In recent years, there have been a lot of adjectives thrown around to describe younger generations. They call us Millennials, self-centered, entitled, lazy, sensitive, stupid, useless- the list goes on and on. You might think that I'm being overdramatic with my adjectives however a simple Google search of "today's youth are..." will yield the majority of the words listed above.
It seems that the very people who are calling young people these words are forgetting who raised us. If I'm being completely honest, while I understand where some of the negative feelings towards young people is coming from, I can not help but get slightly depressed every time I hear someone older complaining about my generation. Especially when I look around and see so many hard-working, respectful individuals.
I believe that part of the problem with the older generation's view of today's young people is that when we are constantly inundated with negative thoughts and views about us, we begin to believe the stereotypes and the boxes that older generations like to place us in.
One phase that we don't hear enough when referring to young people is "the future." Or maybe we hear it, but it's uttered with "fear" before it. Young people are the future and I think that it is time to stop the culture that condemns them before they even get the chance to try. Young people have so much potential and it excites me to think about all that could be accomplished if only someone took a bit of time and invested themselves into unlocking said potential.
What better way to learn something new AND feel empowered at the same time than to watch a TED Talk? TED Talks are great resources, especially when you are looking to understand something from a slightly different perspective. I've decided to compile a short list of Talks that touch on empowering today's youth to step up.
1. "Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection" by Reshma Saujani
In this TED Talk, Reshma highlights the differences in the way boys and girls are raised and how damaging this difference can be for young women in the future.
2. "Love, No Matter What" by Andrew Solomon
In this talk, Andrew talks about parents love and relate to their children, even when their children are different.
3. "Being Young and Making an Impact" by Natalie Warne
Natalie was 18 when she became involved in activism, inspiring young folks all over the country to get involved. Her story serves as a reminder that you are never too young to become a leader.
4. "Kids, Take Charge" by Kiran Sethi
Kiran is a school teacher in India who helps to empower her students to lead and educate others around them, even adults.
