Snowmans Blog

What happened to the "boomers"?

I recently came across an editorial in the student paper from Auburn asking why the students are so complacent. And pointing out that the generation of protesters from the 60's and 70's are the ones running things in a less than satisfactory way now.

I've often wondered myself whatever happened to the idealism that generation once had. Where were all the former Vietnam protestors when we entered Iraq? Who are all the people working in corporate America now? Largely those that rebelled against the system at one time. And why didn't those ordeals get handed down to todays students? They are sitting through their "education" to pick up a degree and make a lot of money. They don't seem to care enough about anything to protest.

The editorial seems to be orphaned and may disappear, but the full version is here, and is titled "A redheaded stranger quotes Chuck D".

Here is an excerpt which captures most of it:

Back in our parents' college days, it was a common occurrence for students to come together and speak out for what they believed to be right.

Well, the protesters of that generation are in charge now, and I for one don't particularly like the way they are managing my school.

While in no way is this an endorsement for free love, flower power or rampant drug use (they all happen anyway), it is an endorsement for some "call to arms."

What ever happened to college-aged people's passion and zeal for the way of life they so desperately want to live?

I'll tell you what happened. We got complacent. Think about it. Look at the classes you've taken at Auburn. How many of those consisted of no more than pure memorization and regurgitation?"

One of the other relevant thoughts I've often had is that universities have traditionally been a source of change, a starting point for upheaval. In other countries this is still true, entire governments have been brought down by movements begun in their universities. But here in the US it's hard to imagine students starting a significant movement for change of any kind.

And if students don't do it it's unlikely any other group will. Dooming us to complacency and the status quo.

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