The weakest generations

[fowl_mood]

These kids are unbelievable. They disavow any responsibility and blame everyone else while showing zero resilience or toughness. Of course, the editors of the school paper will be in great demand from the whining main stream media. No wonder our country is headed toward a caretaker government.

Next weakest, my generation, the ones running UNC Chapel Hill. Manage the situation, dang it, don't just shut it down.

https://nypost.com/2020/08/18/unc-students-rip-school-for-creating-covid-19-clusterf-k/

 

[McCock]

These kids are unbelievable. They disavow any responsibility and blame everyone else while showing zero resilience or toughness. Of course, the editors of the school paper will be in great demand from the whining main stream media. No wonder our country is headed toward a caretaker government.

Next weakest, my generation, the ones running UNC Chapel Hill. Manage the situation, dang it, don't just shut it down.

https://nypost.com/2020/08/18/unc-students-rip-school-for-creating-covid-19-clusterf-k/

I don't really have any opinion on your overall point, but I do think you're mischaracterizing the editorial a bit. The editorial states up front that the students are not blameless in what has occurred at UNC, but it takes issue with the university for ignoring local and CDC guidelines in preparing its reopening plan and its mistaken reliance on FERPA in refusing to disclose information that would enable appropriate contact tracing. For anyone interested, here is a link to the actual editorial: https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2020/08/covid-clusters-edit-0816

 

[AnCRooster]

“Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.”

"You can vote your way into socialism but you have to shoot your way out."

 

[RoosterBooster1]

Time heals all, in the 60’s and 70’s much of the same was said about the youth then through the race riots and war protests, draft dodgers and drug culture. Time healed those thoughts as the youth of then aged, and in many respects they were right about the issues facing the nation. Best not to label any generation before their time, we all get better with age and sometimes our youth movements bring needed change.

 

[RoosterBooster1]

Every decade has brought its own unique issues, the democracy has weathered all storms, and once thought useless citizens became leaders, that is what democracy breeds. This nation is about protest and free speech, free will, always has been always will be, its the strength behind this nation. Have some faith...this democracy will outlive all of us.

 

[Cocky4SC]

I understand "kids will be kids" but they also were throwing parties and having gatherings. Mask requirements have been in full force in NC. Wearing a mask might keep slow how fast the virus is going to spread, but it's going to spread regardless of what social distancing rules are in place, whether the students are on campus or in their home towns, the only thing it will do is just change the location of where they contracted the virus. Unfortunately the virus isn't going anywhere. I predict that it will be treated just like the flu a few years down the road... some will get the vaccine (and still have the chance of dying from it) and some will not choose to take it.

 

[Lurker123]

Within 6 days they had clusters? Isnt the incubation period longer than that? Meaning these kids showed up to school with it, right?

 

[Reddfoxx1]

Wait. 19 year old kids are partying the first week at college.

 

[Cocky4SC]

Within 6 days they had clusters? Isnt the incubation period longer than that? Meaning these kids showed up to school with it, right?

Incubation period is anywhere from 2-14 days... so most likely some showed up to school with it.

 

[Lurker123]

Incubation period is anywhere from 2-14 days... so most likely some showed up to school with it.

Ah, but it's short enough that it could already be showing up from the first few days of parties.

Thanks

 

[fowl_mood]

I don't really have any opinion on your overall point, but I do think you're mischaracterizing the editorial a bit. The editorial states up front that the students are not blameless in what has occurred at UNC, but it takes issue with the university for ignoring local and CDC guidelines in preparing its reopening plan and its mistaken reliance on FERPA in refusing to disclose information that would enable appropriate contact tracing. For anyone interested, here is a link to the actual editorial: https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2020/08/covid-clusters-edit-0816

Wow, we must be of different generations for sure. The editorial is a social justice onslaught more concerned about whose feelings are getting hurt in trying to maintain a safe environment. It's silly. These kids live in a world of their own creation where someone is out to get you at every moment. It's so pitiful.

 

[fowl_mood]

In regards to the actual Covid threat, if anyone, especially anyone pretending to be educated doesn't understand and accept the risks of Covid, then it's simply on them. The kids have one thing right, this was bound to happen. It's happening everywhere, and we have to learn to live with it. Discipline is critical if you are a student or an old person. But everyone wants to have their old lives back and be safe. Does not work that way right now. No one forced them to UNC, no one held a gun. They are not guaranteed a UNC degree. The school tried to accommodate them, they had a choice, they made it, and now they want to complain.

I suspect the first required course in college should be risk management.

 

[803blf]

These kids are unbelievable. They disavow any responsibility and blame everyone else while showing zero resilience or toughness. Of course, the editors of the school paper will be in great demand from the whining main stream media. No wonder our country is headed toward a caretaker government.

Next weakest, my generation, the ones running UNC Chapel Hill. Manage the situation, dang it, don't just shut it down.

https://nypost.com/2020/08/18/unc-students-rip-school-for-creating-covid-19-clusterf-k/

When you’re paying thousands upon thousands of dollars to attend a school, I think it’s ok to demand some level of safety no matter what generation you are.

 

[hobcawcreekcock]

My daughter is 22, 'virtually' graduated two weekends ago from USC. The very week some restrictions were lifted for bars and restaurants back in June, her age 'kids' jumped in feet first by going out. The Friday of some things lifted, she and four or five other female friends headed out to Red's Icehouse on Shem Creek. COVID was 'over', very little social distancing, and no masks. I think she was one of the few, perhaps the only one, in her group that escaped being infected with the coronavirus. Sounds very similar to the UNC situation. Not only are many of those 'kids' away from home for the first time, most have been locked down most of the summer.

Many UNC students cut loose, and here are the results. In-person learning stopped before even got started in Chapel Hill.

Two things, when you're 18 you think you're going to live forever, AND coronavirus, overwhelmingly, isn't killing teenagers, or twenty something year olds.

 

[Cocky4SC]

When you’re paying thousands upon thousands of dollars to attend a school, I think it’s ok to demand some level of safety no matter what generation you are.

Saftey is also the individuals responsibility. A car manufacturer puts all kinds of warnings and even includes seatbelts, but it doesn't mean people don't drink and drive or drive without seatbelts. If UNC was being careless and acting irresponsible, then ok... But it should be noted that these pockets of infections really happened quicker than the incubation period for COVID... meaning people came to school having it already.

 

[803blf]

Saftey is also the individuals responsibility. A car manufacturer puts all kinds of warnings and even includes seatbelts, but it doesn't mean people don't drink and drive or drive without seatbelts. If UNC was being careless and acting irresponsible, then ok... But it should be noted that these pockets of infections really happened quicker than the incubation period for COVID... meaning people came to school having it already.

I agree with you, the students can definitely shoulder a lot of the blame on this. And if the university truly was ignoring CDC guidelines when formulating the reopening plan, I think the administration can carry a share of the blame as well. Either way it’s a mess, and a great example of how not to do it. Hopefully other universities/students take note.

 

[importcock]

Hey it's UNC. Can't they just say they attended all classes and pick up their degrees? Or is that only for star athletes?

 

[importcock]

Every decade has brought its own unique issues, the democracy has weathered all storms, and once thought useless citizens became leaders, that is what democracy breeds. This nation is about protest and free speech, free will, always has been always will be, its the strength behind this nation. Have some faith...this democracy will outlive all of us.

I wish I had your confidence in the security of our democracy.

 

[kidrobinski]

Time heals all, in the 60’s and 70’s much of the same was said about the youth then through the race riots and war protests, draft dodgers and drug culture. Time healed those thoughts as the youth of then aged, and in many respects they were right about the issues facing the nation. Best not to label any generation before their time, we all get better with age and sometimes our youth movements bring needed change.

As a member of said 60s youth that ultimately faced the realization that we didn’t know we didn’t know, I’d be interested in what “needed change” in particular you refer to.

 

[KA Martin]

I would agree. The kids under 30 are definitely part of the country’s most ignorant generation.

 

[midline]

And getting weaker. And will continue. All probably due to the quality of life enjoyed in this country for all of most of our lifetimes. Went through the depression, won two world wars before most of us were born. Outside of the cold war where we broke the USSR, we haven't really been challenged until China recently stepped up. So people look inward, and more tribal, in regards to their issues. And with many of the folks from the unrest of the 60's and 70's now in charge, especially in the educational system, it is a breeding ground for everyone to find a way to consider themselves a victim. Look at pretty much any aspect of life. Work, sports, etc., we are much weaker mentally than decades ago. And I don't see any stop to that slide. Nakita Krushchev said decades ago that America would fall without a shot being fired. Wont happen in our lifetime, but I can see this country on that path.

 

[ToddFlanders]

I would agree. The kids under 30 are definitely part of the country’s most ignorant generation.

Of course - they’re under 30. No matter what point in time you look to, the under 30’s will be less knowledgeable then those over 30. When you were under 30, you and your fellow under 30’ers were collectively more ignorant than those older than you. Life experience is a huge teacher.

However, just because they’re ignorant regarding certain aspects of life doesn’t mean they can’t have a firmer grasp on others. And many times, being ignorant to “the way things are” is how new innovations and human progress comes about.

 

[ToddFlanders]

And getting weaker. And will continue. All probably due to the quality of life enjoyed in this country for all of most of our lifetimes. Went through the depression, won two world wars before most of us were born. Outside of the cold war where we broke the USSR, we haven't really been challenged until China recently stepped up. So people look inward, and more tribal, in regards to their issues. And with many of the folks from the unrest of the 60's and 70's now in charge, especially in the educational system, it is a breeding ground for everyone to find a way to consider themselves a victim. Look at pretty much any aspect of life. Work, sports, etc., we are much weaker mentally than decades ago. And I don't see any stop to that slide. Nakita Krushchev said decades ago that America would fall without a shot being fired. Wont happen in our lifetime, but I can see this country on that path.

Said every generation as they got older and looked back at who was coming behind them. The US will be fine. Much of the division being caused in America will be gone when people stop watching news on TV (and that actually has a natural termination).

 

[SCexpat38]

These kids are unbelievable. They disavow any responsibility and blame everyone else while showing zero resilience or toughness. Of course, the editors of the school paper will be in great demand from the whining main stream media. No wonder our country is headed toward a caretaker government.

Next weakest, my generation, the ones running UNC Chapel Hill. Manage the situation, dang it, don't just shut it down.

https://nypost.com/2020/08/18/unc-students-rip-school-for-creating-covid-19-clusterf-k/

Every time I see something about how this generation or the one before it is weak, I think of people like Jason Dahlke, an Army ranger who lived nearby. He was killed in Afghanistan in 2009, when he was only 29 years old and had been deployed six times to combat. This young man spent a third of his life at war:

https://www.leadthewayfund.org/staff-sgt-jason-sean-dahlke/

Or this retired Marine (he was only 34) killed a few weeks ago after he tried to help a stranded motorist on I-95 in Pooler, just down the road from where I live. That sacrifice isn't weakness:

https://www.bryancountynews.com/news/gofundme-page-created-good-samaritan-killed-i-95/

Or this 21-year-old Army specialist, killed in July when his military vehicle rolled over in Afghanistan:

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2020/07/04/soldier-killed-in-afghanistan-rollover-accident/#:~:text=The Pentagon announced the death,to a Pentagon media release.

I could go on, but I won't.

This country's been at war in other countries for 19 years. Some folks (maybe 1 percent of the population) are doing the fighting and the heavy lifting. Not one was drafted. They are all volunteers.

This 'generation' and the one preceding it may have it's problems, and I've come to believe our sense of entitlement is a huge problem for Americans in general, but in terms of steadfastness and courage and willingness to serve a bigger cause, this generation is holding its own.

 

[vacock#]

Every time I see something about how this generation or the one before it is weak, I think of people like Jason Dahlke, an Army ranger who lived nearby. He was killed in Afghanistan in 2009, when he was only 29 years old and had been deployed six times to combat. This young man spent a third of his life at war:

https://www.leadthewayfund.org/staff-sgt-jason-sean-dahlke/

Or this retired Marine (he was only 34) killed a few weeks ago after he tried to help a stranded motorist on I-95 in Pooler, just down the road from where I live. That sacrifice isn't weakness:

https://www.bryancountynews.com/news/gofundme-page-created-good-samaritan-killed-i-95/

Or this 21-year-old Army specialist, killed in July when his military vehicle rolled over in Afghanistan:

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2020/07/04/soldier-killed-in-afghanistan-rollover-accident/#:~:text=The Pentagon announced the death,to a Pentagon media release.

I could go on, but I won't.

This country's been at war in other countries for 19 years. Some folks (maybe 1 percent of the population) are doing the fighting and the heavy lifting. Not one was drafted. They are all volunteers.

This 'generation' and the one preceding it may have it's problems, and I've come to believe our sense of entitlement is a huge problem for Americans in general, but in terms of steadfastness and courage and willingness to serve a bigger cause, this generation is holding its own.

Maybe people should learn how averages work and that just because there are outliers (exception people in this case) doesn’t define the “mean” with a few samples. So there can exist the exceptional people you mentioned but the statement about “most young people“ can still be true.

 

[JeffTweedyFan]

I would agree. The kids under 30 are definitely part of the country’s most ignorant generation.

Change ignorant to entitled and I'm with you.

 

[McCock]

Wow, we must be of different generations for sure. The editorial is a social justice onslaught more concerned about whose feelings are getting hurt in trying to maintain a safe environment. It's silly. These kids live in a world of their own creation where someone is out to get you at every moment. It's so pitiful.

Not sure whether we are of different generations or not. I was specifically responding to your statement that the students accepted no responsibility when the editorial acknowledged up front that the students weren’t blameless in creating the situation they now found themselves in. I found the editorial a bit dramatic in its tone, but it did express some valid points.

 

[AnCRooster]

I understand "kids will be kids" but they also were throwing parties and having gatherings. Mask requirements have been in full force in NC. Wearing a mask might keep slow how fast the virus is going to spread, but it's going to spread regardless of what social distancing rules are in place, whether the students are on campus or in their home towns, the only thing it will do is just change the location of where they contracted the virus. Unfortunately the virus isn't going anywhere. I predict that it will be treated just like the flu a few years down the road... some will get the vaccine (and still have the chance of dying from it) and some will not choose to take it.

How has that worked out for North Carolina. From the data I've been watching, masks haven't helped one damn bit. SC looks to be doing better than them with no statewide mask mandate.

 

[fowl_mood]

I was one of these college kids I am calling out today. But I firmly believe there is one major difference in previous groups and this one, and perhaps the millinneals. The first USC college class I attended was Economics 121. The professor stood before us in his khaki pants and button down blue shirt. He did not say hi, or welcome, or whatever. He simply looked at us and said "There are a limited number of resources."

I believe young people are increasingly of the opinion this is not the case. We can point the finger at many across the spectrum for our inequities in wealth which drive the resentment and the desire for redistribution. Typically, we have believed free elections would help balance political control and resources. Its my opinion that younger generations have no faith in any current leadership. Trump and Bush did not really win, and Obama was a progressive disappointment. Their beliefs are that resources are boundless, but simply not shared. They must do it, and in their way. On their terms. Using their words. And their ideas. And everyone else's money.

 

[fowl_mood]

Not sure whether we are of different generations or not. I was specifically responding to your statement that the students accepted no responsibility when the editorial acknowledged up front that the students weren’t blameless in creating the situation they now found themselves in. I found the editorial a bit dramatic in its tone, but it did express some valid points.

I certainly don't disagree UNC messed up a bit on its planning. That they have absolutely right. But, the editorial left me thinking it was about so much more than health.

 

[Cocky4SC]

How has that worked out for North Carolina. From the data I've been watching, masks haven't helped one damn bit. SC looks to be doing better than them with no statewide mask mandate.

Unless I'm missing something, mask are pretty much mandated everywhere I live in the Upstate... I know they are mandated at all restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, and all big box stores... I pretty much can't enter any establishment without having a mask on.

 

[Gamecock Lifer]

Time heals all, in the 60’s and 70’s much of the same was said about the youth then through the race riots and war protests, draft dodgers and drug culture. Time healed those thoughts as the youth of then aged, and in many respects they were right about the issues facing the nation. Best not to label any generation before their time, we all get better with age and sometimes our youth movements bring needed change.

That is the generation that grew up smoking dope and then when they grew up and took power waged a “drug war” against the citizens of our own country.

That is the generation that was supposed to end all wars and instead has us embroiled in and endless cycle of profiteer war mongering in the middle East.

That was the generation preaching free love and equality while oppressing the Hell out of any person not a white man.

That generation certainly DID identify all these problems facing the world today, exploding in our faces currently... they identified these evils 50-60 years ago when they were young and did NOTHING to fix ANY OF THEM! You give them credit for identifying these issues... I will use a quote my buddy who is a big time engineer at Exxon uses when his employees come to him to report problems. “Hey that was a great job identifying the problem there buddy, Now how about come back with a SOLUTION. That is what I hired you for.” Identifying problems means nothing if you do nothing to fix them and the generation you mentioned obviously has not done enough to address those problems.

People gripe about young people today? They identified these issues and are literally marching in the streets to try to fix them as the generation you referred to has FAILED. The generation who grew up hippies left the fields of Woodstock, put out the joint roaches and fell right in line with corporate America. They forgot all about free love and rode their privilege to a comfy retirement. They forgot about legalizing weed and started drug wars that decimated minority communities and cost the American tax payers TRILLIONS to prosecute non violent offenders who just wanted to do the same things they did at Woodstock. Their generation ramped up environmental movements and simultaneously relied on the worst polluting sources of energy available.. I can go on and on about the WEAKNESS AND NEGLIGENCE of that generation but currently we are a nation on the edge of collapse because of THEM. That is my parent’s generation and they are so full of themselves of all their accomplishments meanwhile they never won a war (Vietnam was a big L and the Middle East wars are still raging), they ruined our economy and drove the country so far into debt we will never recover (tripled unemployment, wrecked GDC.. I can go on but the real scary numbers won’t be out for a few more months), pushed our environment to the brink of collapse and... Well I am sure you all get the point. This BTW is not my opinion. This is My MOM’s opinion. She is part of that generation. The Baby Boomers were supposed to be our greatest generation. They failed us, as did/ IS the generation just prior to them- My generation, born in the late 70s, early 80s. We are taking things over now and look to be making all the same mistakes over again and worse?.. If ya’ll really cannot see that this younger generation has the knowledge, empathy and passion to be better than us then you must truly believe this world is doomed because the Boomers running things now are the worst mess of hypocrites, liars, pedophiles and criminals we have ever had running this country and we may not make it to see what this young generation can do because of the mistakes of their parents and grand parents.
America is a MESS today, and it is not the fault of the kids. Some of us need to look in the damn mirror.

 

[gamecox4982]

I call this generation the "Trophy Generation", they all got one for just signing up. They were all told by their parents that they were just as good as the one that practiced everyday and became better. I use to coach these kids so I've seen first hand how this worked. Little Johnny never came to practice but would show up for ever game and by rule he had to play at least two innings and bat once. If not you lost the game. Their parents would complain why Little Johnny never received more playing time. I got so fed up with parents telling me how to coach that I finally stopped volunteering my time. These same parents are the ones that would drop off their kids and would be an hour late in picking them up while I waiting with them. This generation of children hasn't changed their parents generation did.

 

[hobcawcreekcock]

Hey it's UNC. Can't they just say they attended all classes and pick up their degrees? Or is that only for star athletes?

HARUMPH! Excellent point!

 

[hobcawcreekcock]

I call this generation the "Trophy Generation", they all got one for just signing up. They were all told by their parents that they were just as good as the one that practiced everyday and became better. I use to coach these kids so I've seen first hand how this worked. Little Johnny never came to practice but would show up for ever game and by rule he had to play at least two innings and bat once. If not you lost the game. Their parents would complain why Little Johnny never received more playing time. I got so fed up with parents telling me how to coach that I finally stopped volunteering my time. These same parents are the ones that would drop off their kids and would be an hour late in picking them up while I waiting with them. This generation of children hasn't changed their parents generation did.

Coach Frank Martin stated a few years back that, "we don't have a kid problem these days, we have a parenting problem"!

I often see two types of parents, those that try to buy their kids love, many Mt Pleasant parents fit this description. When my three kids went to Wando HS, I was AMAZED at the student parking lot. Range Rovers, BMW, Mercedes, Tahoes, and other high dollar vehicles. Both my sons received former company cars I drove, not bad, just not great. One played football and one played basketball, so we provided them transportation since they dedicated so much time and effort into practice, weight training, AAU ball, etc. My daughter was in the chorus so she had a 1998 Toyota Four Runner with 249,000 miles on it. Later wrecked it on Blossom Street while at USC. That was a damn fine SUV!

The other type parents I see a lot of are 'helicopter parents', afraid to let little Johnny fail at something, get sick, or face adversity.

What will these kids do when they find out life doesn't provide a lot of protections. There will be FAILURE and DISAPPOINTMENTS! What you do with those, or how you handle them, likely will determine happiness and success. Or the opposite!!!

East Cooper is certainly loaded with these two types of parenting. I fear for the future, as we aren't preparing our kids to be tough and resilient when life throws issues at them!

 

[MookieBlaylock9]

I have to say, when I see videos of people losing it and berating some poor soul making 8.50/hr, it is never young people.

 

[AnCRooster]

Unless I'm missing something, mask are pretty much mandated everywhere I live in the Upstate... I know they are mandated at all restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, and all big box stores... I pretty much can't enter any establishment without having a mask on.

NC has had a more restrictive, statewide mandate in effect longer than South Carolina. Probably by at least three weeks or a month.

 

[loriscock77]

In a stable free market democracy, life becomes easier with each successive generation through innovation. Quite naturally, this creates a sense of "in my day we did it this way" mentality among older folks because, indeed, they had to do it differently. In reality, there is no "great" generation or "awful" generation. People adapt to the life and society they have around them. I'm 43 so I kinda get it from both sides.

 

[scbirdhunter]

These kids are unbelievable. They disavow any responsibility and blame everyone else

Horrible traits, we agree. Hopefully they're never put in a position of leadership. That would be a disaster. A total disaster

 

[Gamecock Lifer]

I call this generation the "Trophy Generation", they all got one for just signing up. They were all told by their parents that they were just as good as the one that practiced everyday and became better. I use to coach these kids so I've seen first hand how this worked. Little Johnny never came to practice but would show up for ever game and by rule he had to play at least two innings and bat once. If not you lost the game. Their parents would complain why Little Johnny never received more playing time. I got so fed up with parents telling me how to coach that I finally stopped volunteering my time. These same parents are the ones that would drop off their kids and would be an hour late in picking them up while I waiting with them. This generation of children hasn't changed their parents generation did.

Sounds like you were taking little league a bit too serious. At that age, all the way up honestly to middle/high school- winning and losing does not matter. The games are literally played just SO every kid can get to play. My brother’s kids are both- one mildly/behavioral challenges only, one severely challenged- “on the spectrum” and played little league for a bit... If winning was the concern of anyone coaching these teams neither would have ever gotten an at bat. If you missed that part of things, it is probably better that someone else is volunteering to coach that team. JMHO