Our Generation

People visualize the future in a different ways. Some see larger technological advances while others might see more peaceful people. Conclusively, this may lead to the ongoing debate as to whether the Generation Y has a role in America’s future. Consider that our children and teenagers are the adults of tomorrow. I would argue that they do have an impact. Future generations have a role in our country to fill that gaps of people that have passed or that can't work anymore. This becomes a matter of how we use this power to impact society. Despite the fact, the generation is highly capable of producing politicians, a hands-on community, and great leaders, how those will choose to fill the gaps cannot be predicted. Every generation leaves an impression on our future, despite whether it is a negative impression or a positive one. This lasting impression is mostly referred to as generational potency. By obtaining new tools and opportunities from the mistakes and triumphs of those who came before them, every generation tries to make themselves heard. Therefore, the concept of generational potency is something that largely exists in our great nation. As Tamara Erickson said, “The truth is, without even trying, you will bring fresh perspectives to work because many of the ways you approach problems are different from the way it has always been done” (Erickson, 2008). Everyone has a different outlook obtained from the knowledge you gain from past experiences and influences. For, we would be foolish to discard the experience and wisdom of those who came before us. Just as the Great War generation in the twenties impacted the decisions made in the “Greatest Generation,” all generations preceding 1977 had a major influence on decisions, actions and lifestyles during the current generation. Many eras have made significant contributions to America and subsequent generations, but none more than those of the “Greatest Generation". Journalist Tom Brokaw, The Greatest Generation, “it is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced” (Brokaw, 1998). As Brokaw argued, this generation may have made the most significant contribution to America. The citizens belonging to this generation had grown up during the destitution of the Great Depression, and then went on to fight in World War II. However, living their childhood these events was not enough as these unfortunate events in the United States had even greater affects on our country. The affects left this generation to mend a broken economy and the opportunity to contribute to World War II. Nevertheless, the “Greatest Generation” refers to the courage, resilience, and hope that led these people to invest in the world, in order to extricate the country from falling. The generation distinguishes itself by means of total sacrifice, commitment and belief in their cause by every citizen of the United States. “They became coaches, fund-raisers, and advocates of causes large and small. The list of objectives most of them pursued in the postwar period is a study in mundane topics. Yet, the overwhelming majority of these men and women made a basic decision to build a better America and pass this accomplishment along to the next generation, which was arriving each year in homes and delivery rooms by the millions. For the GI generation, their families were their country” (Gambone, 2005). These women and men stepped up when called to duty and manifested exceptional changes. These repercussions affected the era at that time, but still affect the country, as we currently know it. Similar to circumstances seen during the time of the “Greatest Generation”, in today’s society we are struggling with many issues including, economic depression and war. These problems are complications that will rely on the men and women of Generation Y for alleviation. Our generation must mimic the efforts that the “Greatest Generation” carried out for the two periods parallel one another, in order to leave our mark on society forever. Carrying out the attitudes of people of the “Great Generation,” all tasks can positively contribute to the quality of life for future generations. For the Unites States economy to grow the old fashioned way the people of Generation Y have to learn the new way. Through humans instincts of entrepreneurial tendencies, innovation, along with our strong work ethic our country can and will thrive. Furthermore, the people of Generation Y have continually been viewed in a negative way. Accused of relying on technology and not caring about anything, many believe this generation is going to lead our country into the ground. With technology rising at such a high rate, the use of technology has become a daily way of life. Things such as iPods, computers, cell phones, and the television provide today’s young people with an easy way out. This limits logical development and furnishes a sense of instant gratification in our children. However, Generation Y can be said to be largely misunderstood. For it is notorious for the confidence and high self esteem its people nurture. It is filled with people who have set their sights high to achieve as much as they possibly can, in addition to being replenished with the resources that make attaining these goals effortless. What’s clear is that, “You, as a generation, are and need to be committed lifelong learners” (Erickson, 2008). When we have the chance, we like jumping to new challenges and exploring different outlets in order to attain success. The world today is presented with the motivation of Generation Yers to succeed and therefore potentially with the means necessary to significantly contribute to America’s future. In conclusion, generations are presented with the opportunity to impact the future of America. We have the chance to influence the whole world. It is our duty to step up, make changes, and voice our opinions, because we are the future.