Tags
children, community, giving a voice to today's youth, online community, Purpose, question, teens, world issues, youth leadership
A while back I tried without success to work on a post that would give the next generation of leaders a voice. I did get some responses, and although they were enlightning, I did not get nearly as many responses as I had hoped for. Then today I came across this post and was struck by its basic and fundamental message. Perhaps us ‘oldies’ need to revisit our sterotypical assumptions…
talktodiana 
Well, despite the fact that we and younger generations have so much access to way more information from the Internet than ever in our lives, it doesn’t make us more intelligent in discerning good, verifiable information from pure junk/bunk. Otherwise why do extreme political/violent groups exist?
I agree the younger generations may be more techno savvy more quickly than some of us but it’s a matter of having other mechanisms that encourage/motivate them to reflect, think deeply, be patient for a long time and be able to focus for hrs. on 1 thing without distractions/temptations of email, etc.
I’m ashamed of some folks in my generation/ of ours, who use mobile devices as a shield not to pay attention much/at all to what you are saying. This in my workplace. I’m not impressed and just walk away if I can.
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Jean I’m 50 and I still struggle with patience and focussing on one thing for hours! I do hear what you’re saying though, all the information we have access to and still we struggle to bring peace. Thanks for stopping by, I always enjoy hearing what others think.
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She’s not the first I’ve met embarrassed by their peers. (On the other hand, I’m sometimes embarrassed by my peers!) Last summer we had an intern who was in her early college years. She was embarrassed by her slightly younger sister who was much more the “stereotype”.
One of the biggest social questions in my mind has to do with what we may, or may not, be becoming. Are we becoming less smart (and what does “smart” mean, anyway)? As someone with a reverence for education and intellect, it sure feels like I live in a world that is becoming more and more ignorant and stupid all the time. It’s not new… I’ve been noticing it for over 40 years.
But, also,… maybe this is just a social sea change, and what eventually comes out the other side, seeded by young people like my intern and the gal you reblogged, will be simply different, not worse.
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Who knows, but it would seem we all go through similar phases…I can very much remember feeling the same way when I was younger.
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Yeah, it’s tricky, because it’s so subjective. I’m trying to figure out an objective way to look at it.
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I’d say yes if I thought the ‘younger generation’ were ‘tons’ but I don’t. I’m blessed. I meet so many who are making a difference, who want to make a difference who have dreams and care that I believe the world is in for a real treat as they take charge.
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One of the true marks of a leader is someone who empowers others to be leaders! You are a blessing!
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