The Voice of a Generation

As a young college student, I feel as though my generation doesn't have the same voice that past generations have had. Searching through wikipedia, I read up quite a bit about writers of the beat poets of the 1950s and 1960s such as Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, and Jack Kerouac. Following in both their footsteps, was a journalist never to be forgotten named Hunter S. Thompson. Some writers followed afterward, yet, they had a much smaller impact such as Terry Southern.

In the world of music, the phrase "The Voice of a Generation" often refers to Bob Dylan. Some other musicians around that time in the 1960s and 1970s, such as John Lennon and Johnny Cash, also had considerable success in speaking on behalf of the youth at the time. In the 1980's the Man most known as the generation's voice was Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen brought popular "Van Morrison" style big band rock to folk songwriting. Following him, the biggest name that comes to mind is Kurt Cobain. Although he was outspoken to press, the ambiguity of his lyrics distanced him from social commentary, or even social theory.

There are certainly people today who have provided excellent social commentary for our generation. However, I just can't name a 21st Century Journalist that writes about current culture that stands up to those names. Personally, I think that blogger/filmwriter Brooke "Diablo Cody" Busey is closest to having a grip on the current generation. As far as musicians, I think the Connor "Bright Eyes" Oberst has the most socially aware lyrics. As far everyday life storytelling, I think MCR are good lyricists as well. Still, I don't think any of these names have the ability to reach as large an audience as the earlier people did.