Did you know public elementary and high school students today are more diverse than the baby boomer generation of students? According to a report by the US Census Bureau, in 1970, the student population was 79 percent non-Hispanic white, 14 percent black, 1 percent Asian and Pacific islander and other races and 6 percent Hispanic. In 2003, 60 percent were non-Hispanic white, 16 percent black, 4 percent Asian and 18 percent Hispanic. By the years 2015, I bet the number of minority students will outnumber whites. It already does in many urban cities across America.
Today I became the parent of a high school graduate. Just like most parents of my baby boomer generation, I always want the best for my daughter. I want her to be judged by the content of her character and her knowledge and not by the color of her skin. Unfortunately, racism is still alive and well and in some cases being perpetuated by the baby boomer generation. All you have to do is look inside the boardrooms in Corporate America and see who's calling the shots and how many faces of color are in real decision-making positions.
Sadly, too many young people enter into adulthood without a clue as to how the world really is. Why? Good question. In today's speech, the Valedictorian admitted he lived in a "bubble" for four years and, as a result, missed out on the opportunity to get to know and help some people along the way.
We, as baby boomer parents, must bear the responsibility for how our children have been raised. The future is in their hands. What you instill in them when they're young will reveal itself when they become adults---good or bad. It will also be a reflection on you.
So the question is, are you happy with the way your children (and grandchildren) are turning out?
