Handler and Friedman's characterizations of the current college generation

¶ … 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.

Difference in generations

It is true that there is a considerable difference between the generations that we have in the colleges than that of the past. This difference has come as a result of changes in time and also situations. Therefore, it would be blatantly poor of someone to relate the two in terms of ideologies. The methods of revolution are, therefore, different. The older generation did not have alternative methods to express their ideas. As a result, the only way that they could express their feelings was through taking to the streets. Handler states that there are now alternatives that are much better than resorting to such measures. The generation is now striving to use of peace to make the world listen to their views. This is why this generation has resulted to use of social media as their voice. The users of these channels explain their views on to the rest of the people in the service (Handler). This then turns to a discussion where a conclusion is easily attainable. They then turn these into national projects. An example of this is the use of blogs in the call for regulations on the issue of climate change. Therefore, the reason why the generation does not have to go out on the streets is because they have peaceful alternatives to lead their revolution.

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.