What's on the minds of America's youth today?

More than 30 years ago, young people across the country staged sit-ins for civil rights, got up and protested against a misguided, undeclared war, and actually gave a damn if a president lied to them. Although a lot has changed since then, there are still racial divides, and America is once again mired in a largely controversial war. Back in the 1960s and 70s, a similar climate motivated great numbers of young people to act, organize, and take to the streets in defiance. Today it seems as if younger Americans are content to watch their MTV, fiddle with their game players, follow the love lives of Brad, Jen, Jessica, and Paris, and assume the hard work is being done for them by others. What has changed? Is it simply that we do not have motivating factors such as a draft or Kent State to bring us together, to anger us? What is going on inside the minds of American youth today?

THE 2005 VANITY FAIR ESSAY CONTEST

SPONSORED BY MONTBLANC

In 1,500 words or fewer, explain what is on the minds of Americas youth. The grand prize is $15,000, a week l

at a writers' retreat in Tuscany, and a Montblanc Meistersttick 149 fountain pen. Second prize is $5,000 and a Montblanc Boheme fountain pen. Third prize is $1,000 and a Montblanc StarWalker Fine Liner. All entries must be received no later than September 30,2005. For details, rules, and conditions, please visit www.vanityfair.com.