社会与人口学院 曹清扬 

Nowadays，there are a lot of criticisms of the younger generation. People censure contemporary Chinese youth, branding them as the Beat Generation who do nothing but lie flat. However, as a member of the younger generation, I clearly know that lying flat is just an empty talk as a way of black humor, not what we actually do. Instead, unveiling the self-mocking mask, we youth are responsible, strong-willed, creative, and confident.

Some people may argue that a whole generation of such self-mocking is a negative atmosphere, which leads to lower motivation to work or the fashion of entertaining. However, not part of the youth in contemporary society, they couldn’t understand how this unique way helps to relieve stress. Contemporary society is stressful and competitive. Higher living expenses, fewer job opportunities, the heavy burden of supporting the elder, and such challenges tense Chinese youth’s nerves. There is little time for them to travel or do something to relax, so self-deprecating is the easiest way to reduce stress. What’s more, the young are more vivacious and tolerant, so they accept this way as their humor. After “lying flat” for a short while, they will fight for their dreams again, full of courage.

When we put down our prejudice, it’s clear that the young always shoulder their responsibilities. Each generation has its own Long March, and contemporary Chinese youth do rise to the challenge actively.

The most daunting challenge we are facing now is COVID-19 and Chinese youth hand in a satisfactory answer sheet. We all know that the 1990s generation and 2000s generation have become the main force against the pandemic. Off the front lines, contemporary youth also contribute their endeavor. For example, during the most serious time in Shanghai, thousands of young couriers went against the current to deliver living goods. And as a student studying sociology, I’m proud to see that many seniors use what they learned in class to improve Shanghai’s deployment of resources. One of my seniors edited a shared document about telephone helplines and assistance messages. Another analyzed some main problems in Shanghai with several solutions. Chinese youth do not shirk their responsibilities, instead, they grasp the nettle.

Though the pandemic period is a tough time, Chinese youth’s strong will is still shining, shouting out the belief that they never give up the hope of life. During the lockdown period, some students in Tongji University cultivated sprouted potatoes in their dormitory to color their boring life. Meanwhile, they converted the lockdown period into a chance to improve and reflect, making full use of leisure to read and think. We can see the spirit of unbeatable love for life in them. The youth tell us even though life is tough, life goes on. With such positive youth, China has a bright future.

Another challenge is China’s influence on the global stage. Instead of just exhibiting our historical relics, Chinese youth find many other novel forms, by which they revive our tradition, turn up China’s voice, and influence the world in different domains. 

The Chinese youth truly make Chinese culture a hot issue. Knowing the currents of the contemporary world, Chinese youth combine tradition with technology in brand new ways. For example, the underwater dance created by a lensman called Uncle Ji gains wonderful reputation overseas. Dancers’ dress floats in water while they are moving, which reappears the scene of flying immortals in traditional mythology. Though dancers only dance a few seconds each time, the post cut can convert these short clips to a whole dance. These fantastic works win lots of hits on YouTube, and people hold their breath for beauty and shock.

What’s more, contemporary Chinese youth also gain fantastic achievements in domains that the western world is good at. For example, in the 61st IMO (International Mathematical Olympiad), the young Chinese group won the first name from 105 countries and areas, and created the miracle of the only perfect score. And during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Chinese track and field athlete Bingtian Su made a breakthrough and created a new Asian record, gaining the ticket to the finals. Chinese youth’s willpower is so strong that they can insist on overcoming their shortages to make the world look at China with new eyes.

All in all, lying flat is just contemporary Chinese youth’s appearance, not their soul. We shall acknowledge the competitive and stressful situation the youth face, giving sympathetic consideration to their complaints. Besides, never lose hope in our new generation because they are growing rapidly. We are amazed at the achievements they have already made so far, , which gives us reason to believe that with their intelligence and endeavor, China will make a spurt of progress.