The status quo

It seems to me that everyone is obsessed with identifying the problems that have misshaped our society. While this is certainly a commendable practice, it doesn't do any good unless we discuss solutions to those problems. It is always good to question our current state; I gain a little more faith in my generation every time I hear a group of students discussing our current social and political issues. However, I hear few solutions being offered. Not only have I witnessed this at a local level, but this seems to be apparent on a national level as well. The occupy movement seems to be the prime example. Thousands of people have rallied under the common notion of general disappointment with the way things are going, yet have not proclaimed any universal demand or solution. The problems are easy to identify; political futility, federal corruption, party warfare, corporate greed and a prolonged culture war have set the status quo down a path of impending turmoil. We seem to be entering a time in which common citizens are realizing that things need to change. People are questioning the way things are, and the events that have culminated our current state of disorder. Congratulations, this is the first step: accepting that there are problems with the way things are. However, we can only hope to bring about real change if we explore and invent solutions to these problems.

I have faith in my generation simply because so many of us have addressed these problems at such young ages. Although this is a great thing, it is unfortunately not enough. What we need to realize is that we cannot pretend that the problems will go away once we identify them. What we should realize is that no matter what, change is coming. Whether we like it or not, things cannot continue in the ways that they have. It is clear that as of now, the times are taking a turn for the worse. However, how things are in ten or twenty years is up to us. I am not attempting to criticize others for not acting; I am unsatisfied with how little I myself have done to bring about awareness and positive change. I simply wish that others see how important that the decisions that the young people make are. The lifestyles we choose to lead and the habits that we foster will determine what sort of world we live in when we are in charge. Although it may seem that there is little that young people can do in a scene controlled by a few wealthy, powerful, and established individuals, it is sort of the little things that count. Open conversations, along with social networking can be great ways to generate discussion. Making efforts to combat over-consumption can be rewarding and beneficial, for it is obvious that grotesque consumption has certainly contributed to the mess that America is in. We can stop supporting the corporations that control us. In going to school and crafting a career, study something you love so much that you want to share your talents and use them to benefit others. Or don't take any of this advice at all. But don't let the world forget that young people have minds of their own. Young people are the future of the status quo.