by John Boguhn

Created on: June 27, 2009

By definition "Complacency," is to be self satisfied to point at which dangers become obscured. I don't think that this is a delineation that really fits this fledgling generation. They certainly are self-satisfied and self involved, but not to the point that they are unaware of the hazards the lifestyle creates. It's more like indifference. It's more of a "so what" moment with them. They've seen our life plans and heard our rants; and can find no value in our values. It's less about their complacency, and more about a general disillusionment with ours. We have failed to prove why they should be concerned. How can they do worse than we have. A broken economy, a broken planet, a broken future; all of which is left for them to fix. Why shouldn't they be self-centered and fearless; arrogance may be the only weapon available to the next generation. You can't hurt what you can't touch; and you can't touch what you can't find. So they turn in and hold it all close to the vest; soldiering forward like it just doesn't matter.

It's a large and complicated challenge we've offered up to our newest spawns; especially since it has been presented without an instruction manual or a warranty card. And they have accepted the task on the condition they can bring their toys with them. Is it really so surprising that technology has become an intricate part of the process. It gives them somewhere to look for answers when no one will honor their questions. It's somewhere to hide when the outside noise gets to be to loud, something to share with others living in the same moment; resources to help answer the global question. These are their weapons of choice, and they are packing heavy. What technology is not is a scapegoat used to lessen our part in this question of complacency. Computers and mobile phones are not the reason these young people duck and cover. Technology does however give them an outlet to share their voice without limits. If we won't listen they're going to find someone who will.

It's easy to say the next generation is complacent. To claim we have made it to easy on them. Truth is they are the product of our complacence. I am 50 years old; the last of the baby boomer's. I came of age in the 70's; the so-called "Me Generation." We were the first children taught by the hippies that actually graduated. The world pinned there highest hopes on us. What did we give them; greed and avarice! In the 80's the Me Generation gave new meaning to the concept of complacence. A truth that was reflected in our progeny. Our children without a name; the Generation known as X did not fair much better in the 90's. Excess and anger was there claim to fame. Now we are poised to reflect on this first generation of the new millennium. We claim they are complacent because they seem to care more about their gadgets than their goals. I don't know if I really believe it. If anything I think they're just living up to tradition. And if given a chance I think they just may surprise us. I think they're just sitting back waiting the rest of us to either die or retire; which ever comes first. Then they're going to step up, take over and do it their way. And I think we may all be surprised by just how well they do. So do I think we have raised a generation of complacent young people? No... I think they're just playing a really good game of possum; sitting back waiting for their chance!

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