Hrm. That’s kind of what I was afraid of. So, it’s like this. I’m a Gen X slacker (freshly 52). Wasn’t so long ago we were in your position. Unfortunately, I fell for some of the lies and internalized them, and let some of them negatively impact my life. It’s a bit too late for me to worry about that now, but it’s not too late for you and your friends.
So, a couple more questions, and again, please don’t take these harshly... To be honest, I struggle with them a bit myself.
Do you think that previous generations have squandered your future? How? Do you think there should be consequences, and if so, what?
Do you think that your generation has been lied to, and if so, what lies, from/by whom and what do you think you can do about them? (and/or consequences)
Do you think that your generation is capable of escaping the thought traps that they have been placed in and charting a new course? (and how). This really matters.
And finally, on a personal level, the stuff that really matters - regardless of the circumstances of your generation, do you think that you can find a way to make a good, or even great life for yourself? Do you have a plan to achieve this?
(Note, in case I forget to blather on later - the biggest mistake I’ve made, and that I think anyone can make is to internalize negativity. This isn’t about Pollyanna ‘positive thinking’ bs, but about selling yourself short. Don’t do it. You’ve (most likely) already done things that I could only dream of. Dream big and work toward those dreams. You might just achieve them, and if not, you’ll have the knowledge that at least you strove for greatness. That is I think one of the greatest crimes of today’s edutainment industrial complex - killing our dreams. Don’t let them do it to you.)
Do you think that previous generations have squandered your future? How? Do you think there should be consequences, and if so, what?
Yes, monetarily (national debt, not investing in inheritances is what I hear a lot), in being raised wrong , etc. Consequneces will probably come when the safety net fails and nursing homes become the destination for many elders.
We have been lied to (most of us have been anyway) about what our roles should be, what to expect, and on how we should act towards other people. Most of it is from the media complex, some from misguided elders, and some from state institutions. Open access to information and open, unfiltered dialogue with peers seems to help a lot
Millennials can escape, but Gen Z will do it much better than us. We idolized ideology and searches for it in vain when its flaws were exposed. Gen Z has no ideological commitments, which is probably better for society.
I can find a way to make a great life, even if I’m worse off financially. I seek to make myself better from the information I am learning now, and to one day have a greater presence in altruistic organizations.