Am I crazy, or is there a new generation forming as a "backlash" to the stereotypical "OMG LOL" generation?

Question

My generation (High School Class of 2011) has consistently been defined as the generation that's obsessed with britney spears, paris hilton, soulja boy, and uses OMG and lol in daily conversations; the generation that's completely apathetic to the world's political climate, and would be thrilled to have their parents buy them a white hummer or other ungodly large SUV.

However, my feeling is that this culture, where women are sexual objects and current events around the world are unimportant, has created a backlash, and birthed a new generation (or sub-generation)

This new generation:

Is more impressed with a small car that gets 30/40+ mpg than a sports car that can reach 60 mph in 3.1 seconds

Realizes that the obesity crisis truly IS a crisis, and goes out of their way to eat healthier and exercise more often.

Acknowledges that music like that of Soulja Boy, Flo Rida, and T-Pain is obnoxious and often times demeaning of women, and chooses to listen to other artists (alternative music and dance music is becoming increasingly popular)

Would rather pursue their own interests than conform to a group's common culture, and in doing so, strengthens the group as a whole

Has an increased interest in the Arts (photography, dance, music, etc.)

Pushes drug and alcohol law reform (rejects Drug Prohibition), not so it can be easier to obtain alcohol and drugs, but because of a common feeling that there is actually injustice going on in the War on Drugs/High Drinking Age

Is generally Liberal/Moderate, and rejects tranditionalism and ultra-conservative religious right views. Is, overall, fairly progressive.

Pays close attention to politics and events happening around the world (2008 election, Tibet, Darfur, Guantanamo, etc.)

Questions authority

Is tolerant of all races, sexual preferences, genders (including transsexuals/transvestites), and religions.

You can try to prove me wrong, but something is going on with this generation...it's a turn for the better. Maybe it's something in the water, or maybe it's Barack Obama....who knows...after all, some do call us "Generation O"

Let the discussion begin!

Answer 1

Well it's hard for me to say anything about the slice of the population consisting of youngsters as I don't get to interact much with them (I'm 30), but considering population progressively grows I'd say that there are much more individuals who perhaps do share the views you've mentioned along with any other views. I do tend to believed that young generation is more progressive, it only makes sense, you are less affected by the 'old school views'. Weather it's a backlash to the 'bimbo fad' is hard for me to say, but seeing how reconciling belonging with individuality is essential for teenagers and young adults I wouldn't rule it out.

Answer 2

I'm in the HS class of 2011 as well, and I definitely agree with a lot of what you said. I see it at my school every day.

Every time there gets to be a norm, there's a group of people who rebel against it. A lots of times the rebels creates the next norm and the cycle goes on and on.

I think right now, especially in major metro areas, a lot of HS kids are definitely rebelling against the "OMG LOL" thing. In fact, they're kinda becoming neo-hippies hhaha. I'd say that's a really good thing.

But I'm not sure the "backlash" applies to all areas... I know it's definitely taking place where I live, but my neighborhood is like 90% liberal to begin with.

Conservative states might be going through the same phenomenon. If so, all the better for the world, right? ;)

Answer 3

its called being smart :)

or an indigo child :)