Generation... Why?

I recently read an article about my generation, Generation Y. There are many names given to the generation of people born in between 1982 and 2000, but for post purposes, I am going to refer to this generation as Generation Why.

The article that I read is the following:

"Who Are the Millennials?

Douglas Main, LiveScience Staff Writer

Teenagers and twenty-somethings have been dubbed the Millennial Generation, or simply Millennials. But what does it mean?

Generation Y definition

The term Millennials generally refers to the generation of people born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s. Perhaps the most commonly used birth range for this group is 1982-2000. The Millennial Generation is also known as Generation Y, because it comes after Generation X — those people between the early 1960s and the 1980s. It has also been called the Peter Pan or Boomerang Generation because of the propensity of some to move back in with their parents, perhaps due to economic constraints, and a growing tendency to delay some of the typical adulthood rites of passage like marriage or starting a career.

The publication Ad Age was one of the first to coin the term "Generation Y," in an editorial in August 1993. But the term didn't age well, and "Millennials" has largely over taken it. But the terms basically mean the same thing. 

Millennials characteristics

Millennials have been characterized in a number of different ways. On the negative side, they've been described as lazy, narcissistic and prone to jump from job to job. The 2008 book "Trophy Kids" by Ron Alsop discusses how many young people have been rewarded for minimal accomplishments (such as mere participation) in competitive sports, and have unrealistic expectations of working life.

A story in Time magazine said polls show that Millennials "want flexible work schedules, more 'me time' on the job, and nearly nonstop feedback and career advice from managers." Another Time story in May 2013 was harsher. Titled "The Me Me Me Generation," it begins: "They’re narcissistic. They’re lazy. They’re coddled. They’re even a bit delusional. Those aren’t just unfounded negative stereotypes about 80 million Americans born roughly between 1980 and 2000. They’re backed up by a decade of sociological research."

One 2012 study found Millennials to be "more civically and politically disengaged, more focused on materialistic values, and less concerned about helping the larger community than were GenX (born 1962-1981) and Baby Boomers (born 1946 to about 1961) at the same ages," according to USA Today. "The trend is more of an emphasis on extrinsic values such as money, fame, and image, and less emphasis on intrinsic values such as self-acceptance, group affiliation and community." The study was based on an analysis of two large databases of 9 million high school seniors or entering college students.
They have also been described in positive ways. They are generally regarded as being more open-minded, and more supportive of gay rights and equal rights for minorities. Other positives adjectives to describe them include confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat and receptive to new ideas and ways of living.

Generation Me

There is a spirited, if not tiresome, debate about whether Millennials are self-entitled narcissists or open-minded do-gooders; surely the truth lies somewhere in-between. Generally, however, there does seem to be more of an emphasis on the self than in previous generations, one reason why this group has been called Generation Me.

Other scholars have pointed out that the attempt to make generalizations about an entire generation is a futile effort. Further, some have suggested that discussion of "Millennials" tends to focus on mostly white youth from suburban areas, ignoring the unique experience of immigrants and minorities.
Email Douglas Main or follow him on Twitter or Google+. Follow us @livescience, Facebook or Google+."

Now, how does that make you feel? The sad thing is, I don't see much that I can even argue with in this entire article. I obviously know people my age, and I can't say I approve of all of them. The thing is, we ARE too entitled. We have been allowed to think that we deserve and need to be given everything as soon as we want it. I know you can debate about how it might be our parent's (Generation X) fault, but I really don't see it that way. Out of any other generation, we have the most reasons to be thankful, but somehow we are the most prone to suicide, theft, recreational drug use, murder, obesity, and alcohol abuse. Does this add up to anyone else? Our parent's, their parent's, and so on had to fight for what they wanted. Our ancestors, if you will, had to strive day in and day out to get a good education, stay healthy, earn a living, care for their families, and have the liberties they desired.

You wanna know what you're doing? You're sitting around, complaining about how the world is so unfair, and not being willing to lift a finger to do anything about it. I think it's humorous to hear a younger person complain about homosexuality, separation of church and state, rights to bear arms, and so forth, when they aren't willing to change themselves and speak up (no, Facebook and Twitter posts do not count as "taking a stand"). Young people aren't willing to stand up for our Country, as screwed up as it may be. You all want to sit there and complain about how awful America is and how horrible American's are, but you aren't willing to support the facts that America is still the most fair and reasonable country out there. News flash, if you can't handle America or the people in it, for whatever reason, how about you take on Russia? Or China? Or South Africa? Exactly, you couldn't. You have no idea what it is like to give up everything, literally everything, to survive. This doesn't mean going without cable for a few months, this means dropping out of school when you're ten because your dad and uncle just died in war and your pregnant mother, who works three jobs already, can't make enough money to buy a can of beans and needs your help. Dramatic you say? Well, ask your grandpa how realistic that was for his generation. Not even that, how common it was.

Or girls, how about being spit at and kicked around like garbage because you asked to vote or work outside the home? Yeah, that was legit, within the last 100 hundred years in America, and to this day, in other parts of the world. But look at you now, complaining because you don't get free condoms as often as you would like. Wow. Way to pick a worthy battle to fight.

I know I'm stepping on many toes here, but I don't care. Someone needs to wake you up and I can tell by knowing enough people in my generation, that there aren't many of you that are willing to sound the wake-up call. I won't apologize for "being rough" on you, welcome to reality. Life isn't ever fair and you have to try to succeed. Crazy, I know, but be happy that you know if you'll eat dinner tonight or not.
As poor as we want to make American's out to be, it doesn't change the fact that we are SO FAR AWAY from the state we were in during the Great Depression.



...So get off your end, make a difference, or keep your mouth shut. Much thanks.

Is It Just Me?

The other day I was standing in line at a grocery store in town. During this time, I happened to watch a particularly rare scene unfold.
A woman was standing in line with her grocery cart fairly full of things such as bread, eggs, cereal, oatmeal, sandwich baggies, orange juice, chicken, celery, and so-forth. The woman in line ahead of her was just getting two frozen pizzas. The woman with quite a bit of groceries (we'll call her Woman #1 for now) received a phone call while the woman ahead of her (Woman #2, if you will), was getting ready to pay. Woman #1 was on the phone talking with one of her children (who I assume might have gotten sick or hurt at school) and was apologizing for not being able to pick them up from school thirty minutes early, because she wouldn't have enough gas money to drive to other places within the next week.
After Woman #2 paid and left, Woman #1 got up to the front of the line and carefully watched her total increase with each item scanned, making sure she had enough to cover the grand total. As soon as the clerk scanned the last item, Woman #1's receipt began to print and the clerk smiled, saying, "Have a good day. The woman in line before you said to, 'Just pay it forward'". Woman #1 thanked the clerk with tears running down her cheeks and said, "I will! And now I'm going to have gas money to get my kids from school".

After this had happened and I had made my way to the front of the line I was in, I took a moment to look around. The next scene I watched seemed to be a very simple act of kindness, but got me thinking all the same.

Two people were walking into the store as another person was walking out. The first person to reach the door held it open while the others went on there way after offering their "thank you"'s.

I smiled to myself as I realized that this gentleman who held the door was not specifically going out of his way to help someone he didn't know, like the woman in the first mentioned scene, but was just doing something natural to him. I then thought of various times I held the door for another person or had the door held for me and realized that all were done because it's "just what you do", nothing more. However, as soon as I had told myself that it "just happens", and "people just look out for one another", I quickly remembered a time where I had thanked a soldier for his service to his country and he looked at me rather shocked. I remember him saying, "Thank you... For thanking me, I mean. It might seem crazy to you, as I assume you've lived in Montana your whole life, but soldiers don't get thanked as often as you might think. It definitely depends on which side of the US you're in, that's for sure." This statement troubled me, and so have other statements such as this one, about people acting differently towards each other based on which area or state you're in.

My questions of the day are, "Is it just me? Are people more kind than others because they grew up in a different part of the US? Are we being taught as a society, as a people, to fend for ourselves, or to help the less fortunate? Because I say 'I'm sorry' when I bump into someone while walking through a busy store or down the street, am I considered polite, normal, or too soft? As I'm going about my normal day, is it normal or strange to smile and say 'hi' to anyone in passing?"

I feel as if these questions should be easy to answer, but at the same time I'm worried that if I try, my answer will not be appropriate.

I want to just take a few moments to go over some of the things I think of as "normal" and try to view them in different ways.

First off, holding doors...

Is holding a door open for another person(s) old school or not? When I walk up to a door and a man is walking with me, is it okay to assume that he will be the first to reach for the door and hold it open as I walk through? Should I expect that nobody will hold a door for me and accept that I'm not expected to hold a door for anyone either?

These questions might seem silly to a lot of people, but I have learned to look at them with serious contemplation and regard. I think that the easiest way to answer this question, (and by easy I mean I thought about it for like fort-five minutes before coming up with what I think is an appropriate answer) is to say this: Depending on a very long list of situations, locations, dates, and people, I think that YES we should open the door for one another, and YES men should be doing this more frequently than woman (now, now pro-modern day feminists, it wouldn't kill you if another woman held the door for you so you'll be fine if a man does and NO I'm not saying that you aren't capable, I'm just saying it's nice and you'll get over it), and  quite frankly, I shouldn't be expecting anything from anyone, but I shouldn't be completely blown out of the water when someone holds a door for me either. Dangit people, it's like 2 more seconds of standing, you're not going to die from it.

Secondly, thanking our soldiers for their service...

This is a big deal for me and I don't think it should even be a question of rather or not we do this. If you see a soldier, especially in uniform, you better have the decency to thank him or her for their service. It's not something we should be overlooking; these people were/are willing to sacrifice absolutely everything for you. For what? So that they could be overlooked and under appreciated? I hope not.

Lastly, being willing to give...

I know that this isn't thought of enough, and that makes me sad. Not because I'm concerned with all of you not giving enough, but because I recognize that I am not willing to give as much as I should be. I have seen in my own life that I am more willing to give depending on who it is that I would be giving to, and under what circumstances, but why? Why should I be more willing to give to someone who I know, versus someone I have never even seen before? Why should it matter if the person I am giving to appears to be living well or holding a sign made of cardboard? Why do I hesitate to give, but don't question receiving?

I think that this last answer has to come from you, because I can't answer for everyone. This question will not just make some think, but will also question a person's standards, ethics, and convictions. I believe, for myself, that I need to learn to give without question, with a happy heart, and a gracious spirit. I believe that people and society take enough, and so hurriedly, that it wouldn't hurt to give a bit back here and there. I believe that every day should be a day of giving and thankful hearts, because at some point in time, someone gave an awful lot for you to be breathing today.

Why I Hesitate to call Myself a Feminist

Other people will call me a rebel, but I just feel like I'm living my life and doing what I want to do. Sometimes people call that rebellion, especially when you're a woman. -Joan Jett

Joan Jett, among other women in society and history alike, is considered a Feminist. Many people of today see the word feminist and automatically deem that person as a crazy, man-hating, psychopath with no right to opinions. Why is this? What has happened since 1895 when the first use of the word feminism was recorded? In society today, why do less women proudly state that they are feminist and often try to avoid the word completely? What has led to the discouragement of giving ones self this title?


In 1848 the Seneca Falls Convention, assembled by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and others, called for full legal equality with men, including full educational opportunity and equal compensation. This convention was a key forerunner to the Woman Suffrage movement. Women gained the right to vote in 1918 and 1920 respectively, after years of facing much resistance in the United States. The first recognized accomplishments for women's rights is often referred to as the "first wave" of feminism. Though some black women such as journalist Ida B. Wells participated in the suffrage movement, first wave feminism was dominated by white, middle class women. Toward the end of the first wave, as Marxism spread in parts of Europe, feminist Marxists such as Rosa Luxembourg called for more dramatic social transformation.

After the suffrage movement, first wave feminism became less of an ordeal and began to diminish. Luxembourg's call for total transformation would not be acted upon until the 1950s and 1960s. Inspired by feminist writers and philosophers, including Virginia Woolf and Simone de Beauvoir, second wave feminists aimed to change the social standing of women. These feminists often became so radical many women from the movement were alienated as others formed separatist communes to completely eliminate men from their lives.

The third wave of feminism arose in the late 1900s. This wave challenged middle-class white feminists and expanded feminism's goals to include equal rights for all people no matter their race, educational status, social standing, physical appearance/ability, or sexual preference. During this time, feminist Heather Corinna began a website magazine called Scarleteen, offering sex education to young people. Corinna's emphasis on several matters of sex and a person's body began a movement within third wave feminism called "sex positive feminism." At the same time, women of color became more and more active in feminism. Groups like the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective led a reproductive rights movement that treated reproduction as more than just access to birth control and abortion rights. They rejected earlier feminist eugenicist thinking and insisted that oppressed women should be supported when they chose to have children as well.

In the 21st century, more commonly seen is radical feminism. Radical feminists aim to challenge and overthrow patriarchy by opposing standard gender roles and oppression of women and call for a radical reordering of society. This form of feminism insists that the world would be a better place and could continue successfully with little or no existence of men.


Taking a step back and looking at the progression and expanding definition for the word feminist or feminism, it is easy to see why so many people look down on those who claim to be a feminist. After taking into consideration that of the 28 percent of Americans that consider themselves to be feminist, an overwhelming majority are radical feminists, it is even easier to understand the sudden avoidance of the title feminist. Because of these reasons, I think it is a shame that women who stand for equality cannot claim the title first given to them.
I do believe that all peoples, regardless of thier race, should be treated as any other person, but to a certain extent. For example, if two men were cutting trees and hauling wood for 8 hours each day and being paid the same amount per tree cut and hauled, and one man did more than the other, he should naturally be paid more. With the same example, but with two women, if one did more work than the other, she should be paid more. Now, take a woman and a man and apply them to the same example and say that the man did more work than the woman. The man in this instance should be paid more. Flip that last example around and make it to prove the opposite and the woman should be paid more.
I am not going to say that there are jobs that one sex or the other will never be able to have and shouldn't be able to work, because I don't believe that personally, but I am going to say that there are certain jobs that women and men will just be able to do better than one another and should get paid more for that fact.

I hesitate to call myself a feminist because even though I believe in gender equality and women's rights, I will not go as far as saying that men are not a necessity to life or society. I believe in equals, isn't this what feminism was started for? Equality? So why now is it so important that women take equality and try to use it as a pass to make females the superior gender?

I will stand with women who believe that we should be treated equal with men, call us what you will, but in today's day and age, please do not call me a feminist.

(Bullets: I live in a country women are the most privileged.

Being a woman is not a disadvantage.

I don't need ANY title or movement to make me feel empowered.

I support EQUALITY and that's not what Modern Feminism is about.

Nobody should be (or feel) OPPRESSED. That goes for men too.

I only feel "victimized" by feminists who tell me I'm wrong or weak for not BULLYING the opposite gender.

I KNOW I'm strong. I don't need to hurt others to prove it.

Politics, Religion, Sex, Football, and Other Topics Taught to Avoid...

I just got done having a very interesting conversation with one of my coworkers. We have different views on many controversial topics in today's society and I thought it was interesting to be able to talk about which aspects we agree and disagree on and not bite each other's heads off. How often do we really see this kind of conversation anymore?

As children we are taught that there are and aren't certain topics that should be discussed at the dinner table or when company is at the house. For instance, when your child tells your boss and his family about the time he had the flu and the messes it created, you may want to run and hide. Society has taught adults nearly the same way, but about different topics, and why we shouldn't talk about them.
Some of these tabooed subjects include, but are not limited to, the following:

Politics - Regardless of which political party you associate yourself with, society has deemed this as an inappropriate topic that should never be discussed with people. I believe that others have different view points and I am glad for this. Having different views means we are different people and our Nation is bettered because of this. Because, let's be honest, what if we all thought exactly like one political leader or the other? That would be a note-worthy World War... if anyone survived. I am not saying that when you invite a family over for dinner your first question should be, "Welcome, who are you voting for in the next _____ election?", but I am saying that it shouldn't be something we so scarcely talk about our kids won't know how. How many children in this day and age even understand voting or political parties? If we don't teach our children why people have the views they have, how do we expect America to get any better than it is today? If an individual votes without a knowledge of what they are voting for or who it will affect in the long run, it could swing a ballot in a way they didn't intend. People need to be educated about politics and have their own opinions rather than counting on others to make decisions for them and in order to educate, individuals have to not be so scared of talking about this subject.

Religion - I understand that every citizen of the United States has a freedom to this topic and that's why it shouldn't be discussed. However, I also believe that because of this exact freedom, more people shouldn't feel so awkward about voicing their beliefs. I will never be offended or angry if someone were to ask me what I believe in spiritually, I think of it as a positive opportunity. I am also open to hearing about what other people believe. I might not agree with you or your religious views, but I can offer you a listening ear and a non-violent response; ultimately, isn't this what we all want?

Sex - Many people get squeamish around the term sex. I believe this has a lot to do with the natural tendency to be perverted in our culture. With same sex marriages being more and more prominent in our society, I do not understand the need to suddenly avoid this topic at all costs. I do believe there is a time and a place to talk about sex and personal views on when and when not sex is appropriate, but the truth is, the more people avoid talking about sex and opinions thereof, the more alienated people will become to the pure essence of this topic. I think that parents are responsible for the amount of knowledge and the initial opinions instilled in an individual, but parents have to make sure they are stepping up to the plate and taking this responsibility seriously.

Football - Honestly, this is more of an example, but I like examples. When you combine football, fans of two or more football teams, and one television, things are bound to get messy. Discussion of football teams and players can be a lot like discussing politics. Is it as crucial to the make up of America? Maybe, maybe not. It depends on who you ask. I am a very big sports fan, so I have opinions on nearly every sport and the players of that sport, but do I think it is an inappropriate topic to discuss with my family or friends? Absolutely not. I need to be able to see the points in other views, just as much as they do. What still gets me is how nearly stupid this example is, but how controversial and offensive the above three are.

Ultimately, the way I look at it is this: I might disagree with the way you think, but that should not hinder me from being able to accept you as a person. Deeds and opinions aside, I should accept you for being you. A fellow human.
I should not fear having opinions about different topics, I should be comfortable and confident in what I believe in and along with that, I should be able to accept and understand that other people will be as well.
I believe that there is a time and place for everything to be discussed, but people shouldn't hide behind that excuse to never talk about certain things.

Feel free to comment and let me know what you think. What are some other topics that have been taught to avoid?

Taylon Cogar

"On April 1st, 2014 16 year old Taylon Cogar was given news that he only wished could have been a bad April fools joke … he had cancer.

Just the day before, this athletic teen had been envisioning a spring filled with baseball. Having just landed a spot on the Kalispell Lakers baseball team in Montana, he was excited about what was to come. Unfortunately, what started out as a presumed knee injury from football the previous fall, quickly turned into something more as Taylon was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, or bone cancer. The next words uttered were tumor, cancer, and biopsy in Salt Lake City, UT.

Osteosarcoma is seen most often in teenage boys, and like Taylon’s case, it typically involves the knee. Taylon underwent several MRI scans and biopsies that determined the cancer had also spread to his lungs. Because of his age, and the fact that the cancer has spread, it is considered Stage 4.

In the coming months his family will seek treatment for Taylon both in Salt Lake City, UT as well as Montana. Taylon will be undergoing chemotherapy, and the doctors have also said he will need knee replacement surgery.

Your thoughts and prayers during this time are greatly appreciated. We pray for discernment for the medical physicians treating Taylon, we pray strength for his family as they guide him through this journey, and ultimately we pray for total and complete healing for Taylon.

Regardless of whether you know the family personally or not, anyone can understand what an emotionally draining experience this is. As a parent your only concern is being there for your child, being available to meet their needs, and the needs of your other children.

Often when something happens to a friend or loved one we want to help, but we don’t know how. With Darren & Susanne’s permission, I have created this page in the hopes that each person reading it finds it in their heart to help the family through daily prayers, and also through the gift of a monetary donation.

100% of the money donated will be given directly to Darren & Susanne to help them in the coming months. There are many unforeseen expenses that arise with a medical diagnosis such as this, and the absolute best gift we can give Darren & Susanne, along with our prayers & support, is the financial assistance necessary to help them through it. The money raised will be used for medical and living expenses not covered by insurance.

Let’s support them as much as we can in this journey, so they can spend precious time supporting Taylon.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declared the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. So that you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.” - Jeremiah 29:11-13"

This was copied from http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/the-taylon-cogar-fund/164173. Taylon and I grew up in Kalispell MT together and have shared many memories. A memory I would not like to have is losing my friend to cancer and I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one. Since the site to raise money for Taylon has been started, the Cogars have raised $7,199 of the $10,000 goal and I'm sure would appreciate to raise the rest, please consider helping this effort. Taylon has recieved his knee replacement surgery, had one lung operated on, and will be preparing for the second lung operation. He is still going through extensive chemo therapy and has been going to highschool in Kalispell as well.

Prayers are greatly apprectiated for Taylon and his family. Thank you for your time and consideration in prayers and financial support.

AN UPDATE AS OF 10-27-2015: Taylon's cancer went into remission after both lungs had been operated on, in the winter of 2014. By April 1, 2015 (exactly one year after being diagnosed), Taylon was told he was cancer free. Just months later scans showed tumors in his lungs. Tumors that were inoperable. The only choice left for Taylon was radiation. Just weeks ago, Taylon was experiencing back pain and went to the chiropractor. X-rays and scans later revealed that both lungs had filled with tumors and there was a mass of liquid around the left lung and heart. Taylon was flown to Salt Lake City, where doctors deemed him inoperable and simply gave him radiation to relieve some pain. At the beginning of last week, Taylon and his mother went to Mexico, to bring Taylon to the Hope4Cancer center, where Taylon will receive other varieties of treatments that could potentially help him. At this point in time, it is uncertain whether or not Taylon will survive his bout with cancer, but prayers are definitely focused on him and his family. Please continue to send your best thoughts and prayers towards Taylon and the Cogar family.

AN UPDATE AS OF 01-11-2016: By the grace and will of God, Taylon was taken home to Heaven on December 17, 2016. Taylon fought a strong battle and did not lose. Taylon is survived by his family and friends that will never forget his smiling face and the joy he brought to everyone's world. For me, personally, losing Taylon is something I might never be able to accept to the fullest extent. Taylon was more than a friend of mine; Taylon was my brother.
Taylon, I pray you rest easy and I cannot wait to see you again some day. I love you.

I Aspire to Be...

Recently I read a list of aspirations composed by a group of second graders. I think it would be good for everyone, children and adults alike, to make a list of what they aspire to be or what they want to be when they grow up. Your list might change, mine has quite a bit in the last few months, but it's good to make one, to set goals and try to reach them. They say if you shoot for the moon, you'll fall among the stars. If you're honest with yourself, you'll realize that the closest star is approximately 93 million miles away from the moon, but you can, "Shoot for the stars and at least fall onto the moon", I guess. So here is my list, and I would like to see many more, of What I Aspire to Be...
1. I aspire to be happy.
2. I aspire to be kind.
3. I aspire to be a friend to anyone who needs a friend.
4. I aspire to make a difference in this world. Even if it is a small one.
5. I aspire to enjoy my life.
6. I aspire to not to take anything for granted.
7. I aspire to be strong.
8. I aspire to try my hardest, because that's all I can give.
9. I aspire to be courageous.
10. I aspire to not just know things, but understand them as well.
11. I aspire to accept the fact that I, and everyone in this world, is imperfect.
12. I aspire to forgive those who have hurt me.
13. I aspire to stay healthy.
14. I aspire to keep my faith first, my family second, and myself last.
14. I aspire to not complain.
15. I aspire to have a smile to offer everyone.
16. I aspire to continue to learn from my experiences.
17. I aspire to not let everything that has happened to me in the past affect how I live and treat others in the future.
18. I aspire to be known for the good I have done and the God I live for, nothing more, nothing less.
19. I aspire to not let my regrets keep me from making better memories.
20. I aspire to laugh at something, every day.
21. I aspire to have fun and be fun in everything I do.
22. I aspire to love.
23. I aspire to go places.
24. I aspire to have hope at all times.

My list could go on and on, but these mean the most to me. If you can think of just five things every day that you aspire to be, and then put the list somewhere you will see it often, you will want to strive to be each of those things every day and for the rest of your life. You aren't going to live forever, the life expectancy of a woman in the United States is 82, while the life expectancy for a man is 77. It's important that you take advantage of your years while you still have them, you don't get second chances on living.