Madam, - Gemma Carney (September 28th) is concerned by Leaving Cert students' "insecurity and tunnel vision". It seems she is uneasy about our embrace of consumer culture and the lack of recognition for artists and free thinkers.
She must be aware, however, that most young people will have to compete for economic security. They will have to buy food, clothing and - with more difficulty than ever - shelter. Many will choose to raise families, and many will need a post-retirement income for about 20 years. Most will pay a significant proportion of their income in taxes.
In essence, they will have to fund an 80-year life with about 40 years' work. There simply isn't the market to support large numbers of people engaged as artists or intellectuals. If there were, more people would be earning a living from it.
If one puts oneself in the shoes of an 18-year-old trying to make decisions that will influence the course of one's life, insecurity, tunnel vision and terror may not seem such inappropriate reactions.
I admire these young people's foresight and concern for their future. Their future is my future (admittedly, theirs is a bit longer). I remember the feelings that many are experiencing, and I think a bit of encouragement would do no harm. Then, when they are warm, dry, comfortable, and have full stomachs and somewhere to sleep, having achieved the careers they worked for, they might like to try a spot of free thinking. - Yours, etc.,
ARTHUR HENRY, Balally Drive, Dundrum, Dublin 16.