What is the general opinion of American youth?
549015
I see the American youth of today as being lazy, spoiled, and apathetic.  They don't care about education.  There is no effort put into schoolwork anymore.  Their writing skills are shameful.  If you disagree with my last statement, start checking the postings here for grammar and spelling.  They seem to have the attitude that "It's close enough".  They expect the world to hand them everything they need and want.\n\nHowever, I don't blame the youth for this.  They only learn behaviors that we as adults have taught them.  I blame teachers who are more concerned about just getting to retirement than they are about making a difference in the lives of the children they teach.  I blame parents who are more concerned with careers and social status.  I blame the entertainment industry for glorifying the slacker mentality.\n\nSociety needs to take a hard look at today's youth and accept that it is our own fault if we are disappointed in them.  We need to correct the problems we've created.\n\nI hope that today's youth will learn from our errors and provide a better upbringing for their children.  Don't make the same mistakes we made.  There's too much at risk.
122491
THat's a really broad question and completely impossible to answer on this forum.  There's lots wrong with Americans and there even more that's RIGHT with us.  Wal-Mart, while accused of pushing mom and pop stores out of the way, pour millions of dollars into the community and provide jobs (albeit some to illegals) to communities needing the influenece of retailers other than pawn shops and liquor stores.  McDonalds is only as unhealthy as the consumers lets it become.  Ronald isn't tackling you to the ground shoving fries and Big Macs down your throat, so it's all about choice.  Ahhh the beauty of America finally shines.  We have the freedom of choice and when people are given the options between things, that's where the rubber meets the road.  Our American values are challenged daily by an increasing number of sources so when a kid today doesn't know the difference between good and bad, it's not entirely his fault.  His parents own the blame as well as today's society.  Parents play the largest role in their kids lives and like it or not our country will be run by these kids in 30 years.  Attitude reflects leadership and for the last 25 years we've had less than stellar leadership in the White House and local governments.  Kids would rather be Allen Iverson than JFK or FDR (who is JFK & FDR they wonder?).  There's a lot wrong with our contry, but there's more right with it.  Freedom of speech, freedom to worship with little persecution (none would be a pipe dream), freedom to love across color boundries.  Oh yeah and we have baseball.  All is good in the land of God and baseball.
196217
I am a soldier, I just turned 20 in January. I think that a lot of america's young people (kids) are serving in the military right now and I thank them for all that they do. I advise everyone that asks about them to do the same. These guys are giving up their golden youths so that everyone in America can live and enjoy theirs happily. Some of them give up the rest of their lives as well. They do it because they know that if we didn't fight the insurgencies on their own soil, we'd be fighting them on ours!
522729
the world view of anything American
119710
In my opinion, American youth have a "superiority complex".. They feel like they're above accepting an entry level job that pays entry level wages.. \n\nThey have a lot of "authority issues" and don't want to take orders/directions from someone that may not have had as good of education as they did, but has put in the time and effort to achieve the position that they're in.. \n\nAlso, it's a demonstration of the "instant gratification" mentality that has been formed in the US society.. They want to be hired in as the President of the company without working with their "nose to the grindstone" like other people have done in the past.. \n\nThe "Keeping up with the Jones'/American Dream" brainwashing makes them want to be able to buy all the toys and clothes that their friends have.. They realize they can't do that on entry level wages, so they have the mentality that they're too good to take a low paying position. This allows people that are willing to, to come in and take all the 'crappy jobs'..
450098
I haven't noticed this at all. I'm not sure most American teenagers even have a clue as to what the attitude of their U.K. peers is on the war. As far as the general population of the U.K. resenting America's intrusive foreign policies, that' nothing new. And while Fox News does tend to be polarizing when it comes to attitudes about national boundaries, it generally backs up the U.K. while attacking just about everybody else. If anything, I would say that most Americans, especially conservatives actually perceive the U.K. as our only true ally right now.
994712
I have no problem with most of America.  There are some stereotypes...and some of them may be true.  \n\n1.  Centric (not knowing much about the world outside USA)\n2.  Boasters (biggest everything)\n3.  Bullies (current foreign policy)\n4.  Wasters/not environmentally friendly (not wanting to support biofuel production to its max...see Bush's comments on the use of corn for biodiesel)\n\nHaving said that, there are plenty, more than plenty of Americans who are concerned and friendly and humble and just like everyone else.  Unfortunately, we don't hear much from them, as the newscasts prefer stories that are shocking and awful.  So the world's view of the typical American is probably skewed.
124585
as far as what? I believe that this generation is not it 's all about image and keeping it real staying in the hood, going to jail, being shoot, having sex with many women. That what being taught in most music to the furture generation. We like it that way staying where we are and letting other do that same.\n\nWe as a people do not want to see someone get ahead of the other.
980222
Hi there! I moved to England when I was 14 so lets see if I can help. \n\nFor the most part people will be really nice. A lot of people are really interested in American culture and you'll get asked the same questions over and over again, but it's all good.\n\nThere is a lot of anti-American feeling over here given the current political situation. Everyone- and I mean EVERYONE- hates Bush. But the English are very good at keeping that seperate from how they judge individuals, so it won't impact their opinion of you for the most part. Don't worry about that, be prepared for the odd joke but laugh it off because they are just kidding.\n\nSomeone already said this, but you must be able to laugh at yourself. Americans can have a certain arrogance. At school and in the media we got taught to be really openly patriotic and it's really annoying to the rest of the world. A lot of Americans will stand up and declare that the USA is the greatest country in the world when they don't even know anything about other places (like, it's not the ONLY free country!). So just be open-minded.\n\nTry and learn things about geography and anthropology as well. Just showing that you're knowledgable about the world outside the USA will impress them, and help us defy the stereotype of Americans who don't know where any other countries are, let alone the language they speak.\n\nDon't complain about food portions or the fact that you tend not to get free refills for your soft drinks in restaurants. I had some friends visit and I swear it's all the talked about the whole time. "Oh my god, I can't believe how much coke costs, and the glass is soooo small!". Comment on things you like and appreciate until you become an honorary Brit- then you can start b*tching about Tony Blair, the NHS and the bloody weather.\n\nOh and forget the etiquette books. Honestly, you'll just come across as pretentious. Read "Notes from a Small Island" and "Notes from a Big Country" by Bill Bryson- it's all about the cultural differences between the US and the UK. Hilarious reading, and will make you see things you take for granted differently.
609928
Notice you're only getting answers from people who are from the US...?  All but one who stated what another country's opinion is.  Please disregard the rest.  Now, I was stationed in Germany for about 3 years and I can say that the majority of people that I encountered had a pretty good opinion of American's.  I never really got too much of their opinion of America as a whole.  If it is of any consideration, after the war in Iraq started the Germans actually volunteered some of their troops to guard our posts over there.  Just a little enlightenment and something that the people who say "The whole world hates America after the Iraq War" might want to think about.  The biggest thing that I can mention is when we went to Holland for some training:  The Dutch still look at America as liberators.  So, that's just my opinion as some one who has actually been to other countries, not one who just criticizes my own while I'm safe in it.
885721
Youth of the old days, didn't have many of the modern conveniences of the youth of today. Life was more simple. Slower pace to life. Less stress. \nOur youth today are misunderstood. They are faced with many things that even 20 years ago were basically unknown. They are pushed to succeed at earlier ages than ever before. They aren't allowed to just be kids. They are judged many times unjustly. So much more is expected of them, and they rebel. I don't blame them. I sympathize with them. The youth of today amaze me, all the things that they face upon reaching adulthood. They have my respect.
134406
I don't think all Americans are like that, but certainly many are.  Our public education system leaves a great deal to be desired, especially the last 30 years or so.  And the media's influence on everyday life in America has become so pervasive that it threatens to completely choke off any possibility of real rational thought.\n\nBut there are those who do think for themselves.  There are many Americans who care deeply about this nation and want it to continue to be a place where the freedoms our ancestors fought and died to earn will still live and breathe.  It's a shame that so many ignorant Americans don't understand what they risk when they just go along with what someone says--especially when it involves trading your freedoms for anything.
813737
by understanding that the superficiality associated with the American culture is not exactly what all persons are; that all Americans are not greedy, aloof, or stupid (though I definitely know quite a few that fit the bill!) And know that many more than projected are aware and not apathetic and do become involved in their nation's happenings out of actual concern rather than the chíc/vogue aspect of it...oh, also...try to understand that the American culture is the only one that some of us know, and not by choice (i.e. African American) If all else fails...your opinion's as good as the general!
884177
Prissy, I am an American and I appreciate that you clarified your question because there is some truth in what you say.\n\nAs an American, I know that I was not spoiled growing up.  I do appreciate a lot of things and I'm sure many others do too.  There are some of this younger generation (my adult sons are included in this) that do not appreciate much and expect more than they actually deserve.  These are children who watch the exploits of television and young stars like Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie (who is anorexic, starving herself on purpose) and others.  They feel it is their right to have everything their heart desires.\n\nI grew up with six brothers and sisters.  My parents were not rich but we weren't poor, so we were taught the value of a dollar.  For Christmas, we were allowed two items and that was it.  We did not get name brands and it didn't bother us not to have what every child in the neighborhood had (we learned to be happy with what we had).\n\nWhen I went to Africa earlier this year, I saw people who did not have much and were content with that.  They did not set their eyes on "bigger and better."  They were thankful to God for the little they had - very humble people.\n\nI do wish we would bring back those values because at one time, we did have it.  I am tired of hearing people put Americans down as if we are the only country with these kinds of attitudes.  I think Prissy's question clarified more of a parental point and asking about standards.  \n\nSo for those who quickly point out how greedy and selfish Americans are, look in your own backyard.
547388
I've living in several countries for many years.   For starters, most common people are so focused on getting on with their lives -- you know: existing, feeding their families, staying out of a tribal argument, or avoiding pestilence -- they don't have much else on their minds.\n\nAs for the educated individual in these lands, it all depends on how they were raised, what their major course of study is (or their career), and how pervasive Western pop culture is in their country.\n\nAll in all -- most of the world sees a lot of good and not-so good about the U.S.   Again, it depends on their cirumstance.  If they were a tsunami victim, or a refugee fleeing genocide, and received our assistance, *  or were grateful for our orphanages and refugee camps -- the perspective would be positive.\n\nFor all our weaknesses, America is still a land of opportunity.   Why do you think so many immigrants want to come here?
332195
The thing that young people should worried about is the draft Bush is threatening Iran with. The ages would be 18-37, this would take care of Americas financial problems. I wouldn't put it past him, since he cares not for the American people. War for oil is getting real old now. I really want to see some American diplomacy, that calls for compromise. George Bush is a looser, and is just stirring more fear up in the World to get votes, but America isn't scared anymore after all the Bush results of protection. Vote the Tyrants out and free America.
753098
More young people need to get involved in the whole campaign, voting process.  I really believe the focus should be to address internal local issues, like education and drugs.  Two areas that definitely impact America's youth.