We talk about, we even name, generations throughout our social history, but what is a sole generation’s true importance? Is one generation really all that essential to the development of the world across all levels? Can one group of kids really define an era, not only in clothes, music and culture, but, as well, in politics and global growth? Well, certainly, silly. But, seriously, generations mean everything in this society. The emergence of a group from youth to adulthood can change the game as we know it, and many of these generational groups absolutely have.
As a society, we weigh great importance on upcoming generations. More so than we realize, I think. To say that Boston University’s class of 2015 is “Smaller, but Smarter,” as BU Today notes, proves this. While in history, generations are grouped according to cultural hallmarks –– Baby Boomers, Gen X, millennials –– we as students identify our societal place in terms of graduation year. It’s beneficial to us that the incoming class is smaller. This means BU is more selective. More importantly, though, the incoming class is smarter. Especially in harder times like today, we depend on the hope of the youth to come through. The fact that a class is smarter creates a sense of optimism for the future. Older generations can take solace: At least we’re not getting dumber, at least there are some smart kids who, after graduating, will contribute to society.
From the moment we enter college to the moment we grab our degrees, we take on a massive burden. Suddenly, society wants us to change everything. Suddenly, we are the kids to change the world. We’re smart, we were educated at a prestigious institution and the world is in the crapper –– “Here’s what’s wrong. Go fix it.” The thing is, many of our examples stem from the radical youth: From the counter-culture, the civil rights activists, the women liberators. What we have to fix extends much further than society. There are certainly social issues to change, but there is also a global economy that’s down, a massive poor population worldwide and a struggle to define a universal governing system. These aren’t necessarily new ideas, but there is a new pressure for young generations to turn toward politics over society. More than ever, the upcoming generations are being looked to for a quick fix, because, as we stand, not much progress can be seen. But, as we stand there is no tangible means of creating immediate change in policy.
At one point in the French Revolution, modeled after the system of the ancient Roman Empire, the French government instilled a consulate/committee system that rotated completely every year. While this seems inefficient and hard to maintain, it allows for fresh minds and new perspectives. With the Terror and Napoleon and radical revolutionaries, the system wasn’t perfect and didn’t last, but it’s a good example to look to. As each generation rises, new faces and new ideologies in government would be ideal, creating a representation of society as is at that point. The committee system allows for experienced leaders (only one member is replaced at a time in the rotation), as well as a constant refresh. Our generations are indeed quintessential. I think it might be time to put their minds to work –– actually have them fix what’s wrong, and give them a chance to do so.
Jake Haungs is a sophomore in the College of Communication and a
weekly columnist for The Daily Free Press. He can be reached at
jmhaungs@bu.edu.
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