The Quadrangle

Issue date: 9/7/05 Section: Perspectives

Does Laguna Beach, "The Real OC" have more pull with the average college student than President Bush?

Our generation will be faced with some of the biggest problems in history-from the realization of the current energy crisis, to the prospect of little to no social security in our old age. Despite the dreadful possibilities looming ahead of us, so many are totally apathetic about the events of the world. We are primed to become one of the most influential generations ever, but to be prepared for the worst, we need to take an active role now.

In the 1960s and the 1970s, political activism was one of the prime activities on a college campus; now, students are more concerned with getting into bars and parties, making sure that they have the latest gadgets and clothing, and as long as their daily lives are not impacted, they go on as if nothing happened. In a world where so many have been stricken by disaster, we have become totally desensitized to the suffering of others.

We have become the most self-centered and frivolous generation ever. Though there are many who are extremely active in service and political activity, the vast majority of college students today could care less about people or issues that they are not directly affected by. Students today could more accurately rattle of the cast of characters on MTV's Laguna Beach than they could name the top officials in the US government. Finally at voting age, the tides are slowly turning to the younger crowd, and it is up to us to get ready to take control of our country. Though it may seem a long time away, it will not be long before it is our turn to lead. We cannot continue to think that others will do for us. In order to prepare ourselves to become active and effective citizens and leaders, we must learn to let go of ourselves and look outside of our own small world.

As a whole, we were lucky enough to be brought up with more financial security and opportunities than any other generation in the past, and, as a result, we have never learned to appreciate the gifts that we have been given. Everyday items today would have been considered a great luxury in the past. A brand new car at sixteen is the norm for most today, but this would have been unheard of in the past.

In American society today, it is nearly impossible to imagine what life is like elsewhere. We are slowly becoming entirely wrapped up in ourselves, and if we do not begin to open our eyes to the realities of the world, we will never be able to progress. Even in our own country, there are thousands who have no place to sleep, no food to eat, and only the clothes on our back. Though we may encounter them on a daily basis on the streets, few are able to open our hearts to them.

We are a generation that has seen countless tragedies, and we are in the position to help those in need. Before we are able to make any sort of difference in the world, however, we have to let go of ourselves and learn to give.

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