As I believe I've related here in the past, I have always been (and will probably always be) a lifelong learner. I think there's always more to learn and understand, and while I definitely forget plenty of things, it's usually because I'm trying my best to cram new information into my skull. And truly, I've always been this way. I mean, I was on my way to becoming a librarian at one point for a reason, you know?
Now, I've shared more than a few Brick House Builds videos here at RideApart over the years, for multiple reasons. One is hey, vintage Hondas, but another major one is BJ's strong skills at explaining and breaking down some of the things he's doing, so that those who aren't as experienced or skilled can begin to wrap their brains around them.
As a person who's been asking questions like "why" and "how" and "how does that even work" my entire life, that's the kind of content I think the Internet is for, quite frankly. With that in mind, it's genuinely exciting to see that BHB is taking it even further, and starting to school local kids (OK, one local kid so far) in the subtle art of Motorcycle Shop Class 101 (or Foundations, as they call it).
Seriously, watch this video and see if it doesn't put a gigantic grin your face.
Quit Complaining About Younger People, Do Something Cool Instead
Throughout history, people growing up at drastically different times often have very different experiences. That's been true for longer than you or I have been alive. But the cliche of the oldtimer moaning and complaining about how these young folks just don't want to learn anything anymore, or they won't get off their phones (or other such nonsense) accomplishes nothing constructive. It might feel good to vent for a moment, sure; but ultimately, it's just hot air evaporating into the atmosphere.
I mean, not to be too blunt, Karen, but we certainly didn't give ourselves those participation trophies. It was older generations who did that (and who would've also shamed us for being rude if we didn't graciously accept them; let's be honest).
Why don't the younglings know how to do laundry, or do basic housecleaning, or any number of other regular, everyday tasks that are simple facts of life for most people? I mean, maybe it'd help if someone could take their eyes away from the ding-ding-ding social casino app on their phone to show them how? (Perhaps.)
Just like humans (all humans) don't learn how to speak without practice, we also don't really learn anything else without practice, either. Developing and cultivating interest and motivation can help, but hands-on learning makes a massive difference to most people. Theory will only take you so far, and I say that as a lifelong library advocate.
Now, you could be a serial project-starter like I am, where you have a tendency to get super stoked to try something new, you read all the books, you watch all the videos, you buy all the supplies, and you take a crack at a thing yourself. Maybe you succeed, or at least get far enough along that you're encouraged to backtrack and retry if you mess something up. Or maybe you get super frustrated, set it aside in disgust, and ignore it for months (or even years).
But the more specialized and space- and/or money-consuming a project is, such as getting into wrenching on vehicles, the greater the barriers are to successfully exploring that new interest. I mean, we all only have so much time, money, and space.
That's why places like the Chicago Tool Library and other similar organizations are so important, because they help remove at least a few barriers to curious people who want to get into DIY. (Your local public library might be able to help in this regard, too! Lots of libraries loan out much more than just books, video games, and movies. Some loan out things like tools and sewing machines, and can provide access to specialized software and 3D printers as well!)
And that's why what Brick House Builds is doing here is important, and hopefully encourages others with knowledge to share. Because truly, it's wholly unproductive to complain and moan about how the next generation isn't doing things for themselves if you aren't willing to show them the ropes, stoke their interest, and maybe make a new friend in the process.
Sharing skills and building community is how you keep the things you love going well into the future, and we'd all do well to remember that, and act on it.
