Perhaps I have been too hard on my generation and our ridiculous tendencies. Many of you who know me have heard my rants (or read them here) regarding the lack of action and huge amount of apathy among my peers – specifically college students. It has always seemed to me that we don’t challenge enough; that we are not passionate about issues which affect us the most. The more I learn about the student activism during the 60’s (my History of the 60’s lecture is fascinating) the more I wish I had been part of that generation – picketing, resisting, standing for something. University students in that fateful decade, though polarized, were extremely passionate in their beliefs, regardless of which end of the spectrum they fell on.

A brand new study done by the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement has results which contradict my fears (and my bitching). The study, titled Millennials Talk Politics: A Study of College Student Civic Engagement suggests that  “College students in the United States are hungry for political conversation that is authentic, involves diverse views and is free of manipulation and ’spin.’”

We (Millenials) want to participate in society both politically and culturally. We want to be educated and active. But, the study continues, much of the time we dismiss the information we are provided with because it is often “polarizing and partisan.” Our ambitions are good – we truly are striving for what is right, which is endearing. However, that we do not at this point know how to act on these ambitions, or are afraid to, could be our downfall – at least right now it feels that way. In the 60’s, movements were started by individuals – almost all of them in the age range of the current Millenial generation (those born in 1985-2004). Granted, circumstances were different in the late 50’s and early 60’s. People were pissed off: about inequality, racism, separation of classes. They were really pissed.

Well, maybe we’re not pissed enough. It’s made clear that we are more motivated than GenX was (this study was also done in the 90’s). We read newspapers and watch the Daily Show, but because so many of the things which have the potential to make us mad are fiercely political, we shy away from becoming involved. I can rant about things which piss me off on a regular basis – mostly via this blog. But really, what am I accomplishing? I enjoy writing here because it is a form of release for me and my thoughts, but this isn’t a movement. There is no stated platform.

I’m not sure what needs to happen, or how to do it. Maybe that’s why we goto college – to figure out how we are going to achieve our say on this planet. I am thrilled that my generation is not as screwed as I formerly believed, but know that something still has to be done – we all know it.

I’m ready to get rollin’. Let’s do this.