The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1940-02-15

, siderably outvoting the A percent
who declared that because Of pres
ent conditions, ability no longer Of
fers assurance Of success.
In interpreting the poll results
Maurice r. Robinson, editor of the
American high school weekly re-
ported: "Only A percent said Yes
when they they were asked whether
because Of present conditions-it
is more difficult to get ahead today
than at any other time. This per-
centage contrasts sharply with the
80 percent who gave an Affirmative
answer to the same question in the
YMCA poll Of young people In New
York City. The group responding to
the Scholastic poll evidently believe
their chances for the future are
good-so good that the government
need not provide jobs for them-so
good that the direction of their
lives and the solution of their prob
lens lie largely with themselves.
MANY people wonder what the
depression has done to today's high
school students. Our poll shows that
they continue to typify the American
spirit of individualism, faith in the
future of our country and oppor-
tlmity for advancement.
Some people will dismiss the con-
victions Of high school students as
the blind idealistic thinking of peo-
pie who haven't had their ears pin
ned back and who will change their
minds soon enough when they come
to grips with the outside world.
Others will say the opinions are the
result of little knowledge about
present conditions and a youthful,
easy assumption that everything is
possible for the person who sets out
with a stout heart.
Faith In Future
"But we are inclined to think
that these high expectations stem
from the fact that American young
people have confidence in them
selves, place real value on their
talents and have faith In the future
Of their country.
"Nor can we believe that these
young people are ignarant Of the
nations problems. They are between
16 and II years of age. Having
learned to read during the depres-
sion, they could not escape the con-
slant publicity given to our nations
problems in the press, the news
reels, over the radio and In the
schoolroom. Then, too, many Of
them faced hardship as children Of
the unemployed. The problems Of
the past decade could not be hidden,
and the eyes, ears and minds Of
young people are alert"
Little difference was noted in the
state Of mind Of young people in
rural communities, middle sized
Towns and big cities nor between
the viewpoints Of young men and
young women.
Editor Robinson characterizes the
composite portrait of American
Youth as revealed by the Scholastic
poll to be "a pleasant one: they are
independent, hopeful, self-respecting
and perfectly willing to judge and
blame themselves.
Courage
Courage, high expectations and
a willingness to take responsibility
are the keynotes of high school
thinking today, according to the
results of this poll. And If the stu
dents who show these qualities are
due for some disappointments in the
future, we believe that this very
poll proves they will be able to take
the blows and bounce back, because
there's plenty Of gumption there.
Such a reafi1rmation Of the ira
ditional principles Of American in
dependence and individuahsm Is Q
most encouraging sign that Democ-
racy is still very much alive over
here. REORGANIZATION may be the
rule Of life for the youths Of Russia,
Italy and Germany but Democracy
remains safe In the hands Of oui
American high school students Of
today" y