As we prepare to celebrate this Fourth of July, the Barna
Group has released a new report on what Americans believe makes our country great. Participants were presented with a list of
choices with the option of selecting two.
The top response was “the opportunity to be what you want to be” (24%). The Constitution and freedom of the
press/free speech with the next most popular responses at 21%. We still value the freedom of religion (21%)
and our democracy (21%).
There was big variance between generations when it came
to the perception of what makes America great. Baby boomers and Elders hold the Constitution
and Bill of Rights in higher esteem (29% and 22% respectively) as opposed to
Millennials (16% and 8%). Freedom of
religions was not nearly as important to Millennials (19%) as opposed to older
adults (33%). Millennials, more than any
other generation, seem to value our country being a “melting pot society” (16%)
while Baby Boomers and Elders hold that characteristic in lower esteem
(3%).
Based on my experience, I am not surprised at this
information. Young adults and teens both
value the fact that they live in a country where they are free to be what God
created them to be. This includes how
they use their skills and talents, as well as how they express themselves. More than other generations, they want to
celebrate our cultural and ethnic diversity.
Today’s young people also have a strong entrepreneurial spirit. More than any other generation they want to capitalize on the opportunity live out the American dream.
There are two things I have learned from Millennials. It is okay to dream and strike out on your
own. Secondly, not to see the differences
in people as an obstacle but rather as an opportunity.
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