The Dumbest Generation?

According to Mark Bauerlein's new book, today's generation of under 30 is the dumbest generation yet. They do not read, visit museums, or vote. They don't know about politics and they don't care. Instead they spend their time playing video games and posting on Myspace.

I am 59 years old and a proud member of the Baby Boomer generation. I rocked and rolled; marched in small towns and Washington DC for civil rights, womens' rights and human rights; opposed the Vietnam War; and served for two years in the Peace Corps. I am sure that my parents thought my generation was pretty dumb. They and their generation surely stood against everything my generation represented. It seems to me that the only persons who should judge a generation are the members of that generation itself. Maybe even the ones who birthed them. If we are the 30UGeners' (30 and under generation) parents and teachers, what does that say about us?

I am surrounded by members of this generation daily and thank goodness because if it wasn't for them, I would be really dumb. I am challenged and invigorated by this generation, they make me think and expect me to be a role model. I see compassionate, sharply intelliegent, and service-minded individuals every day here in Boston-- people of all ages and plenty of 30UGeners. Mark Bauerlein should take the time to visit any AmeriCorps program and observe what thousands of young adults are doing in this one sector alone. The Dumbest Generation? No. Are there dummies in the 30UGen? Of course. More than any other generation? I hope not, but who's counting?

Native Americans for centuries would make all major tribal decisions with consideration of how such a decision could affect the following seven generations. They knew each successive generation would lead the future. Imagine our world if today's leaders held that same practice. It is time that we look to the younger generations as individuals whom we can teach and mentor - and in the process, we'll learn a thing or two ourselves.

Part of the Solution

When Peter Wieler, 63, retired from his career as a software engineer, he began searching for an opportunity give something back. As a result, he found a new friend, Ruben, now a 6^th grader in Roxbury. Peter has been mentoring Ruben for 3 years. He says that although he and Ruben come from very different backgrounds, Ruben has been remarkably tolerant of him and they have fun playing chess, shooting hoops or just chatting.

“At the end of last year, I asked him how the year had been for him.” Peter said. “Ruben gave a long pause and responded, ‘Well, I like hanging out with you, you’re funny, and you’re a good man.’”

“His perspective on the world is so much different than mine… and that has helped keep my mind open,” Peter said. “It’s wonderful because he doesn’t hesitate to tell me when he thinks I’m dressing funny or things like that.”

While Ruben still has some problems at school, Peter and Ruben’s relationship has certainly progressed and Peter has had a positive effect on Ruben’s attitude. “During a particularly tough day, Ruben looked right at me and said, ‘Mr. Peter, you’re not part of the problem, you’re part of the solution.’”