America is a golden land of opportunity. Yet many of the country's young people don't see it that way. They believe the American dream is unattainable and that America is a racist and bigoted place full of evil oppressors. Ian Rowe, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of the new book "Agency," wants to change that narrative and prove to America's youth that there is something worth striving for. "I want young people to know that they can do hard things," Rowe explains. "That they live in a good, if not great, country. That, with the right ingredients, they can lead a life of their own choosing." Rowe thinks there's two factors responsible for American youth: a "blame the system" narrative and a "blame the victim" narrative. "In the 'blame the system' narrative, if you are not achieving the American dream, the reason is America itself. That America itself is this oppressive nation. That based on superficial characteristics like gender or race, you're oppressed," says Rowe. The other philosophy blames the individual themselves. "It's your fault. It's some pathology that you have. You didn't pull yourself up by your own bootstraps," says Rowe. "But if a young person hasn't had the right kind of nurturing from a strong family, strong faith-based organization, strong educational opportunity, then it's very difficult for them independently to overcome these hurdles." Rowe joins the show to discuss his new book and how we can inspire young people to succeed. We also cover these stories: President Joe Biden threatens to use emergency powers if oil companies don't boost supplies amidst growing gas prices. Mayra Flores wins a special election in Texas, marking the first time a Republican will represent the Rio Grande Valley since 1871. George Washington University retires its century-old Colonials moniker over outcry from student activists.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices