This generation isn't stupid, we're just different. (electronic, quote, memory)

ProggyMan · 08-20-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaspStar

First of all, I think all generations tend to be disdainful of their younger counterparts, particularly when the matter of "intelligence" comes up.

I think you're right about the Internet playing a large role, but for a different reason. Because so much information is now readily available, people don't bother to commit it to memory. (Why should one bother learning about the intricies of Brazil's economy when that information can be accessed in five seconds?). As Seltzer pointed out, some people confuse factual knowledge with intelligence.

That said, I can see how "intelligence" (read: creativity, originality, critical thinking) could be found lacking in our generation (well, I'm 19, but that's close enough) simply because of the popularity of electronic games and the woeful state of our educational system (NCLB, anyone?).

The true problem is that it's unfair to call an entire generation less "intelligent." Different generations have different values. How many young people these days find I Love Lucy or Bob Hope to be funny? The way we measure intelligence is subjective (how do you define intelligence?).

I'll agree our education system sucks, but is it any worse than 40 years ago? My mom never got a single class on biology and she's one of the smartest people I know. The math we do in our schools now is way ahead of the what the previous generations have done. If you look at other countries I don't think there's anything wrong with their school systems. Can anyone who grew up in the 70's/80's who have kids now or are somehow involved in education say the at schools are worse? I'm not saying that they're good, but are they really worse?

**JayJamJah** · 08-20-2008, 07:12 PM

I think the biggest difference between the youngest generations and their parents and grandparents is a sense of entitlement that would have been considered unacceptable when they were young.

Also people of the younger generations have blurred the line between fame and infamy and that is distressing for people who grew up in a much different time.

I think that society is always changing and that's always tougher for the older people to deal with then the younger more adaptable ones. My parents generation had it harder then I did and I had a tougher upbringing then my children did. My grandkids will have an easier life then their parents also (hopefully). It's a natural progression as society becomes more evolved and efficient.

WaspStar · 08-20-2008, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProggyMan

I'll agree our education system sucks, but is it any worse than 40 years ago? My mom never got a single class on biology and she's one of the smartest people I know. The math we do in our schools now is way ahead of the what the previous generations have done. If you look at other countries I don't think there's anything wrong with their school systems. Can anyone who grew up in the 70's/80's who have kids now or are somehow involved in education say the at schools are worse? I'm not saying that they're good, but are they really worse?

I think that forty years ago, schools taught creative thought more (and that's what's important, not advanced biology or the level of math). Today, all classes have one goal: high test scores. In the 50's, the goal was to prepare people for a trade, to prepare them for life and to think for themselves. (Or am I completely misinformed? Either way, the system sucks right now, and the emphasis on standardization is outweighing any benefits an improved ciriculum may have had).

Wifey Boozer · 08-20-2008, 08:28 PM

^ Aye. The heart has gone out of everything. The No Child Left Behind thing pisses me off because it blocks students in with each other when some should clearly be learning at a different place, whether it be higher or lower. There's no one on one nowadays, all blocked and whatnot. This is maybe why our generation is more apathetic - they're stoned on boredom. School constantly ramming bull**** down our throats, we don't have time to expand our minds. The system nowadays does concentrate more on having the highest this and the highest that and they've forgotten the true purpose of education.

ProggyMan · 08-20-2008, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaspStar

I think that forty years ago, schools taught creative thought more (and that's what's important, not advanced biology or the level of math). Today, all classes have one goal: high test scores. In the 50's, the goal was to prepare people for a trade, to prepare them for life and to think for themselves. (Or am I completely misinformed? Either way, the system sucks right now, and the emphasis on standardization is outweighing any benefits an improved ciriculum may have had).

My parents don't think so...They remember their education the same as mine is. Mediocre teachers, no intellectual stimulation. So I'm not disputing what you're saying I just want verification. You're certainly right about the current system though.

lucifer_sam · 08-20-2008, 08:45 PM

Go to skool lern shapes and colors and post on music forrums ftw.

Double X · 08-20-2008, 08:54 PM

I like our education system. My guidance counselors and the schedule setting machines are retarded...but the actual classes are very good.

lucifer_sam · 08-20-2008, 09:01 PM

I had two teachers in high school that were actually good. TWO. Out of thirty.

sweet_nothing · 08-20-2008, 09:12 PM

we may not be the most intelligent but we is the smartest

The Unfan · 08-20-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adidasss

Your post is all over the place. I don't see how intelligence (or knowledge) has anything to do with manners or business tactics.

The intelligence to process the hows and whys of the inner workings there-in. Nothing just is because it is. There is a reason business tactics of old were the best possible business tactics. There was also a reason why their generation was the way it was. I supposed "understanding" might have been a better word to use.

Quote:

How does being apathetic justify the lack of knowledge?

Because those bits of knowledge no longer apply. Why should we know about how they did things if those things just don't matter anymore?

Quote:

How does the internet come into the story?

I think it is largely the reason those things no longer apply.

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08-20-2008, 08:28 PM
Wifey Boozer Prime Minister of Spain Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Troy side'ah the dirt, NY Posts: 274	^ Aye. The heart has gone out of everything. The No Child Left Behind thing pisses me off because it blocks students in with each other when some should clearly be learning at a different place, whether it be higher or lower. There's no one on one nowadays, all blocked and whatnot. This is maybe why our generation is more apathetic - they're stoned on boredom. School constantly ramming bull**** down our throats, we don't have time to expand our minds. The system nowadays does concentrate more on having the highest this and the highest that and they've forgotten the true purpose of education. __________________ Circa Le Vintage: I love you. Circa Le Vintage: You pretentious bastard. Circa Le Vintage: <3 deadreligionggjb: I love you too. You pretentious cunt. deadreligionggjb: <3 Everybody knows I'm not a folk-singer.

08-20-2008, 08:45 PM
lucifer_sam The Elitest Elitist Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Earth Posts: 1,530	Go to skool lern shapes and colors and post on music forrums ftw. __________________ One way or another, life fucks us all; adulthood is the realization that you can't do shit about it when the time comes.

08-20-2008, 08:54 PM
Double X Music Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Eastern Massachusetts Posts: 529	I like our education system. My guidance counselors and the schedule setting machines are retarded...but the actual classes are very good. __________________

08-20-2008, 09:01 PM
lucifer_sam The Elitest Elitist Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Earth Posts: 1,530	I had two teachers in high school that were actually good. TWO. Out of thirty. __________________ One way or another, life fucks us all; adulthood is the realization that you can't do shit about it when the time comes.