Here, we ask provocative questions, Wes! I wasn't necessarily implying that Pew's data are misleading one way or another, but collectively their findings paint a very specific illustration of Gen Y. Some would certainly dispute elements of their characterization.
Perhaps, I would most take issue with the notion that we are on path to become the most-educated generation. Many school advocates would suggest just the opposite. Sure, there has been a marked increase of students enrolled in competitive secondary schools, universities and/or graduate program.
Two points: (1) A huge gulf still exists between this arena of competitive academics and the nation's high school drop-outs, homeless and other disenfranchised youth. (Why do we think Obama proposed requiring teens to remain in school until they're 18 in his SOTU? (2) We shouldn't confuse enrollment figures with the substance of what college students are learning. Higher education continues to lack rigorous writing requirements as well as a civic/interpersonal pulse.
The Pew report cited 9/11 as the driving impetus for millennials to partake in service. Not just from their numbers, but my own experience and anecdotes from friends suggests this to be true. I believe, the attacks on our country elicited a great unity of purpose to better our country, and the coming-of-age 18-29 demographic consequently became more active in community service and works projects.
However, this public concern did not translate into great political impact in elections directly following 2001. Young people came out in record numbers some even years later, and then crashed again in the 2010 midterms. In Florida, a state still gentrifying its civics curriculum, students are not politically engaged or literate amid the chaotic GOP primary campaign.
Wes, when will we hear the candidates talk about the importance of civic education? Sadly, there remains a deficit of this kind of learning on both campuses and the campaign trail.
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