The Me me-generation?

Teenagers and Twenty-somethings are being described as members of the “me- generation”. A generation overpowered by narcissism and generally lacking humility. Raina Kelley, from Newsweek, describes in my contemporaries as “ego-addled, spoiled brats” and “hot house flowers puffed with disproportionate senses of self worth” . This past semester, class discussions often touched on our current, disconnected generation. Students and professors commonly agreed that individuals are becoming more self-centered and less concerned about their community. People remain confined within the bubbles of their individual lives, constantly working to get a raise or receive the best possible grade, yet not caring about the well-being of others. Everyone seemed to accept this theory of the “me-generation”, without much question or critique. Yet, I found myself in sharp disagreement, especially after helping to organize a fundraiser to support children in Calcutta.


I was able to organize a benefit open-mic night at a local coffeehouse this past semester, only because of the enormous support and help from other students. At first, I doubted many students would attend. After all, aren’t we the “me-generation”? I thought most students would be too busy, too lazy, or simply not care enough to attend the event. But, I was wrong.


The coffeehouse was packed with students. There was not an inch of free space to stand, let alone to sit and enjoy a latte. A vast array of students performed: Kevin Manning showed us his magic tricks, student-comedian Vinny Pagano filled the spare space with laughter, Alexa Warshany left people breathless as she sang and played guitar, and both the female and male a cappella groups sang some tunes. The coffeehouse was filled with music, laughter, and conversation from nine until midnight. This could not have been done without students like Courtney Meek, who tracked down talented students who would be willing to perform, or Lauren Goodman, who designed a beautiful flyer to publicize the event. It was the collective and collaborative action of students, who took a break from their personal lives and to-do lists, that made this event such a huge success.


By the end of the night, we were able to raise two hundred and sixty dollars in donations for the newly formed Calcutta Children’s Project. This project supports the educational, medical, and nutritional needs of about fifty children living and working in a small, contained dump in Calcutta. The money we raised was enough to send all the children to school for one year.


As I sat on the arm of a sofa in the dimly lit coffeehouse and observed students empty their wallets above the donation basket, or cheer for a nervous friend who was about to perform, I realized that this event was more than just a successful fundraiser. It was proof that our generation does not consist of self-centered and hyper-competitive individuals. It consists of people who are willing to humbly give to others, connect with others, and support each other. It was proof of how the “me-generation” is a big, fat lie.

-Sam

Reflection: Food not Bombs

Our first Food Not Bombs adventure of the semester. I was able to talk with two veterans, both homeless. One fought in the Vietnam War. I heard fragmented pieces of what he experienced: Holding together the torn arm of one of his dyeing friends. Warning another soldier not to pick a child up, because once the kid’s feet were off the ground, a bomb would be triggered. “I just knew how to blow stuff up,” he declared. He showed me his faded military picture he kept safe in his brown leather wallet. He was seated in uniform, with an American flag behind him. Land of the free? “So I guess it’s really me that should be thanking you guys,” I told him.

It is easy to ignore the homeless. To draw a line that separates you from them…the poor…the other. But in reality, we are all on the same side. I told one of the men that I am doing a project about homelessness in my social work class. “What would you like me to tell them about the homeless population?” I asked. “Just that they know that we are the same as them. We are smart people,” he replied.

-Sam

MadLib: Praxivist Warrior

Anthony, Sam, and Mike did this MadLib about their praxivist friend Jaimee who is studying abroad this semester. All the additions are in green!...

Jaimee DePompeo is no joke, a praxivist warrior. When her consciousness became aware about Food Not Bombs she fasted for four-hundred and twelve trillion days. She arised compassion in many others, and even became skinnier than Gandhi did. When Docter Mar showed her a short about Thoreau she became graciously inspired. So much so, that she dumpster-dived an elephant sized wood just so she could spread the message “Resist Mc-Domination!” all over this land. Change manifested. It blossomed like a sun flower. Separate became unity. Beauty in her, radiated outward, and happily ever after, liberated in laughter, THE ENTIRE KINGDOM CREATURE COMMUNITY. So next time you see this prophet in person, give her a hug or a high-ten. Heighten and enlighten. All right then!

Peace
-Anthony
-Mike
-Sam