Analysis Of 'Totally Like Whatever, You Know?' By Taylor Mali

“Totally like whatever, you know?” So like when I talk to kids my age, they just all like never seem to know what they are talking about anymore, you know? We have all at one time met or talked to someone that talks like my example above; it’s hard to make sense of what they are saying and they seem like they are unsure of what they are talking about. In the poem, “ Totally like whatever, you know,” author Taylor Mali says, “ In case hadn’t noticed, it has somehow become uncool to sound like you know what you’re talking about?” (1-3) Mali targets young adults with this poem because they are the generation that talks in this way. This generation has become more and more like followers rather than leaders all because of the uncertainty …show more content…
Young adults do not know how to stand up for their own opinion; additionally, they tend to go with what everyone says and thinks is right. According to Mali this generation has become “ the most aggressively inarticulate generation to come along.” (30) Inarticulate simply means unable to express oneself. Young adults are afraid to express their beliefs and opinions to the world; this generation has lost the ability to speak with credence and their strong beliefs. Since we are unable to speak with confidence, Mali challenges the young adults of today to stand up and “To speak with conviction.” (34) The lack of self confidence is noticeable in the speaking of the young adults of today. From personal experience, I have lost confidence in what I say in the classroom. I think that my answer may be wrong, so I tend to hold back on what I say. Many think that they will appear “uncool” if they speak with certainty. What they do not realize is that speaking with certainty gains you the respect you deserve for your