Handler and Friedman on college student activism and social media protest

¶ … Generation

The older generation is famous for their stern stand against oppression. They did this through their physical presence when it came to a point where there was trampling of their rights. This generation relied on actions to pass their points and to let their voice be heard. However, the current generation does not seem to follow this model. It is exceedingly rare for the occurrence of a situation where this generation has an uprising. In fact, it may seem that they do not care. An indication of this would be the perception that they rarely follow current issues within the society. This point us further compounded by the appearance that most of them have, with most preferring to listen to music than news. However, this generation cares as much as the earlier generation. It is only method of passing the message that has changed. While the earlier generation took to the streets, this generation has taken over the social media. It is through this media that they express and discuss their perceptions on matters that affect the society in general.

Summaries of authors

Nicholas Handler provides his insight on this matter. He argues that the reason why there can be no postmodernism is that it is virtually impossible to have one. There may be claims that this generation relies on the victories that the older generations had in their fights. In fact, he argues against the notion that this generation does not have the opportunities and thus could be destined to achieve nothing. This is the reason why there are no demonstrations in the streets. His argument is that the generation does protest; only that it uses other means. He gives an example of the social media and the manner in which the generation has maximized on its potential to vent out their feelings (Handler). Thomas Friedman argues that the generation is more idealistic than it is radical in its actions. This is where people have brilliant ideas that can be of use on their implementation. However, this generation shies away from the real world. He argues that it is not compelling to the responsible parties to take action when all they hear are ideas. For any improvement, there must be the real action (Friedman). This is why the generation requires to move from this notion of selling their ideas in social media to going out and stating their stand on the streets.

Demographic setting

Another reason why it may not be possible to offer resistance in the same way as the older generation is the demographic setting. There have been many changes in the population set-up with many people migrating into other countries. Many of these are students who go to other countries to study. This creates different conditions than there were in the early generation. College students no longer have the problems that their predecessors strived hard to look for solutions. This creates an attitude where they do not have to rebel physically to raise their points. The students contribute a lot on community development projects (Heller, 68). Some of these involve going to other countries to volunteer in AIDS clinics (Handler). Their quest for change is still unchanged by the situation of security. This is regardless of the terrorism effect that has had many repercussions on the willingness to travel. They also participate in programs that help the community in case that they cannot travel to other countries. This willingness to help in the society is a way of expressing their views. This is a rebel against the factors that bring such situations in a peaceful manner.

Alternative voices

The situations between these two generations are quite large. While the older generation was searching for revolutions, this generation is looking to be comfortable. The older generation had to fight because there was no choice. In war situations between countries, they had to fight. This is because there was no room for consultation and looking for peaceful settlements. In the modern world, there is a significant chance that there is room for peace in mediations (Pryor et al., 167). This is why the students do not have to go to the streets if they want implementation of a certain policy. This is because there are alternatives. A situation where students search for signatures to attain numbers for the moving of a policy is a rebellion. However, the older generation may not view this as a rebellion. This is because they perceive it as to not having as much voice as a demonstration. However, it is time that there is the realization of the difference in the generations. This is because of the current situations where the students are used to violence. An example is the mention of a terrorism group like the al Qaeda. Therefore, search for radical changes is no longer possible in the society because these are terms that have meaning to their generation and not the young generation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is still a matter of discussion on the manner in which the young generation reacts to reality. Many of the older generation will argue that this generation does not care about the future. Their justification to this perception is that they are not radical in changes, in society. This is the reason behind Friedman's theory that students have more ideas than they are willing to act on them in real life. However, this generation gives their side of the story all the time. It is just that they do not use the radical methods that were in existence for the older generation. The students raise their voices through the internet rather than on the streets. This is because it is a more peaceful and convenient manner of conveying their message. It is time that the older generation took some time to scrutinize the current generation. It is only by this that they will realize that the generation has its own revolution only that it has a different way of expressing it.