Since 2008 the US economy has been a horror story. We have seen how the country’s financial status has affected the housing market, corporate America, and the spending habits of everyone from the upper class of Santa Clara, California to the lower class of Detroit, Michigan. The one area we have yet to address is how these changes will affect the youth of America.
As innocent and naïve that we may think children are, they are more than aware of their surroundings. They may not be fully conscious of what a bill is, but can comprehend the look of despair on their parents’ face whenever they check the mail box. Sure they love visiting family members, yet they understand it’s a problem when instead of bringing a change of clothes the family is packing up all of their belongings. How will these occurrences affect their outlook on life and the financial success that they are able to obtain?
It’s difficult to tell America’s youth to stay in school and go to college when the majority of college graduates are in debt to the mob (Sallie Mae) and wearing holes into the soles of their shoes pounding the pavement for jobs. Sure the odds of becoming the professional athlete or next Lil’ Wayne are slim, but when they see the other end of the spectrum is it worth attempting to achieve?
My biggest fear is that they will take the “easy way out” that is making a paycheck off of buffoonery and sheer ignorance. In the age where a Twitter page or YouTube video can make someone an overnight success, it’s too easy for young kids to succumb to a lifestyle where fame constantly defeats morals and pride in ones self.
As adults all we can do is tell them about the principles that our generation failed to hold in high regard. Save money for a rainy day, don’t buy a house and a car you can’t afford and no job is guaranteed. And who knows, maybe by the time they are members of the college graduating class of 2020 there will be job postings worthy of the talent that the future holds.
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