Then and Now

Fashion goes in and out. Technology advances. Wants become needs. Norms change. Opportunities increase. And what was once normal has now become "old-fashioned." Traditions, morals, values and rules all tend to be passed down from generation to generation. Time after time parents try to raise their children the way they were raised. Parents compare their children's lifestyles to the lifestyles that they had. But it is 2010, and to say the least, times have changed since our parents were raised.How many times have you heard "when I was your age I walked to school" or "that's what you call music?" or "take your hat off, you're inside" or how about "put your phone away"? The list could go on forever. Every time something like this is said, an eye roll is given or an "okay, mom" is said in a not so nice tone. But can you blame us for living the lifestyle that we have grown up in?

Mom and dad, we love you, we really do. We love hearing about the way you grew up and we appreciate the stories you share with us. But wake up: we have grown up in a world of technology, a fast-paced lifestyle and with shorts a little shorter than yours were. But the point is, this is our life. This is our time to create stories to share with our children. It is a new and different world than you experienced and our grandparents experienced.

Melissa Bruebach '14 stated, "It's cool that my grandma has a different life.it makes us more well rounded knowing their past. But parents can't be ignorant about how we live, they need to accept it."

It is great to hear about past generations but at the same time we can't live in the past. I think that people should adjust to the lifestyle that's present.

Today, most younger individuals think it is okay to keep a hat on inside or wear it backwards. Their views may also accept texting while they're with someone. It is okay to commit to several events or activities because our lives encompass a high amount of multitasking already.

I understand that our generation has made changes that aren't the best. Foul language and sex at a young age, to name a few, have become more and more acceptable. It isn't appalling if you hear our generation swearing.

I do believe that there are some things that our generation has become too comfortable with. And when we are questioned about our actions, we often rationalize and become offended because "everyone else swears, everyone does it." We seem more entitled to do or have things. Please and thank yous are hard to come by.

Our generation does have weak moments, but what generation doesn't? If you set aside the flaws that we have and look at who we might become I think past generations will be pleasantly surprised.