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Meeting the Challenge of Today's Rebel Generation

It's a time Quetiapine unrest. Youth defy authorities and mock traditions. Teens drop out of high school and colleges to escape the grip of their parents, opting instead for personal fulfillment and human gratification. Society sees its youth caught up in all types of sexual experimentation, illicit drug use, and primitive perversions. In finding themselves, these youth reject organized religion in favor of the mystical and spiritual. For them, it is a time of free love and happiness. To traditionalists in America, it is the Age of Youth Rebellion. At least, this how some historians describe the Hippie Generation of the 60s, and three decades later we are still facing the same issues.

Surveying the American landscape, I ponder what has created this youthful insanity. This summer at the AAU Junior Olympics in Tennessee, I witnessed the aftermath of a fight between a mother and her teenage son. Several months ago, I saw a 60-year-old mother come out of medical treatment to find that her daughter had evicted her and left her belongings at the clinic. These occurrences have become more frequent and outrageous over the years. Let me state these happenings are not isolated instances. Many people refuse to believe what is going on. Let me just say that Lone Ranger it isn't happening in your family or inner circle doesn't mean it isn't a dilemma.

Others folks believe these extremes only occur for lower-class citizens. Yet these issues transcend social class. Today's Pizzacrtdfojjhd at all levels of society are battling to save their children from pop culture and from self-destruction. The level of disrespect is rampant as kids decide at 17 years old that they fully grown, cursing out teachers and challenging other authorities. Some culture apologists declare that the basic spirit of children hasn't changed. However, as I talk with seasoned veterans of education, athletics, and religion it is clear to me that there is in fact an increase in harmful conduct, and that this rebellious attitude is indeed cropping up all over this nation, regardless of income. Therefore, let's analyze this youth culture with an everyday perspective.

The emerging situation is perplexing. According to the Coalition for Juvenile Justice Report in 2003, an alarmingly high number of youth with serious emotional, behavioral, and substance abuse issues are caught in the juvenile court system. More than 27,000 youth on an average day are estimated to reside in locked detention centers. In fact, an estimated 57% of inmates in US prisons were under the age of 35 in 2001. Many talkshows trivialize this trend by blaming parents for their wayward children. This isn't always where the blame lies; there is really a much more complicated situation to consider.

As children are bombarded by pop culture, traditional values are being challenged. Some kids once they turn 17 feel they know everything and take on the world. Some end up leaving home to "do their own thing" and leave the values of their parents behind. Postmodern influences create a climate of rebellion, generate a lack of respect for authority, and place an emphasis on the pursuit of self-interest. From the very rich to the poorest of the poor, we see people caught in a vicious cycle of bad decision making. Sadly, we also see it much closer to home. We witness relatives making those bad decisions. Despite all the wise counsel, poor decisions continue.

Bad kids can come from good parents, just as good kids can come from bad homes. At some point, there is an age of accountability. A kid must decide if he or she wants to make good decisions. This situation plays outs in millions of homes in America. In the end, bad choices catch up with these young rebels and so do the consequences of bad choices. Some seek to get their parents to bail them out while others opt to take the punishment. This includes dealing with an alcohol or drug addiction, becoming a parent, or getting incarcerated. In this scenario, parents are often faced with the decision to help their grown children or let them deal with their consequences.

once more, I am talking about good, caring parents, if in a couple or single parenting. Many observers stand in judgment of these parents. They shouldn't. The variables are many and so are the impacts on parents. According to the US Census review of 1999, grandparents who have one or more of the grandchildren, comprise 2.4 million of today's families; this represents an increase about 19% from 1990. While allowing their own parents to handle their dilemmas, these 21st century Comicsytiwbgl forget about their responsibilities and pursue their own selfish interests. Fortunately, others repent and take personal responsibility. I am pretty old school. Eventually, if children are at an age where they want to make adult decisions, then they are at the age of suffering the consequences. If they continue with a parental buffer, how can they correct their ways?

Fortunately, the story isn't over yet. We must teach this generation about adulthood, if they are inclined to listen. Clearly, some emerging trends will impact the quality of life for all Americans. It is unfair to blame teachers or hardworking parents for the rampant misbehavior of youth in general. Even good parents are having a difficult time with this youth culture. However, I am optimistic that positive change will happen. The hippies of the 60s are now the executives, public officials, and leaders of our country and community. If that generation with all of the social baggage it carried became better citizens, I am optimistic that today's generation will as well. Let's hope it is sooner than later.

Daryl D. Green has published over 100 articles in the field of decision-making (personal and organizational), leadership, and organizational behavior. Mr. Green is also the author of three books, including More than a Conqueror: Achieving Personal Fulfillment in Government Service. Do you want to improve your life? Do you want to make better decisions? If you answer "yes," then go to the 'master depression medication internet at target="_new" www.darylgreen.org">www.darylgreen.org .

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