In 1998, Tom Brokaw coined the name the “Greatest Generation,” for the men and women who suffered through the Great Depression, fought World War II, and turned the American image from water to wine.

That generation came from economic hardship, conquered blatant forces of evil and injustice abroad and came home to provide a necessary change in conceptions of race and equality that played a key role in the success of the Civil Rights Movement.

But why, within the span of 30 years, were these men and women of the “Greatest Generation” able to achieve change that is almost laughable in modern society?

There are several components crippling our ability to improve the world.

Instead of having a concrete program to eradicate injustice (i.e. the military in WWII), we are left buying “Livestrong” bands.

Action has been substituted for economic contribution.

Which brings us to perhaps the most important change from the “Greatest Generation” to our feeble attempts at progress—profit.

Because there are potential benefits for some stemming from these atrocities, we find it next-to-impossible to reach a consensus on a common enemy. Our ethical views have been skewed by economic influence.

Profit motives have replaced a revolutionary fire necessary for a positive, progressive society. Under an opaque blanket of nationalism, our definition of right and wrong is being manipulated through fear.

The issues are ageless, but some refuse to see it, either out of a sad complacency or inability to shoulder the baggage accompanying our privileged existence.

Today, instead of fighting the Holocaust, we are more worried about fighting healthcare bills.

Instead of fighting all forms of totalitarianism, we select dictators based on political alliances and compatibility with a Western agenda.

Instead of a Martin Luther King Jr. or a Franklin Roosevelt to rally together the masses for the betterment of the country, we are forced to take the challenge upon ourselves singularly or within small groups.

Today, the only way to bring these issues to light is to sing for U2.

It is left to us individually to strive toward positive change, and with the right leadership and focused advocacy, we can save ourselves from generational infamy.