A New Generation, A New Social Contract Demanded!

As I watch the news and witness our youth and newer generations come to the streets in solidarity, what comes to mind is change. No, I am not talking about the change that former President Obama talked about, but never really materialized; partially because of the Republicans open obstruction to any change, and Democrats failure to get behind a vision for America that could garner support for all. Instead, I’m talking about a change in the ‘SOCIAL CONTRACT’ between the baby boomers/previous generations and our generation.

The previous generation according to the research I have done on the topic and through speaking with newer generation people(s) believe that the social contract that has been in place for years is no longer feasible. The newer generation believes that the social contract currently in-place fails to fully include, represent, and be for all people(s). Let’s think about this for a moment! The social contract is not a written and hand-signed document, but rather a social agreement between the public and governance (people in power, i.e. Police, lawmakers, or any other authority figures). The social contract is basically a promise that if (we) as the public follow the rules, we are in return afforded protection, basic necessities, opportunities, fair consideration within systems that govern our daily lives, and the ability to ask for change and be heard. So, for years, this social contract has thrived under the previous generation, and the same can be said for the generation before them. They (the previous generation), for the most part, not all, but as a generation are seen as accepting, and falling in-line as it pertains to abiding by the social contract norms. Furthermore, many youth and newer generation groups feel as though the previous generation turned a blind eye to injustice and the systematic and institutionalize aspects of daily life, as well as failed to act for fear of being uncomfortable and losing the middle-class American dream, that so happened to be mostly obtainable by the privileged and people in power. So, think about what I just said regarding what defines a social contract.

Now, fast forward to today’s world, where we are interconnected, globally able to speak to people, groups, and individuals for other countries, nations, and tribes with a click of the mouse. In America, we have been told so many times that we had the best of everything, but when we look overseas we learn that our medical system isn’t the best. Yes, we have the best doctors and equipment, but ask yourself, can we (I) have access to that world-class medical care/equipment? Ummmmm, no, if your poor, underrepresented, come from a lower SES (Social Economic Class) more than likely, you won’t have access to that type of care nor be able to fully afford the medications needed to treat yourself and stay alive (Do some research, you’ll learn how the medical system has truly become a business). On the other hand, if you have money, if you can afford those luxuries, then your story is different, you can have access to those worlds class medical industries America is known for. The funny thing is though, if you challenge the notion that America could be better at something, for example, our medical system, then you are unpatriotic, or you somehow hate America, I refuse that intellectual laziness of a discussion and push back on such a personal attack. The same goes for injustice in this country, the newer generations of this country can see that our nation has never really healed, they speak to people in other countries about what's fair and what 'justice' looks like, they research and make it their business to be aware of others around them, and lastly, they are taking actions and rejecting the notion they can’t do anything about it.

The newer generation has REJECTED the social contract established by generations before them, and they want a new one, a more inclusive one, a fairer one, a more agile one, and a more compassionate social contract that allows for all voices to be heard instead of just a few. These are the words of many of the youth/newer generation I listened to on the television, in my life, and at times on the job while at work. If we look back into our history as Americans, we find that nothing ever occurred without disruption and being pushed out of our comfort zone to make a change. Let me add here and now, that although I DO support the call for a new social contract, and the need to protests for change, I DO NOT condone violence or destruction as means to convey that message. With that out of the way, I would say that the older/previous generations still have a roll in what's happening today in the states and cities throughout the United States. That roll is listening to the newer generation, hear them out! If you don’t support the movement, that’s okay, listening is still helpful, and you might be able to even give them some wisdom on their approach. But, hampering or discouraging this newer generation, I believe, will not work, they grew up in a different time, a more connected time, and they want to change. This newer generation calling for change consists of all races of people from all backgrounds. Look at the streets and the faces of the people out there, they are not all black or Hispanic; they are whites, blacks, Asians, and all people(s) coming together for a common cause. Through my own analysis, I conclude that they (THE NEWER GENERATION) want a new social contract for America, where accountability, fairness, and pursuit of equality is not just a slogan used for over 60 years but is enacted through policies, rules, and regulations that govern us throughout our daily lives.

Please provide comments and share your thoughts!