The
Future
“Where’s The Future Going?” Teen Survey
By: Ccep J. Dew
westcoasteditor@eXcapethematriX.com
So often, we hear politicians and activists speaking on where the world is going. They have debates over the rise in gas prices or hip-hop’s role in the American household and the image presented is that younger individuals are not experienced enough or even concerned enough to have an opinion on these topics. That theory is just not true. So, we have given The Future a chance to speak out on these topics and where they feel the future is headed. Here is what they had to say:
Music
“I believe music will get worse. The only rappers that are good are people like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Common. Anybody else is a joke to me... And music videos reflect music. I believe it will get to the point where it will be more females shaking their asses on camera just to get money and I believe that, in the future, females will show even more skin.”
-Shaquira, 19, female
“The only music I listen to right now is underground and I'm loving it. We are in an interesting place right now because everyone is agreeing that radio is going downhill. And at the same time, CD's are becoming a thing of the past. It's looking like a world where the artists with the most leaked internet content are gonna be running things. Lil Wayne's new album has got to be the most anticipated hip-hop joint of 2008 all on the strength of the mixtapes and leaked songs…Hopefully this will create opportunities for artists to make more creative songs.”
-Orien, 21, male
“Go Go music will be hot! Club music won't be in anymore. Computerized songs will be in.”
-Rashdia, 19, female
Health and Health Care
“It will get more costly. Fewer people will be able to go visit the doctor's.”
-Rashdia, 19, female
“When it comes to health, I believe AIDS will spread to most of America and the world...No matter how many times that you tell a person about AIDS and the danger of it, people [are] still not protecting themselves…And people are not getting checked at all or not keeping up with getting checked as much as they should...Or knowing they have AIDS and not caring and letting it get to everyone they have sex with...”
-Shaquira, 19, female
Literature and Books
“Afro-American authors are absolutely putting it down. Zane’s presence continues to be felt on the New York Times’ Best Sellers List. I think that's awesome. At the same time, I kinda wish we had a notable author that wasn't a romance or erotica writer…Maybe a science fiction dude or something…”
-Orien, 21, male
“Literature and Books are sadly on the decline. With the rise of video gaming systems and HD television sets, it only makes sense that paper and pens are becoming a thing of the past. Will the book disappear entirely? Of course not. It will simply join the new mediums and flourish there. E-books and other online literature are already available, and I believe that they will continue to rise in popularity and availability.”
-J.D., 20, male
Politics and The Government
“Sadly, the government seems to only be growing worse. Though I am still a faithful supporter of this marvelous country of ours, look at how much damage we have created around the world. Even with the hopes of a future black or woman president, I still am under the impression that in the end, America will still be America. I truly am pained to be under the impression that America's confidence in itself as a whole will steadily increase and we will offend one country too many. The inevitable result: our downfall.”
-J.D., 20, male
Fashion
“Instead of people going forward, they’re gonna try to dress in the past.”
-Rashdia, 19, female
“Fashion is forever changing and repeating itself.”
-Mike, 21, male
Dance
“It's all about the Jabbawockeez!!! But, really though, with Soulja Boy, America's Best Dance Crew, and the amount of club music being made, I think it’s the perfect time for getting down. Less and less room for wallflowers. lol”
-Orien, 21, male
“Dance keeps changing. Just when you think there are no more moves there’s a new style that pops up. But, something that will always be around and never get old is the Electric Slide. That’s one anyone can do.”
-Mike, 21, male
“More flexible dancing incorporating ballet and gymnastics…”
-Rashdia, 19, female
America/ The Economy/The World
“They keep saying we're about to enter a recession, but I don't see any change...Gas prices are climbing.”
-Lasette, 20, female
“I think it’s obvious that something’s gotta give. Hopefully we are in a place where the feelings around these issues are mutually moving toward change…We'll see in November…”
-Orien, 21, male
Education
“There’s No such thing because teachers are starting to give up already because of the constant lack of discipline at home.”
-Rashdia, 19, female
Television
“Ugh. I hate tv right now…”
-Orien, 19, male
Cinema and Movies
“I have to admit, the reinvention of old cartoons and bringing them to life in movies is very interesting. Animations like Spiderman, Iron Man, and Speed Racer had me glued to the television. Now, they’re going to be glued on the big screen thanks to the writers.”
-Mike, 21, male
Gas Prices
“Maybe we could transform to electric or solar-power vehicles and homes. If we do, then that would cost an arm and a leg, also. It looks like we’re in a lose-lose situation.”
-Mike, 21, male
“7 dollars a gallon.”
-Rashdia, 19, female
“Gas prices are insane. End of story. If corn is cheaper, sign me and my Cavalier up.”
-Orien, 21, male
The Future was asked to comment on any topic they felt strongly about or pose their own questions.
“Well, I believe everything will change when Bush is out of office...”
-Shaquira, 19, female
“How will the economy bounce back from this gas crisis?”
-Mike, 21, male
“I want to know the REAL reason for increasing gas prices…They need to go the hell back down...Gas isn't getting any more efficient...so why are we paying more for it?”
-Lasette, 20, female