Young people trapped in an unfriendly world

In many Western nations, seniors outpace the young, who feel sidelined in the fight for resources and attention. While some blame past generations for their predicament, most prefer not to demand reforms to pension systems that consume an ever-growing portion of financial resources. Concerned teenagers fear they will not receive benefits until they reach 90, a prospect that troubles them greatly.

Riots in France, Spain, and other European cities are driven by frustration among tens of thousands of young people, who accuse capitalism of being heartless or people in power of being selfish. Unlike their 1968 counterparts, few young people believe in revolutionary solutions like those of the past. This lack of hope breeds a nihilistic attitude and a desire to destroy everything.

Many young Westerners, including those in their late 30s, feel betrayed. They were led to believe that hard work and education would lead to upward social mobility, but many find their degrees worthless and job opportunities scarce. Universities flooded with students in the late 20th and early 21st centuries saw grade inflation, devaluing the achievements of many who believed they were destined for elite positions.

Technological advancements, especially AI, are eliminating jobs and lowering earning power for most. Graduates in humanities, once respected, are now considered unnecessary, with a focus on "STEM" subjects. Some believe this shift is part of a globalist conspiracy or an attack on cultural heritage, while others see it as a symptom of societal decay.

Regardless of the cause, the anger and resentment among young people will not improve their prospects, but their willingness to protest, even violently, indicates their determination to make a change.