The Kids are Alright
by Dr. Chad Higgins
Few things chap my hide more than the classic grumbling "kids these days" complaint, especially from those who don’t work with these kids every day. There's a pervasive idea that today's youth are somehow inferior but how many of us remember the “old folks” telling us Gen X-ers what a great generation we were? It didn’t happen back then and it never will. But as an educator, these comments often prompt an eye roll that I perfected during my own teenage years. Here's the kicker: the generation complaining about "kids nowadays" is often the very same one that raised them, or at least influenced their upbringing. So, isn't criticizing them a bit of a self-own, as these kids would say?
Like us when we were young, they are making mistakes and doing some dumb things. That’s just how some lessons have to be learned. But let's unpack why "kids these days" are actually pretty awesome.
As someone who remembers their own teenage years (without the Internet!), kids today face a far more complex world. Let's face it, your teenage years were probably rough enough without the added pressure of social media and a 24/7 news cycle. Millennials and Gen-Z are navigating this complex world head-on. I barely survived my teenage years without the influence of the Internet or social media. I can only imagine the trouble I would have gotten into or the decay of my potential self-worth.
They're exposed to different cultures and perspectives and they're passionate about making a positive impact. This global awareness and drive for change can be uncomfortable for some, especially those who grew up in a more insular world. Their global perspective, fueled by social media, might make them seem disrespectful of tradition, but it also fosters a powerful desire to be changemakers. They're driven, creative, and socially conscious. They want to make a positive impact, even if it means challenging the "old guard." But instead of dismissing it as disrespect, let's see it for what it is: a desire to build a better future.
This isn't societal decline; it's progress. These young minds are full of potential, and they're ready to tackle the world's challenges. We need to swallow some pride and learn and grow with them in a way that both generations can use and appreciate our wisdom gained from experience. Instead of focusing on perceived shortcomings, let's celebrate the strengths of the younger generation and offer support, rather than destructive criticism. Otherwise, we just sound like we’re telling them to “get off our lawn”. Let’s not cling too tight to the past, but embrace the future these young people are building. Maybe, just maybe, if we can choose to humble ourselves and listen, they can teach us a thing or two about navigating a rapidly changing world. After all, the future belongs to them, and there's plenty of reason to believe it's going to be bright.