The introduction of handheld devices ushered in a new era for society. Front yards and backyards became void of children. Couches meant for Saturday morning cartoons became empty. Across the nation, children became lazy and inactive as their eyes adjusted to the bright glowing screen of a phone, computer, or tablet. It seemed that the computer screen would be brighter than their future.
Our childhood is dead.
Teenagers are sneered at for their interest in varying styles of music, movies, fashion sense, or an array of other interests. One Direction is “gay”, The Beatles are “legend”, Adventure Time is “dumb”, while The Simpsons is “classic.” Traditionally, people scorn the new generation of media for its different ideas and content. Teenagers adopt the attitude of their parents and in turn, scorn other teenagers or children for having a completely normal interest. A female teenager’s choice to wear Uggs and listen to Justin Bieber is no one’s business but her own. Society does not have the right to dictate what is considered “good” or “bad.” A person can enjoy Nicki Minaj and still be a scholar. Let us not pretend that headphones block out ideas, mascara glues eyes shut, or that Starbucks is the cause of obesity.
The special snowflake syndrome seems to be the actual root cause for this catastrophe. What better way to set yourself apart than to embrace yesterday’s culture and insult others for not grasping at time’s loose threads. Who cares about being the majority of “preps” and “posers” when normal is just a setting on a washing machine? Rather than embrace the fact that there are seven billion people on this planet with a variety of interests and personalities, people tend to lean towards likeness and put the blame on the advancement of society.
Computers are not our enemies. Phones are not our enemies. Technology is not bad and is not causing decline in our society. Thomas Edison is not a witch for bringing light into our mundane world. Children may be glued to their bright screens, but how was that any different from the past? Children were glued to television screens. Kids still interact and play together, but how many of our parents can say that they played with their best friends across the globe? We should accept the world that changes around us, rather than shun it. People will always have different values that change with society; ignorance is born when people choose not see these different values.
Memories are meant to be cherished, but not lived in forever. People have to learn to let go of the past. Today’s generation does not need to feel shame for their music styles, fashion styles, or habits just because they differ from their parents’. Society was meant to advance in life. People have different tastes. The world would be increasingly boring if every person mirrored his or her neighbor. To today's youth, ignore the harsh words of the older generation. You are the future! Embrace your selfies, listen to your music, do whatever makes you happy as long as it doesn’t harm someone else. This is your life and you have the right as any other to be happy and live it to the fullest.