America: All In The Mix

America: All In The Mix

(Courtesy of: FaithInPublicLife.org)

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These are principles upon which our country was founded and intended to run. Society and culture in the unites States had made a lot of progress since these words were so famously inscribed. Changes can be seen in many facets of society; from social and political to moral and ethical. The issue of race and ethnicity has always played a large role in the history of our country. From colonization, slavery to civil rights; our identity as a nation has gradually transformed. The topic of interracial marriage within society today has sparked a wave of response and discussion. 

The U.S has come a long way in respects to integration and race relations. Long gone are the days of political prejudice and segregation. In today's world you couldn't find a story like that of Mildred and Richard Long, a couple who were arrested in Virginia back in the late 50's for violating an interracial marriage ban. A recent gallup poll study titled "Minority Rights and Relations" revealed immense support for interracial marriage.

(Courtesy Of: gallup.com)

Of the 4,373 Americans poled, 84% of whites approved, while non-Hispanic blacks, who accounted for 1,010 of he group, approved at a staggering 96%. One can note how the white population from this annual poll back in 69% only gave a 17% approval rating. A change has been made evident clearly. But what is this from?





(Courtesy Of: Gallup.com


As time passes, so does the generalizations in social ideals and theory. The age-gap between present young adult "millennials" and those who can be identified as seniors and up presents itself as a blatant model of change in moral outlook. Young adults in todays world, say 29 and under, have seen such a cultural shift of influence that it is ridiculous. We were raised being bombarded with media and social influence full of intercultural messages, from music, sports, and even politics.

(Courtesy Of: Amy Stretten @ThisIsFusion)

The generations before us were raised on a different set of ideas motivations and even laws. As Oprah stated in a BBC interview with reporter Will Gomperz, "It would be foolish to not recognize that we have evolved, that we are not still facing the same type of terrorism."

(Courtesy of: BBC / Politics Now)

(Couresy Of: National Geographic)

Recently, National Geographic did what I perceive as a heartwarming piece entitled "Changing Faces: The Changing Face of America".  The piece showed us the ever so present influence and effect that interracial marriage and relationships have had on society. The number of people whom identified as multiracial has jumped 32% from when the U.S. Census Bureau started allowing this option in 2000. It has become commonplace to see individuals whom identify as multicultural. We see people of mixed hues and tones fill society at all levels. Interracial marriages within media and culture are common, from sports stars, to musicians and actors, even to the tv shows we watch on a daily. 



(courtesy Of: National Geograpic)


All around we can see that the tide is turning, and progression is here. No matter what or where your opinion lies, whether you find yourself in support of offense; interracial marriage is evolving. all we can do is to wait and see where it continues. 

2nd Childhood

Somewhere around May to early June, colleges across the nation prepare to usher their graduating seniors into what some call the "real world". The U.S economy  and scarcity of jobs in the workforce have many soon-to-be graduates apprehensive about the quality of post-commencement life. According to the daily press, a study in 2012 by the Pew Research Center in D.C. revealed that 36% of millennials age 18 to 31 were living with their parents. This was the largest share in four decades. 

(source: Jules Suzdaltsev)

In 2013, an article posted in the money section of CNN.com revealed that 36% of college educated workers were employed in positions that require no degree. Individuals in this group are said to earn about 40% less than their peer group. 

(source: money.cnn.com / Center For Labor Market Studies at Northwestern University)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the unemployment rate for individuals with a bachelors degree or higher as of February 2014 was 3.4%. Many students take out private and federal loans, those of which come with ridiculous interest rates. 



With little prospectus for professional, gainful employment, many students find themselves back at home after graduation. Once again they must re-experience the horrors of adolescence and the torture of what is living with parents. An obvious lifestyle adjustment is in store for those planning to return to the nest, and there are a couple steps one should take to ensure a smooth transition. 

Having to make such a decision can be a hindrance to the development of a young adult. Entering college was a milestone in and of itself. For most, this time was full of fresh experience and new responsibilities. The days of curfews, rules and restrictions were replaced with long nights and days full of freedom and Independence. During this stage many of us learned life's valuable lessons such as how to feed oneself on a meager budget, how to properly function under states of extreme sleep deprivation and even how to squeeze a few extra dollars from a paycheck that for the most part gets swallowed by bills. 

(source: Bill Fay Blog / Jeff Pasette)

The most important lesson learned within college is that of self-reliance. From the first class students must learn that within the higher levels of academia there rests little abject guidance or constant motivation / direction. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the success of their own academic career. To make it all the way to graduation means that one has achieved a certain level of self-consciousness, a respect to the ability to harness the inner self and take control of ones life and actions in it. With this achievement comes a sense of fulfillment and empowerment. 
Having to make the decision to move back in with the parents can deal a significant blow to the confidence level of a young adult. While the step can help ease the transition into what is now a volatile economic workforce, it must be acknowledged that this can also be a setback for graduates. 


(source: John Lorinc / PNC Financial Independence Survey)

What is the answer to such a dilemma? Signs of our economies weak job market do little to help restore our faith. Should the pressure be put on students themselves or the government? What about the CEO's and managers across various fields of employment, they play a part don't they? While the Federal government finds ways to improve the economy and boost the prospectus for those looking to leave college soon, those who are on the cusp of graduation are feeling heat. In my opinion, something needs to be done.

(source: youtube.com/CNN)