Whats happening to our youth these days?

I agree, this is not only a youth problem. Many try being something they are not, because they don't know who the hell they are themselves. It's so much easier to pretend to be somebody else, then to become introspective and discover one's true nature. This may sound New Nge, but it's not. The sages of the past understood the significance of "Know Thyself". Funny thing is, many are afraid to know their true nature, as they've been brainwashed to believe that they are innately evil at the core. This is a travesty, and really has been the source of separation from our self and others. When people take the time to get to know themselves, they will not feel the need to conform to other's ideals or to be controlling. They will know what true love is...the love of one's self. This is not a selfish act. It is necessary in order to love others. It requires being "still", which is not easy, especially in this day and age. Peace, contentment & empowerment will be the end results, but can only be achieved through stillness and self discovery.

 

I agree with you Labeu and I know what you're saying. Where has the love isnside people gone? It's like it disappeared along with the sixties! It's true that there's nothing wrong with being a skater or an emo (however the I don't really get the whole "self harm" thing? Why destroy your own life? It's a precious gift so treasure it!) but the hatred inside the kids at school is almost too much to bear!
That's why I deliberately call myself a hippie. I want people to know that I am a peace loving, earth loving, life loving, love loving free spirit. I don't want to pick a fight with anyone; I want to spread the love around my conformist school but not a day goes by when I don't see some kid with a black eye or a broken nose.
I'll go with the old saying: "Make love not war!"
Peace to you and all your kind.

 

I agree with a lot of what you said. Though I think there were always groups of individuals who strayed from the mainstream, be they bandits, pirates, etc. Outlaws are one group of free thinkers that have existed thoughout history. I think minstrels were also very free of thought compared to the rest of society. They had to be as far as I can imagine, as music demands introspection.

To the poster of this thread...do not spend so much time and energy tearing apart these other groups. It would be a more beneficial use of time to try and understand your own group and to figure yourself out.

Yours is the perspective through which you see the world. Understand yourself and you will realize why you think these things about other people.

I do agree that many people are too materialistic. Then again, who decides how much is too much? You do, but only for yourself. I feel sorry for people who value a person based on the clothes they wear and not the thoughts in their head, but it is their loss.

Go out and search for others like you. They are out there!