There was this article in this week's U.S. News & World Report (April 23, 2001) called "Future automatons of America, unite!" by Jay Tolson [hello, history major training for the need to reference!]. It basically says that young people today (people approximately my age) have ideals and morals and such, but also emphasizes the fact that the "leaders of the rising generation" are a bit scary. And I agree. The article talks about a lot of the stuff that I worry about when I look at what's ingrained into my generation (which I saw referred to as the "Milennial" generation). Specifically, I'm talking about how we're told that everything we're do now needs to make us into better people later--better, in the sense of getting a better job and going farther in life. The word "internship" has always bothered me, not because of the concept of internships (which I think are great), but the obsessive need to have one. It's like the older generations are trying to take away our youth. No longer can you just have a summer job working at a movie theater or whatever. You have to start working in a real world environment. I accept doing this for maybe one summer in college, but the rest of the time, have fun. Go nuts. Enjoy being young and not having to worry about a full time job while you still can. I look back and I'm really happy with how I spent my summers and my after-school time. I mean, sure, I had some extra-curricular activities that applied very much to the real world...but dude, live it up.
That could not have been less articulate. Oh well. I'm not really thinking straight at the moment...and it's a good thing. I'm just a little sleepy, and having a good time just hanging out, listening to music (thanks for the mix, Jody, and a belated thanks for letting me stay with you!), and looking at pictures that I have saved on my computer. Sweet.
Side note to Becca: Hey, Au Pair II was on Fox Family on Sunday night, and I assume has been repeated. Sadly (?), I've missed it. But every time I see a commercial for it, I can't help but think of the joy that was Lamp Post 6 and watching Fox Family on Sundays.
Current song in my head:
"Damn It Feels Good to be a Gangsta" (or whatever, from Office Space)