Seriously, "the Dumbest Generation"? So when people started adapting to the use of the post office were they dumb because they did not know how to use the pony mail express? Or, when the typewriter came out was that generation "dumb" because they did not have to hand write? These are just a few examples of why we are not the dumbest generation. Both articles presented had valid points, but i can not fully endorse the label of the dumbest generation.
Mark Bauerlein, author of The Dumbest Generation, describes eight aspects in which the youth of today is proving to be "dumb". In actuality, our generation is moving the world further technologically, and teens today know so much about technology that it can really benefit us in our later life. In school, each class is structured for the students' benefit. We use a combination of computers and paper to complete work. Having the technology accessible is so beneficial. It allows us to create projects that, in a regular classroom, would never be able to be done. Teachers and adults today can not come to the realization that our generation is just as smart, we just learn in different ways. Bauerlein claims that we cannot spell, but does spelling make you smart? Furthermore, what is his definition of dumb?...books, spelling, age. The only way we can prove ourselves as a generation is to make the world a better place once we graduate. Each teenager will give their part to the world. Also, when our generation enters the workforce, we will bring ideas and programs that can better the company. We should never be called "the dumbest generation" again. It is belittling us and it is unruly.
There are several kinds of intelligences a person can have. Whether they be technological, environmental, or literate, they should all be equally respected. A big claim these days is the hours upon hours we spend on the computer. Although this may be true, there are millions of websites we can utilize to better our work. It is a luxury to be able to go online and find exactly what you need. I know that past generations were not given this luxury, but that does not give them the right to berate us. There will always be advancements in medicine and technology and the different generations will adapt to them rightfully so. The events and inventions of a generation is what makes them special and makes the world we live in diverse. Our parents were in the generation of televisions and typewriters. Our grandparents experienced the radio and the movies. So were they considered "dumb" to their older generations...I do not think so.
The future will always keep advancing, and the best way to live is to jump on the train and accept the changes. Adults need to see the big picture too. How come our generation is able to get into the same universities and colleges that they once did if we are "dumber"? Even though we have the technology at school does not mean that we do not still do things the old fashioned way. Twenty-first century classrooms are as new to us as they are to older generations. We have to learn new concepts that can prove very frustrating for us. The idea of one on one laptops at school is shocking to me. It is amazing how quickly we are able to advance. I wish adults can appreciate our generation for what its worth, and just let us show the world what we can do.
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4 comments:
I really liked your examples in the beginning about the typewriter and the mail. I agree with how there are many different kinds of intelligence and also, that our technology is improving. I believe that our generation is not "the dumbest generation". :)
I also really liked your examples about the typewriter and the post office; it puts the idea of the "dumbest generation" into perspective. I also agree with your point that as the world advances, technology is advancing, and thus ways of learning should be advancing. Couldn't the fact that the older generations don't know how to use technology make them the dumbest generation? I really agree with all of your arguments.
hey cassie, i really liked your blog. i know, that is not helpful. i liked the part where you said that there are all types of intelligence. and i agree with that. the world would not work without all of the different types of people in it. they all offer something different so that is why the world works...for the most part. i think that older generations should not be hatin' on us because we do not capitalize...it is sooo much easier when you don't. good talk.
Cassie, you made a lot of really good points. The historical facts tied in nicely with how generations in general are constantly advancing. But what I liked most was how you questioned Bauerlein's definition of "dumb". Maybe he is too scared to say it. I don't know, but shouldn't he be asked "What would make our generation a smart generation?" Given the technological advances that we have there is no way that a "smart" generation turn away from technology that is avalible. Just like smart generations in the past didn't turn away from their technology. NO. I agree with every other post before me, you had a very good arguement.
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