It's been brought to my attention through moderate observation that young people today are in a state of obstructed progress - or at least some may deem it so - by maintaining a transitory existence and avoiding the pursuits of careers, marriage and the like. This lifestyle receives heavy amounts of criticism, with people of previous generations accusing us of wasting our time. And Tacoma seems to be an ideal place to observe this, where "rebelling" comes in the form of securing a steady job and going to college.

But this is nothing new.

I'm beginning to believe more and more that culture really does come full circle. Every generation believes it's an original, a group of pioneers banded together by the "new" ideologies and lifestyles they've collectively forged. We may be the generation to witness the fastest growth in technology, the first free fall from outer space, and an ex-vice presidential candidate star in her own reality television show, but culturally we are somewhat of a reflection of past decades.

When I had my mom "peg" all my jeans in junior high, and spent more time getting in and out of my skin-tight Levi's than on homework, I was fully aware that I was not an innovator. When I began my record collection, I knew I wasn't the first person to use a milk crate to store something other than dairy. I was simply mirroring what every teddy boy did in the 1960s.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and we are taking what we admire most about the past and making it our own. In terms of music, fashion and overall ways of life, Generation Y is putting its own spin on old trends. And this goes deeper than putting an Instagram filter on a new photo to make it look old. Resurgence is a form of invention, and we are not lacking in this.

So in response to the proposition that young people today are in a state of arrested development, I am a firm disbeliever. 

What do you think?