The Dumbest Generation

In class, we watched a segment where Dr. Bauerlein accused the generation today of ages 30 and younger of being the "Dumbest Generation." He stated that we are so brainwashed and driven by the social networking and media, we no longer understand and comprehend how the world turns and how to become existing/average citizens of the American Culture. But he so states, that we know who has won American Idol, but not who Shakespeare or any other famous playwrites or authors are. But what I wonder is, what is so essential about Moby Dick that we need to have it memorized word for word and comprehend its understanding.

In this there is truth, as time goes on, cultures change. For example, when the rock and roll revolution started, it was deemed as unholy and out of control, yet now today, it is one of the most popular musical genres. The simple fact is, just because Dr. Bauerlin does not understand the society of today, which leads him to believe we are indeed the dumbest generation in his eyes.

However, who else is to blame for how our generation applies our skills than our mentors, his generation. They teach us what we know, and mold our minds into who we are. If he truely wants to blame our generation for how we are, then he should analyze the methods of teaching from his generation. Obviously, if we were supposed to memorize endless amounts of knowledge, or the Oddessy from Homer, then they would have regurgitated the importance of it until our ears bled.

Dr. Bauerlein's statement about us being the Dumbest Generation is quite obviously a misconception. If he believes that we can't comprehend the "necessities" of today's society, he is wrong. The important books, education, and learning tools change with time, so what he considers important may not be what is important this generation