Those born between 1980 and 2000 are known as Generation Y or Millennials — most of them have little to no memory of what the United States is like during peacetime.
Millennials are now making their way into the world as young adults, after a childhood of their country being at war.
The ramifications of our wars are evident in our daily lives and will influence our worldview for many years to come.
How does our generation view the Middle East post 9/11? Is it possible that the war in Afghanistan and Iraq have depicted an inaccurate image of an entire region of the world?
People who have not looked into the geography, culture and politics in the Middle East may still have the perception that it is a desert land littered with bomb debris.
In reality, there are millions of families going to work and school, who are trying to live their lives similar to how we live ours.
How do you think many people view the religion of Islam post 9/11?
People who don’t know any better may believe it is a religion for extremists and that it breeds terror and hate. When, in fact, it can arguably relate to other religions including Christianity.
There are extremists in every religion — Islam is targeted in our generation because people have been making terrorist and Muslim synonymous post 9/11.
People may have these perceptions without even acknowledging them.
A common cop-out for explaining violence in our country is that video games are corrupting our children, teaching them violence is a normal part of life.
Perhaps an increase in violence could be attributed to our country engaging in ongoing conflict with no end in sight.
Is it our fault that we are becoming less sensitive to violent material? Or is it because over the course of the last 12 years, war has become the norm for America? Can you remember the last time that you were surprised to hear about a car bombing in Kabul?
It is important to think about these things as we transition into adult life.
I am not here to say the U.S. should or should not go to war with Syria. What I do know is the U.S. has been at war for a majority of my life, and I have to wonder how these wars have shaped my worldview.
Millennials are the first generation to grow up with home computers. We are also a generation that has grown up with a social stigma that connects war and violence to the Middle East.
As we approach the 12th anniversary of 9/11, not only think about the people who have lost their lives — think about how that tragic event, and ones that followed, created a skewed interpretation of war and the Middle East for an entire generation.
Amber Emery can be reached at [email protected]