I missed my decade. The 1960s were tough years for the country and there was a lot going on. But the difference was that people cared! We’re going to be the generation who saw huge things happening and our only response has been a continual mocker of the government from SNL and of “bushisms,” and a sea of bumper stickers with the oh so clever captions of “Buck Fush,” and “Can’t wait till ’08.” I have some faith restored through the election of Obama (the love of my life), but still. Come on, people. We haven’t been happy with the way things are going for a while. I know that I have not personally organized any great rallies, but I promise, I’ve tried to change things in smaller ways. I’m not just talking about politics, though. Queens, incidentally, houses the largest percentage of apathy maybe ever. (This is not a scientifically accurate statement, nor is it probably a fair one, but I stand by it). I include myself in this apathetic nonsense as well on occasion, for which I am not fond of myself. Now, I love the people here dearly, but people just want you to do everything for them. I’ve tried starting this Outdoor Club on campus. I got all excited and overzealous perhaps to begin with, and due partly, if not mostly, to my poor planning abilities the club has not become what I had hoped. The thing is, though, that despite the enormous number of people signed up for said club, not a single person, aside from close friends have volunteered with any earnest intention of doing anything. I can understand why. It hasn’t been a simple job. It’s required much of my two arch nemeses, Paperwork and Budgeting. Without an army to combat them, I am sadly losing hope. I’ll go camping with alcohol and friends instead of with advisors and school policies, damn it! I don’t like to fail, but am certainly no stranger to it, so I am going to see what the rest of the year holds by way of my shriveling confidence in my once hopeful project, but it is not the end yet!
So, Generation Apathy, do your worst. Nothing. In the mean time, I will be slowly pulling myself out. I catch myself being apathetic with blogging and art projects. I love writing and art! So what’s the problem? I, being plagued with the afore mentioned illness, would instead sit and stare at a wall, or examine my hangnail-y fingers than produce a world changing masterpiece. So, again I say to you, you sneaky monster. You have not won yet! I have identified you and will put up with you no longer!
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Katy, I agree with you that apathy is a problem; however not just at Queens, but everywhere. I admit that I am a contributor to the cause as well in various ways. Your generation, referred to as Generation Y or Millenials, I think, is the best educated in history to date. So, maybe you will feel better about things once you complete your education and go out into the world, making things better, even if it is in little ways. Good luck with your dreaded paperwork and budgeting (and, of course, blogging)!
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