If you're waiting for the kids to save the future, it's more like waiting for a storm to ride in and wreck the place. "The Kids Are Coming," a song by Tones and I released in the era of 2019 streaming platforms, sends shockwaves to anyone hoping for the so-called saviors of our times. It was a catchy tune, indeed, but its upbeat sound hardly masks the worrying trend of what the young folks are really bringing. Let's focus on who, what, when, where, and why this generational wave isn’t the knight in shining armor some folks hoped for.
Selective Activism is Not a Substitute for Real Responsibility. Every time a hashtag trends or a protest looks like it just became Woodstock 2.0, young people everywhere seem to think they are saving the world. There's a disconnect, however, between Instagram likes and genuine change. Activism should be about real-world impact, not just virtual virtue signaling. When a generation takes more selfies at a rally than meaningful actions, expect more slack and less solution.
Where’s the Financial Literacy? Ask them about TikTok trends, and they’ll talk your ear off. But try discussing compound interest or mortgages, and they might refer you to an app. Financial literacy is a glaring blind spot. Everyone’s busy manifesting wealth rather than understanding how to build it responsibly. Unless the future economy runs on “likes” and “shares,” we’re in big trouble.
Commitment Phobia on Roller Skates: If commitment were a sport, they’d be champions of avoiding it. Work loyalty? Goodbye, it's a multiple jobs gig economy with no long-term plan. Family structures? Twisting and morphing in ways that make The Brady Bunch look rigid. Loyalty and stability will be concepts stashed away, like last decade’s smartphones.
Unplug, They Said. Why Would I, They Ask. While spending time debating how social platforms should be run, they're glued to said platforms more efficiently than ever. The irony is palpable—discussing mental health while they doom-scroll through life. Where's the real disconnection they so preach?
Will They Even Show Up to Vote? Ah, voter turnout. It's praised as the ultimate civic engagement; yet, do check attendance. Consistent low voter turnout from outsized generations hints towards a future fragile on promise cards but low on actual casting of the ballots. Complaining is easy. Fixing takes showing up.
The Everlasting Binge-Watch: We’re in an age where intellectual discovery comes from Netflix documentaries rather than thick tomes of classical wisdom. Sure, they learn a few points from “documentaries” available at the click of a button. But what about critical thinking or simply reflecting beyond a bingeable series?
Entitlements: They're Not King Arthur’s Sword. There’s an air of expectancy in the younger clans, one that shutters against the reality of hard work. Promotions and accolades are expected without the weight of years of sweat or tears. The world doesn’t owe you. It’s high time some realize it before the hill becomes too steep to climb.
Tech Savvy Isn’t Just Getting the Latest iPhone. We hear this all the time: “these kids are tech geniuses.” Truth be told, knowing how to install the latest app update isn’t tech genius. It’s not about being “in” with gadgets. How about developing the next line of innovative software or addressing the downsides of the digital age?
Mind Your Manners: The great ghost of etiquette haunts this generation. “OK Boomer” and a flurry of dismissive phrases do little to bridge generation gaps. Civility and mutual respect aren’t just outdated virtues; they’re cornerstones for constructive discourse. Let’s hope talking doesn’t become as lost as Morse code.
Saving the Planet: Don’t Wait for Superman Capes. Saving the planet with an avocado toast in one hand and a protest sign in another isn’t going to cut it. Where's the pugilistic drive to drill down and formulate actual environmental policies? Waiting for tech miracles isn’t a plan; it’s a stalling tactic.
So, while "The Kids Are Coming" captures a beat with infectious joy, it’s clear they better prepare to face some real-world music. The blueprint for the future relies on more than just hope and protest. It relies on actionable responsibilities shared across generations. Actions echo louder than promises delivered to the digital ether.