Last night I went to Rabin Square in Tel Aviv to check out a protest. The protests in Israel started this summer sparked by the rising cost of living, low wages, and lack of jobs. The event was in Hebrew, and while I didn't understand a word, I got it. The people demand social justice, students demand opportunity. It's Tahrir meets Occupy Wall Street.
Surprisingly I find that when discussing these worldwide social protests with my compatriots, I find as many critics as I do supporters. For some the demonstrations in the States and here in Israel are displays of entitlement by ignorant youth who lack an understanding of basic economics. For others the protests are a pure and democratic form of outrage, one that is both necessary and overdue.
Many Facebook posts have drawn comparisons between the States and the rest of the world. Pointing out, and rightfully so, that our 99% is the world's 1%. Likewise, many have pointed out that Israelis enjoy more social programs than Americans.
Here is where I stand: while I understand the arguments that poverty and hardship are relative, there is one fundamental concern that the protesters (and others of our generation in more private environments) raise that is worth acknowledging.
As per the New York Magazine article, young people in America are losing faith in opportunity. For many of us, our life here on Earth has taught us that hard work does not necessarily pay off. Opportunity is not a by product of achievement. Say what you will about entitlement, this is a dangerous precedent for America to set. We are losing faith in our most precious natural resource: the American Dream. The disillusionment of an entire generation of educated, accomplished Americans will have consequences for years to come. What do you think we will tell our children about the benefits of college? About following their passion even if there are no jobs in that field?
Call the protesters what you will, but America is slowly becoming a place where pulling yourself up by your boot straps is no longer enough.
Is this acceptable?
Surprisingly I find that when discussing these worldwide social protests with my compatriots, I find as many critics as I do supporters. For some the demonstrations in the States and here in Israel are displays of entitlement by ignorant youth who lack an understanding of basic economics. For others the protests are a pure and democratic form of outrage, one that is both necessary and overdue.
Many Facebook posts have drawn comparisons between the States and the rest of the world. Pointing out, and rightfully so, that our 99% is the world's 1%. Likewise, many have pointed out that Israelis enjoy more social programs than Americans.
Here is where I stand: while I understand the arguments that poverty and hardship are relative, there is one fundamental concern that the protesters (and others of our generation in more private environments) raise that is worth acknowledging.
As per the New York Magazine article, young people in America are losing faith in opportunity. For many of us, our life here on Earth has taught us that hard work does not necessarily pay off. Opportunity is not a by product of achievement. Say what you will about entitlement, this is a dangerous precedent for America to set. We are losing faith in our most precious natural resource: the American Dream. The disillusionment of an entire generation of educated, accomplished Americans will have consequences for years to come. What do you think we will tell our children about the benefits of college? About following their passion even if there are no jobs in that field?
Call the protesters what you will, but America is slowly becoming a place where pulling yourself up by your boot straps is no longer enough.
Is this acceptable?
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