It seems like the world is always full of bad news, doesn’t it? From economic downturns to climate change, political unrest to pollution, terrorism to poverty, and so much more, it feels like there’s always something to worry about. The future, which is always uncertain, seems even more so these days. Questions like "Will the Earth still be livable in a few decades?" or "Will there be enough resources for everyone?" are becoming more and more common.
Despite all this, I remain hopeful about our future, and I believe there are two main reasons for this optimism: technology and the younger generation. Technology has the power to bring us all closer together, breaking down outdated notions of race and difference. For instance, Firefox was created by two people who had never met in person, living on opposite sides of the world. We can hire graphic designers, purchase products, and engage in debates with people from all over the globe, all thanks to the internet. This global connectivity helps us see past differences in race, gender, religion, and nationality.
Unfortunately, many Americans don’t travel abroad. However, I believe that the younger generation, who seem less afraid of the world beyond their borders, will travel more. And this increased travel could be a game-changer. Travel exposes us to new ideas, cultures, and people. It helps us see that the people living "over there" are just like us, with their own problems and challenges.
Travel also highlights our shared humanity. Despite cultural differences, we all have the same basic hopes and dreams. We all want safety, happiness, fulfilling work, love, and a better future for our children. Recognizing these shared desires can help us heal the world.
Travel changes us. It broadens our perspectives and deepens our appreciation for life and for other people. It won’t solve all our problems, like the economic crisis or climate change, but it can help us understand each other better. It can show us that not all Muslims are terrorists, or that the French don’t really hate America. It forces us to step out of our comfort zones and confront new and different experiences.
The younger generation, or "Gen Z," is more eager to travel than previous generations. They’re volunteering more and are more interested in making a positive impact on the world. This gives me hope. As they become more involved in the world, they’ll travel more, and this will help break down the walls that divide us. It will show us that we’re all in this together and that we’re not as different as we might think.
As Maya Angelou once said, "Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends."
