The Great Bystanders

The watering down and polarization of a generation can be arguably one of the worst things than can happen to a democratic society. When a generation titled the Greatest Generation breaks the rules and stands up for themselves and the future of a country, it’s hard to understand the ineffectiveness of the generations that come after.

Sure, we live in a time where technology has advanced and improved lives, but it has done so at a cost. For decades, we have lost rights in the name of safety, we have allowed protests to be organized. They might as well be called gatherings for angry people who can’t make much change. We have been numbed due to medications for every and any symptom. Many have become the walking medicated. Consumerism has run rampant and hurts many who over extend themselves financially.

We let companies break unions apart in name of “The Golden Parachute.” Greed became good, purchasing more and more for instant gratification has become embedded into our culture. Big Pharma became the quick fix to health, hiding behind a computer, emoji’s and swiping right has become a form of social communication.

The Greatest Generation was proud of who they were. The following generations hide behind call signs and launch anonymous insults. Truckers and Pilots should have call signs. At least they contribute something other than a smiley face.

But it can’t all be blamed on the proverbial “They”. Statistics on voting show people are disenfranchised during election time on local and national levels. We can create change if desired, but instead we have become a generation of bystanders.

We the people must take the blame for sleeping at the wheel and allowing the bottom line to become more important than a way of life. And we certainly shouldn’t blame it all on the so-called “selfish” iGeneration. Being selfish and letting businesses run as usual has hurt this country.

In an era with more information than ever, we have been paralyzed. No one knows what to believe. We talk at people, but do not listen. Opinion is not wanted or taken as fact and laws go to the highest bidders. No wonder why complacency has crept into a society who feels disarmed by the power of government corruption, an abundance of wealth and corporate greed.

When ignorance can be used as facts and facts can be ignored and spun to something outlandish, our regulations should be looked at and the problems repaired. It should begin with the 24-hour news cycle which reports yellow journalism. News is supposed to be neutral and show both sides of a story. A crying journalist and conjecture have no room for unbiased journalism. And to hide behind entertainment does a disservice to everyone.

It’s already hard to make decisions since we have been conditioned with so many choices. Our leaders must step forward and break the pattern of their constituent pacification. They must inspire and guide the bystanders through the nonsense and rhetoric.

Just because attention spans are less than that of a goldfish these days, it does not mean we can’t reeducate ourselves with effective tools for communicating positively where people can work together for a common goal for the common good.

We can do and be anything may be a true statement in the United States, but I fear it caters more to dreams than reality.