The future is on everyone’s mind, and how people view it can vary dramatically based on their experiences, values, and where they stand in life. In Los Angeles and surrounding communities, optimism about what’s ahead runs the gamut, from hopeful visions of progress to concerns about growing divisions.
For some, the future holds promise. They see opportunity even in the midst of social and economic challenges, believing that hard times are just a phase that can be overcome with the right attitude and action. Optimism, for them, is not just a perspective but a tool for navigating the uncertainty of today’s world.
Others, however, feel the weight of inequality and social unrest bearing down on the country. For them, the future seems increasingly divided between the rich and the rest, and they worry about the growing challenges that many are facing. This sense of uncertainty is tied to concerns over rising costs, lack of access to resources, and the widening gap between different social classes.
Then there are those who see themselves as agents of change, confident that the younger generation has the power to reshape the future. With time on their side, they believe their voices and actions will make a significant impact on the way the country moves forward.
Across generations and neighborhoods, one thing is clear: the future is a topic that stirs emotions, whether it’s a sense of cautious optimism or deep-rooted concern. Everyone seems to be waiting for the next chapter, wondering how they will be part of shaping it.
In this diverse snapshot of thoughts on the future, one thing is clear: Whether optimistic or skeptical, people are thinking deeply about the direction the country is headed in, and many are ready to take action to shape that future.
Phyllis Hillard
“I’m always optimistic. I’m a glass half full-type person. … I think the way the media makes everything look has a lot to do with it.”
Derek Johnson
“It makes me glad that I’m older and can remember what it was like before all this stuff. Americans are independent and we don’t like to be told what to do.”
Norma Taylor
“Presently, I’m not that optimistic. I think we are in for hard times and the country is being split between rich people and the rest of us.”
Naomi Ruiz
“Our parents had it better than us, but the younger generation, we have time on our side. As the old people die out, we have a chance to … make things better.”
Compiled by Cynthia Gibson in the Fairfax District and Chino Hills.
