kind of ironic; it's really their generation that causes such changes in us younger people.
ReplyDelete