I don't think much as changed since I was a teen with the exception of ongoing technology which surrounds it. Problems and rebels invloving teens have been around for generations. Its part of 'feeling ones oats' and all about growing up.
Same style of problems today with the same roots, but things have evolved a bit. There will always be a generation gap.
When I was young, we all copped it sweet to with attitudes towards the CF, and the army in general, and that was the post Viet Nam war days of the late 1970s.
The GAF factor then as it is now has not changed much.
As for poppies, back in Canada they are common, but even the youth of my day at school etc, many did not wear them. The older generation wore them (and still do) as they lived through it, and understand things in a different way then today.
We are so lucky not to be totally involved in a conflict beyond comprehension involving thousands of casualties (allthough one is too many). We are simply fed what the media wants us to hear, and its a rare occasion when something good happens today in Iraq and is reported, but one bad thing, and its all over the place.
Maybe if the media (along with the Legion) portrayed poppies differently and promoted them, thru education, etc, more would be worn. In general people are people, with overall good morales and values, but you'll always find the rebel mentality out there.
Here, one rarely sees a poppy (our are different).A sprig of rosemary is worn as a sign of rememberance, and are as common as poppies back in Canada on ANZAC Day.
I still have much confidence in todays teens no matter what, after all they are our leaders of tomorrow.
My view.
Regards,
Wes