In my short 21 years on this planet, there have been three wars, a terrorist attack, global warming, an oil spill and countless other tragic events. Yet, one thing I have not noticed in my time on this earth is the same willingness to fight for our rights as previous generations once had.

 My generation, like ones that came before, has seen some horrific injustices, but we do not seem to really do anything about them. I hear the youth of today complaining about the state our government is in, how our economy is lacking and even the lack of opportunities we are presented with. I have yet to see many of those same people do anything about it.

 Sure, we vote, and we argue with one another, but do we actually do anything to change the world around us? Voting can only do so much. That is something I feel my generation does not fully grasp.

 What happened to the protests? What happened to the sit-ins? Is my generation really that numb to the reality of life that we see no reason to fight for our futures? Are we so consumed by our need for money and power that we forget what is really important? We are so paralyzed by the fear of getting in trouble by "The Man" when in all reality, "The Man" should be afraid of us.

 I can honestly say that I am terrified for our future - a statement some might see as dramatic but I see as a reality. Think of the things that we have witnessed; honestly, think. Vietnam caused an entire generation to revolt and make a difference. We have seen not one, but two wars, as well as injustices to the LGBT community, and I have yet to see one protest or one sit-in on a college campus like there were in the '60s. I have yet to see one college student cause an uproar over global warming or even the oil spill, or at least nothing big enough for people to take notice. My generation is all talk and no action.

 Sure, I am guilty of complaining and sitting back and wondering why things are not better. Today is the day I break my silence. Today is the day I challenge my generation to stand up and speak out about the causes they care about whether it be war, inequality or even the outrageous cost of parking.

 Whatever the causes for your outrage, realize that there is something you can do. Speak out for your rights and the rights of others. Don't make our generation a lost cause.