The other day Dad was trying to tell me that young people today don’t care as much about politics and social causes. I wasn’t sure whether I agreed or not but I did take umbrage at his example of a dad who drove a pinto and whose son drove an SUV. Dad seemed to think that was a good example of how the child didn’t believe in social causes. I didn’t get it. How did having a nice car relate with not believing in social causes?
Well, this morning in the New York Times I read a stat that seemed to imply that young people are focusing on money at the expense of philosophy. Who Americans Are and What They Do, in Census Data – New York Times:
In 1970, 79 percent said their goal was developing a meaningful philosophy of life. By 2005, 75 percent said their primary objective was to be financially very well off.
So there you go, Dad. Your argument holds because the time invested to earn an SUV is replacing the time spent on social issues. (Assuming people spend time on their primary goals!)
i guess i’m wondering why volunteering or helping people has to be connected with religion….can’t you just help people because it’s the right thing to do? or because you like to be helped?
and if you believed in social causes or helping the environment why would you drive a gas suzzler?
I don’t think “meaningful philosophy of life” means religion but I agree it doesn’t necessarily mean being willing to volunteer either.
I think you could drive a gas guzzler and still care about issues like homelessness, education, abused kids … and maybe even the environment.