I want to share a dream I had in 2022, which involved a school shooting. Sadly, school shootings have become distressingly common in America over the past two decades. This dream was exceptionally vivid, feeling as real as any waking experience. While on the surface, the dream may appear to reflect anxieties and fears surrounding school shootings, I believe it carries a more profound message. In this letter, I will delve into the details of the dream and discuss why I perceive it as a prophetic warning about the pervasive degenerate culture influencing our youth nationwide.

Dream

The dream unfolded in a university setting, with countless individuals strolling around the campus. My younger sister, approximately 19 years old, was with me. Suddenly, the dream shifted, offering a bird's-eye view perspective. From this vantage point, I witnessed a group of masked individuals wearing t-shirts labeled "DEGEN." These individuals began shooting at everyone out of nowhere, resulting in bodies falling all around. I vividly recall grabbing my sister and fleeing from the hail of bullets.

Analysis

To grasp the symbolic meaning behind the university setting, which serves as the dream's focal point, it is crucial to understand its significance as the foundation for the rest of the dream. Universities represent institutions of higher education where students seek knowledge and personal growth. College often marks the first time young adults are separated from their parents and venture into independent living, exposing them to new experiences and ideas. These institutions possess the power to shape and influence students' belief systems as they transition into adulthood. In many ways, universities serve as the final rite of passage before individuals enter the real world and integrate into society.

However, the university setting does not intend to convey a life lesson in this dream, as in my previous dreams. The key reason lies in the presence of both my sister and the masked shooters. At the time of the dream, my sister was a 19-year-old student at a university. Since she started college, I have noticed significant changes in her behavior, which is to be expected as she grows and encounters new experiences and beliefs. However, my concern lies in the possibility that some of these beliefs and actions may be directly influenced by the culture surrounding her. I believe it is a culture spreading across the nation and can be described as a cultural degeneration, represented by the masked shooters wearing "DEGEN" shirts in the dream. For those unfamiliar with the term, "Degen" is a popular abbreviation for "Degenerate." I perceive the masked shooters as embodiments of the cultural degeneracy impacting the youth of America. At the core of this degeneracy are individuals who embrace a lifestyle characterized by recklessness, moral ambiguity, and a rejection of traditional values. This culture of degeneration represents a broader societal shift towards nihilism, where meaning and purpose are often dismissed or replaced by a pursuit of immediate gratification and self-indulgence.

The actual presence of these masked shooters in the dream signifies the pervasive influence of this degenerate culture within our educational institutions. The fact that they target and shoot the students within the university setting highlights this influence's insidious nature, infiltrating the institutions that are meant to foster knowledge, personal growth, and the development of ethical values. We can argue that the mass shooting of students in the dream symbolizes the infectious spread of cultural degeneracy within educational institutions. The death of the students can be seen as the demise of the moral and ethical individuals they once were before succumbing to the influences of this culture.

The fact that I instinctively try to protect my sister from the shooting in the dream signifies my deep concern for shielding her from the negative influences that have the potential to hinder her personal growth and moral compass. It expresses my genuine fear that these detrimental elements may have already infiltrated her life, and I am left grappling with a sense of powerlessness. I know these influences are beyond my control, and I recognize the limitations of my ability to sway her choices or decisions. Moreover, knowing my sister's strong-willed nature, I am uncertain if she would be receptive to any advice or guidance I might offer.

In contemplating my role in her development, I question whether it is my place to intervene or exert control over her choices. I understand that each individual must navigate their journey and learn from their experiences. I have come to believe that life itself serves as our greatest teacher, imparting invaluable lessons that shape our growth and understanding. It is through personal experiences and the consequences of our actions that we truly learn and evolve.

Despite my faith in the transformative power of life's lessons, I cannot escape the burden of guilt that lingers within me. I question whether I could have been a better source of support and guidance during her college years. Reflecting on this, I recognize that hindsight often brings clarity and a deeper understanding of how we could have made a more positive impact. However, it is essential to acknowledge that we all have limitations, and the choices and experiences of others are ultimately beyond our control.

My only solace lies in the hope that the challenges and lessons she encounters along her path will ultimately contribute to her growth and well-being. It is my fervent wish that she will find her way, drawing strength from the resilience and wisdom gained through navigating the complexities of life. While I may not have been able to play a direct role in her college years, I can offer my unwavering support, encouragement, and a listening ear should she ever choose to seek guidance.

Summary

Growing up, I certainly had my fair share of youthful indiscretions, but even then, the culture I see today appears to be on an entirely different level of extremity. It is disheartening to witness a culture that readily embraces the reckless consumption of drugs, displays a pervasive disrespect for one another and oneself, and seems to lack regard for the consequences of these actions. It is crucial, however, to avoid placing the blame solely on these individuals. Instead, we must recognize that these values are shaped and perpetuated by the broader culture our society chooses to embrace, albeit for reasons that may seem perplexing.

The prevalence of this culture can be attributed to several factors. Media and popular culture, including mainstream entertainment and online social media platforms, glamorize and normalize destructive behaviors, shaping the values of impressionable individuals, especially the youth.

Additionally, societal pressures and expectations contribute to this culture, as the relentless pursuit of material wealth and social status prioritizes instant gratification over personal growth and fulfillment. Conforming to shallow measures of success erodes ethical values and encourages self-destructive behaviors.

Furthermore, the breakdown of traditional support systems and community structures exacerbates the spread of this culture. Disconnected from nurturing environments and positive role models, individuals are susceptible to the influences of prevailing trends.

Finding moderation in our choices is essential for our personal growth and well-being. It is crucial to strike a balance and avoid extremes in any aspect of our lives. However, when it comes to cultural degeneration, it is evident that we have veered too far toward the extreme. To challenge and counteract this culture, it is imperative to foster alternative narratives and promote values prioritizing empathy, respect, personal growth, and community well-being. This requires a collective effort from various stakeholders, including educators, parents, community leaders, and policymakers.

By cultivating environments that encourage critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and a sense of purpose, we can help individuals resist the allure of destructive cultural trends and make choices that align with their true potential and the betterment of society. While the challenges we face may seem overwhelming, we must never lose hope in our youth. Each individual has the potential for growth and transformation, and by collectively working toward a cultural shift, we can create a brighter future.