Doug Casey Defines Our Generation: Power Rangers
In response to my post “Ruining Our Lives With Fun,” Stephen, one of our readers, posted a Doug Casey quotation for our consideration:
The kids born between 1982 and perhaps 2002 should be another Hero archetype. My own experience with them is that they’re shaping up that way. Represented by clean-cut, straight arrow Power Rangers. Quite a reaction to the sewer-dwelling Mutant Ninja Turtles that were analogs for the previous generation. They’re “‘can do” kids, programmed to do the right thing in a smoke-free, drug-free, eco-sensitive, politically correct world. Like all Hero types, they respect their elders, do what they’re told without much questioning authority.
~ ”Foundations of Crisis” by Doug Casey ~
Stephen followed up this quotation (which is much longer than what I’ve included here) by asking if any of this resonated with us. Our response would be that though Mr. Casey has evidently put much thought into his writings we find it both difficult to identify and hard to covet the generation he is referencing in the above quotation.
For those who are unaware, an “archetype” is a typical, ideal, or classic example of something. Though the characteristics of “smoke-free: and “drug-free” is arguably typical of my generation (depending on who you ask) it is also arguably atypical. Likewise, the respectfulness and prompt, unquestioning obedience Mr. Casey references is hardly typical of American youth.
To the question of whether or not Mr. Casey’s description is “ideal,” we would have to say, no. While we encourage a “can-do” attitude among our peers there remains the big question of what they “can-do” and more importantly, what they want to do.
We find it hardly ideal that we ourselves or our peers be “programmed” to do what is “right” within the confines of our “politically correct world.” Ideally, doing right will spring from a changed heart and life, will be defined by God rather than culture and will therefore be voluntary rather than compulsory.
Furthermore, we are of the opinion that rebelution cannot occur within the confines of political-correctness. No one ever initiated widespread reform by agreeing with everybody.
Thank you, Stephen, for your question and for bringing Mr. Casey’s writings to our attention. If we misinterpreted his meaning please correct us. We are eager to learn from his knowledge and experience.
The comment section is open for present and past generations to discuss Mr. Casey’s description and/or anything else related. Feel free to answer one or both of the following questions:
1) Which parts of Mr. Casey’s description appeal to you? Which parts do not?
2) To what extent should we attempt to be politically-correct? Are there any policically-correct views that you feel especially comfortable or uncomfortable embracing?
September 15th, 2005 at 11:00 pm
I’m not sure why you bothered to post this quote by Doug Casey, which seems to be nothing more than an uninformed opinion. To assert that all the children in a nation of 300 million people can be represented by the Power Rangers requires a rather staggering ignorance.
September 15th, 2005 at 11:13 pm
On the contrary, Anonymous, Doug Casey is a best selling author and hugely successful speculator. His book, “Crisis Investing,” was #1 on the New York Times best-seller list for 29 consecutive weeks.
He has appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows, including Letterman, Charlie Rose, NBC News and CNN. He’s been featured in periodicals such as People, US, Time, Forbes, and the Washington Post.
While I find his statement largely inaccurate (though this may be due to a lack of context on my part), his opinion is highly credible. Which is why I posted the quotation.
You are right in saying that it is impossible to label 300 million people with the same description, but that is exactly what an archetype does. The absurdity is inherent to the activity, not to Mr. Casey’s analysis.
September 15th, 2005 at 11:57 pm
“No one ever initiated widespread reform by agreeing with everybody.”
Oooh, I like that!
1) While it may be good that this generation is becoming “more polite,” one must ask, “At what cost?” It would seem that many are turning to the ‘love everyone and everything’ concept to their own detriment. That was not what made America. America was made by men who struggled and fought against oppression and then worked hard and sacrificed much to see this nation through. No, they were not ‘cozy’ towards the British; and thank God for that!
2) To the extent that it is discouraged.
Why be politically correct at all? Sure, there are things you don’t say, because they just aren’t polite. But much political correctness has gone to the point of distorting the truth so that no one will feel bad. I recall reading about a school that banned red ink, and another one that dumped the “F” grade and substituted “DS” (Delayed Success). I think that culture has become too sensitive. 
September 16th, 2005 at 2:36 pm
I read Mr. Casey’s entire article, and the part Brett quoted makes more sense in the context of the whole. I realize there wasn’t a need to post the entire article on the Rebelution, but it might be a good idea to read the whole thing if you want to get more of a feel for Mr. Casey’s message.
Personally, I think he takes the cyclical view of history a bit too far, though there is much truth in what he wrote.
September 17th, 2005 at 2:02 am
Power Rangers still around? Jeez, I can remember watching that like nine or ten year ago…(makes me feel old, lol).
1) Which parts of Mr. Casey’s description appeal to you? Which parts do not?
None of it. An over-generalization is bad enough, but trying to make an archetype of it? Really bad. If you want an archetype, you need one that lived perfectly…and the only one that qualifies is Jesus. Some might argue that teens can’t relate to Him because, well, there isn’t much on him as a kid. I think the Scriptures give plenty of info on His little debate with the scholars at the Temple…here they were, men old enough to be His grandparents and He stumped them all. What else does it say? “And Jesus grew in stature and in wisdom, and in favor with God and man.” That’s what the youth of today must strive for.
2) To what extent should we attempt to be politically-correct? Are there any policically-correct views that you feel especially comfortable or uncomfortable embracing?
If something is politically correct, it means it’s acceptable to the world. God never seemed to be worried about that - how about how John the Baptist called out the civil leaders of his day? What about that whiplash sermon in which Jesus rebuked the chief leaders of the people - “blind guides” He called them! This is not to degrade God’s love but God loves TRUTH and we cannot compromise that - ever. Hate the sin, not the sinner - and don’t allow the sinner to keep going if you can help the situation.
September 17th, 2005 at 7:41 am
2) To what extent should we attempt to be politically-correct? Are there any policically-correct views that you feel especially comfortable or uncomfortable embracing?
The gospel of John says the Lord came and He was “full of grace and truth.” He didn’t throw truth out the window in order for everyone to have warm gushy feelings yet He also dealt in grace. Notice the order, grace and then truth. Often being politically correct is ridiculous (believe me, I was on a secular colleges debate team), yet its also important to make sure its not our manner or expressions that offends or rebuff people. As the Lords representatives, we need to be careful that we do not cause anyone to reject Him because of our words.