COLUMN: A Generation Unknown

From Lee Bailey's "The Immaculate Perception?," Fall '95 From Lee Bailey's "The Immaculate Perception?," Fall '95The Old Testament's Book of Ecclesiastes describes the nature of life: "One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh?" While most would not contest this seemingly truistic observation, many have difficulty acknowledging that they are actually part of a generation -- one which is coming, and inevitably one which will pass away. Until now we have just been the children of the Baby Boomers, but no longer is it so. While many a twentysomething experiences disbelief when confronted with the prospect of being part of "a generation," but convincing evidence arises in the answers to a few simple questions. What have we enjoyed thus far in our short but dynamic lifetimes? Look to the inevitable emergence of those '80s music anthologies. While many in Generation Y enjoy the latest performers, few seem to be capable of relinquishing Belinda Carlisle, Air Supply, and -- in a limited number of alarming cases -- Tiffany. As further substantiation for those who still doubt, I offer the latest supernova in University party trends -- the 80s theme party. Sartorial sense is tossed out as students rummage resale shops in a crazed quest for one of those triple-layered, acid-washed, ruffled denim skirts, complete with fingerless pink lace gloves. For men, horizontally striped Izods are a special treat, while some old Lee jeans will do. What is more revealing than the fact that "kids today," having graduated from the little league to the Ivy League, rejuvenate their tired souls with the Bangles and OshKoshB'Gosh? A second sign of this "generationalizaton" comes in recent box office offerings. What has been America's number one film in past weeks? The Brady Bunch, of course. The distributors of this motion picture struck double gold, spryly counting on an audience of original viewers as well as those long addicted to the syndicated reruns. The popularity of this air-headed by-product of pop culture is also an indicator that Generation Y has yet to formulate its own identity and instead relies on that of slightly older Americans. Nevertheless, if people are spending seven dollars to watch the groovy Bradys all over again, then the nostalgia is undeniable. Even if one refuses to admit that he has grown older, he can simply look to the child stars within his peerage, like Cindy Brady. Her real life counterpart overdosed on drugs several years ago. "Whatever happened to Punky Brewster?" he ponders. Well, that talentless little girl (deservedly) has no career and at one point underwent breast reduction surgery. "OK, so what about those kids on Diff'rent Strokes?" Incarcerated, every one. Even The Facts of Life's caustic Jo has been dumped. The last time I saw her was as a schizophrenic teen in a forgettable TV movie when I was in the ninth grade. It unquestionably remains that, like its own celebrities, Generation Y has matured into adulthood, and that raises some questions of a more serious nature. Running a nation is not an easy task -- even some Rhodes Scholars can't seem to manage it. Given this truth, one wonders what Generations X and Y plan for their future and that of their children. The answer, if one examines voting statistics, is absolutely nothing. Younger Americans have recently displayed a distaste for politics and apathy towards the polls. While such traits are not apparent in all of that population, they are certainly attributable to a significant majority. Many defend themselves with the proclamation that "I'm sick of it all," seeming to be disgusted with the "system" in general. Others are quick to mention that there is a while before they need be concerned with such burdensome worries as fiscal solvency and other more abstract dilemmas such as the lack of a cogent national morality. However, the fact remains that change starts early and is not easily executed. While it is true that young adults are not the most powerful group in the status quo, this should translate into a desire for today to serve as a time for cogitation and the garnering of experience. Young people must keep abreast of that which happens about them, as well as plan for the future. This message is an increasingly important one, but it is not a tirade. All that need be made clear is that Generation Y can have its fun and relive its short past, but must also take heed, for with age comes responsibility. Even those who do take care ought to inspire others to follow suit. Another generation cometh -- make it a good one.