Photo Courtesy of chrisdebruyn
For many in America, there is a hope that the generation that follows them will live better, more fulfilled and more prosperous lives than they. While we are certainly not alone as a nation in feeling this way, it is a wish that has become an integral part of the classic American dream.
As an older Millennial myself, I can attest to hearing my own parents tell me that they hoped I would live a better life then the one they had… one that was filled with more opportunities and success. Now, looking ahead towards the future and the younger generation, I too embrace the hopeful idea that those who follow will find their own successes and enjoy a better life then me.
Much to my surprise, I am not in the majority with these “optimistic” thoughts. As reported in the New York Times, a Gallup poll conducted this April revealed that most Americans do not believe that today’s youth will have better lives than their parents. For the very first time since Americans were surveyed with this question (in 1983), less than 50% (44%) of respondents thought that today’s youth would have a better life than their parents.
Survey participants responded to the following question: “In America, each generation has tried to have a better life than their parents, with a better living standard, better homes, a better education, and so on. How likely do you think it is that today’s youth will have a better life than their parents — very likely, somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely, or very unlikely?”
While I may not be part of today’s “youth,” I still consider myself as a member of the younger generation and I have to ask—what gives? Sure there’s the down economy, rising unemployment rate and fight against terrorism to contend with… but there have always been major issues throughout the last three decades. Surprisingly, some of the highest percentages of positive responses from Americans to this question came shortly after the terrorist attacks on the US in 2001—arguably one of the more painful moments in our country’s recent history.
So again, I ask you, what’s going on?
How do we explain this decline and does it even really mean anything significant? I for one certainly don’t want to feel as if the rest of the country either knows something I don’t, or is harboring some animosity towards the younger generations! However, it leaves me wondering how this negative outlook may cause repercussions that are felt by us all down the road. If the majority of us do not believe that things can get better, better enough so that the next generation will thrive, will they?