Generation XE

Given our fellow human's proclivity to 'name' generations:

2000/2001-Present - New Silent Generation or Generation Z

1980-2000 - Millennials or Generation Y

1965-1979 - Generation X

1925-1945 - Silent Generation

1900-1924 - G.I. Generation. 

Oh, and of course the Boomers who were born post World War II through Lyndon Johnson's time.

While contemplating this notion, a few of our counselors and colleagues at AFD saw fit to change the current Generation Z to Generation XE (same pronunciation) but with alarmingly different implications.

First, our apologies to Jim Sinclair, the well known Autism rights advocate, who is recognized as the inventor of the word XE.  There is however, another etymology, completely common, but particularly valid in a horrible kind of way. 

More on that in a minute.

Originally, the word meant to block or prevent someone or something from passing.  Also, to seal or close securely.  With those definitions and inferred calls for responsible action, the currently accepted Generation Z; the New Silent Generation, might be said to represent the opposite of XE.

They are Z, blind or sleeping, 'catching Z's' as it is colloquially  expressed.  Instead, our world obviously needs the opposite----passionate and passive resistance to policies which have clearly run amok, creating one nightmare scenario after another.

One does not need to get a masters degree, or even a bachelors degree to recognize the very serious situation our social order has created, and, as studied observation is continued education, the recognition of the truth compares favorably to any one skill that could be learned at a top university.  

It is simply a matter of how the truth can create viable methods to cause actions toward the re-generation of that form of political, social, and environmental life which is vested in, and defined by the successful and healthy propagation of the species.

As former vocational rehabilitation counselors, not many of us were inclined to make the kind of socially responsible recommendations for our clients we should have.  Of course, we were contracted for work through large insurance companies whose prime motives and instruction to our firm revolved around quickly dispatching people to vocational schools, actions which absolved the insurance company of further obligations.

Now retired, the head of our parent company figured he had sent several thousand people to trade school, instead of perhaps more suitable destinations, including getting a college degree.  He reported, "My friends, I am literally gobsmacked when I think of all those students I forced into one direction. I should have done a better job, and told the insurance companies we wanted more and better options for our clients."

It was not exactly an acceptable moral or ethical position from which to operate, but we did the best we could at the time.

These days, we find ourselves in a much better position.  Certainly not to discriminate on the basis of geography, we work now with the preponderance of contracts in the Southern California area, home to universities in Los Angeles, California business schools, and a particular favorite, University of Redlands.  By any standards, Redlands ranks as one of the best California universities, and who Forbes Magazine gives exemplary marks.

It is our hope by recommending quality liberal arts universities, along with trade schools for those who demonstrate aptitude toward this type of curriculum, we can do our part to open horizons and world perspective for those destined to make change.

Become a teacher is a popular sentiment expressed to many inquisitive minds we encounter.  Teach the truth and insist on accountability.  Do not accept school board changes such as the Texas board's desire to instruct students about the very real slave trade activities rife in our history by renaming it 'Atlantic Triangular Trade.'

Talk about being gobsmacked!

Had we a world which emphasized sustainable development, we might be free from such organizations as that other XE mentioned earlier.  That organization, formerly known as Blackwater, a private army whose illegal and immoral actions caused the change in name to XE.  Out of sight, out of mind.

And now, as well, we are faced with a gulf full of sickening black water, emblematic of the same irresponsibility, the effects of which has landed squarely in the lap of the new Generation XE.  They must create the power to bring about reasonable, rational, and serious change. 

And no more black water.