Thursday, September 11, 2008

Are We The Dumbest Generation?

I believe we are not the dumbest generation. However, I do believe we are the laziest generation, by far. This is what has led to us being called the dumbest. It's hard to not be lazy in a world like today. Everything that Americans previously had to go out for can all be accessed from the house. Food delivery to shopping online. Almost everything you need can be delivered right to your house. Life is overall easier. One reason we've been called the dumbest generation is because we don't read. This is mainly because we have tools that can summarize for us. You have to think of what is available. Can we confidently say that students in the 50's and 60's would have read the books if they had access to "sparknotes" or any summary site. 

This generation also possesses skills that older generations do not. Put almost any baby-boomer in front of a computer and tell them to make the projects we do in school and they will think you're speaking a different language. It's not that the work we do is easier or of less quality, we are just so far ahead of previous generations technology wise. 

Another reason we've been called "dumb" is because of our addiction to video games. This is just another unfair accusation. It's safe to say kids and young adults were the same way when Atari and proceeding video game consoles were released. 

Mark Bauerlein, author of "The Dumbest Generation", says another reason for our stupidity is that we can't spell. This is just our version of slang. When talking to friends, it is unnecessary to talk with perfect grammar, and since we are the laziest generation, imperfect grammar includes imperfect spelling. 

It is unfair to call us the dumbest generation without considering the differences in the world today, and the world for previous generations. The resources are so far advanced from even 10 years ago. We are the laziest generation and it's easy to see why. Everything can be brought right to you. But we are not the dumbest generation. .




6 comments:

Natalie Draham said...

I strongly agree with your blog AJ. You made some very interesting points that I didn't even think of. For an example, "It's safe to say kids and young adults were the same way when Atari and proceeding video game consoles were released. " That is so true, what makes us any different? He contradicts himself in so many ways I bet he doesn't even know it! sheesh.

msampaolo said...

Aj, I 100% completely agree with your blog. I do not think that we are the dumbest generation at all but you've brought a good point up that we may possibly be the laziest. I think that we do posses different skills in our generation that benefit us even if others don't view it that way - it may look like we're lazy when we sit at the computer but we've navigating through tons of information to use it for the better. Laziest, yes, but by far we are not the dumbest.

steve clement said...

i totally agree. nice job on hitting every point. we are much more advanced and that makes everything that previous generations had to go get. we can get it online. it isnt like we cannot read. we are not the dumbest generation because we do not know simple facts about random topics. we are lazy because everything convenient.

Anonymous said...

I completely agree with your view in that adults can not judge or even speak for that matter about things they aren't quite intune with. And as for them considering us lazy aren't adults the ones who have enabled that, and we can't help the drive to want to do things fast like reading sparknotes cause it always seems to be stressed now adays to just get it over with and fast. So I think your blog was right on target. well said

Jason Port said...

AJ, I agree with everyone of your points. We are the laziest generation, but we do have all of the tools to make us the laziest generation. When people want to get something done, they will use all of the tools to get it done. In our generation our tools make it easier for us.

Drew F said...

It is sad to say but being lazy is just too easy these days. I agree that everything today is just brought to you. Being lazy doesnt make you dumb, but it is commonly put together. I just think that their does need to be less laziness in the world. Learning and knowledge is greater than ever