What runs through this thread is recognition of a lack of human contact and interest that is prevalent today.
Artists of decades past recognized they were part of a community, and a tradition - even when they violently disagreed with both. They wrote manifestos to stake out intellectual territory. They compared themselves to each other.
People today - not just the young - are being sucked into an unreal world where they are free-floating atoms, all created equal in their narcissistic splendor. Not that there wasn't lots of that in the past, but there were plenty of outside forces to knock you in line.
I blame the internet (obviously), suburbs, and a capitalist system which sees us as 'human resources'.
Speaking of education, my kid is taking photography class this semester in her film program at NYU. I was out shooting with her last weekend. I'll see if I can find it.
Her assignment - I am not making this up - 'capture some Decisive Moments'.
Maybe you just need to make it into a homework assignment (seriously).
Randy