One of the things that parents of growing children experience is getting to know what music is popular among teenagers. At the moment, Taylor Swift is of course on everybody’s lips, but there are many others.

One of the songs that mad me stop was “I’m sorry Mom” by Marino.

I have no motivation, I don’t even wanna try

What’s after graduating? Work hard, retire, and die

I don’t wanna live that life, rather drop out than get by

Working a mediocre, average f…g 9-to-5

And I know it’s what my parents want from me, but I don’t

So I won’t go get that business degree, I’m sorry, mom

That I’m a deadbeat, the failure of the family, but

I didn’t ask to be here, so just leave me alone

I’m a delusional freak who’s chasing made-up dreams

Most people give up at twelve, but now I’m twenty-three

I’m from another planet, they’ll never understand it

Everyone’s getting degrees while I still have nothing planned out

(shortened)

Clearly, that comes more from the experience of someone older, already in their early twenties. But it seems to have captured the mood of many young people. We may be outraged by such negative sentiments. But is it really that different from the hippy movement that spanned much of the globe in the 60s and 70s? And that movement rubbed off even on those who were not directly involved in it. Maybe it is just the role of a new generation to question the world.

In contrast with the 1960s and 1970s, young people today face a much tougher world, especially with regard to employment opportunities. Currently the unemployment rate for women aged 20-24 sits at 20.3%. And this is the group that in recent years society has most motivated to get ahead. Part of the problem is that young women have done exactly what society told them to do: get good degrees, work hard. And now there are not the jobs that they studied hard to prepare themselves for. It is little wonder that young people are disillusioned.

I think rather than judgment, understanding is required. Of course, we can’t provide the jobs. But we can share in the disappointment. And as the Church we can also point to what really brings fulfilment. It is not just about jobs and getting ahead in society, nor experiencing all the latest trends. No, what is more important is our relationship with God and with the people around us. Do we, who are older, really also show that in our lives? Do we live it in word and action?