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I'm on the younger side of Generation X- and I don't see myself and my generation being angry per say...more like questioning authority and being independent. Gen Y is more dependent on their parents for financial and social support and yes...they are way more wrapped up in the net, texting, FB, etc.
I think the great thing about Gen X is we were able to taste a bit of life before everything was ruled by technology. We played outside, and were not so plugged in like Gen Y.
It is how generational cycles go, look at the GI Generation (born 1901-1924), they grew up with WWI, the Depression and WWII, yet they were the happiest generation of the century. The Millennials are a “Hero” generational type, just like the GI Gen. The Mills will happily work together to fight the crisis at hand, which could be very good for us as the Gis did, or bad with “happy” united authoritarianism. In the book Generations & their Follow-up book Fourth Turning, Strauss & Howe talk about the generational cycles, they wrote generations in 92 when the Millennials were still being born, their description of how they will act has been spot on. Fourth Turning
Interesting, I'll make sure to look at it. I also read another article similar to this. I'll have to dig it up.
Generation X grew up in an age with a, mostly, higher crime rate than now. They also had to live with being constantly overlooked as the media in that era continued to pay more attention to the "Woodstock generation." Society was also still going through a bit of a transition with rising divorce rates. Kids in the "millennial generation" are maybe just as likely to be in broken homes, but maybe divorced parents no how to handle it better.
Also, the polls I've read, it's possible this new generation has rebelled against the idea of generational rebellion. When they polled them they show great appreciation for the work ethic of older people. Many of them like Betty White and listen to Pink Floyd or Jimi Hendrix. Maybr for them parents and elders not being in their life makes them sad more than quite so angry. So they often seem to embrace feel-good statements about working together despite differences rather than thinking the solution to everything is rage or revolt.
This is likely sounding a tad too positive, particularly since I don't agree with the new generation on much. However I would say they don't seem any more greedy or consumerist than kids my age were, maybe even less. Instead I'd say the polls indicate their fault might be to be a bit soft-headed and maybe immature. Although much of this is really hard to judge because this coming generation has been raised on a hundred channels and the Internet. They have less "shared experiences", I think, than many of the generations before them. The closest "shared experience" they have might be 9-11, but that's something that's seen in many ways by many people. So really any statement of "they're like X" is probably more wrong than it is of other generations. (Because there's a bit wrong about all these generational-images. A good many "Baby Boomers" voted for Nixon, some twice, and probably at least some who did thought he was too moderate. A great many Generation Xers were not particularly angry or cynical and listened to bubblegum-pop or even the sappier forms of country music. And going back again I'm quite positive some in the "Greatest Generation" threw tomatoes at black kids for daring to go to "whites only" schools and cheated on their wives)
What I find is funny is we were labeled Gen X because they thought we were going to be a class of losers who never did anything with our lives. Fast forward to the next generation and Gen X ended up being the most educated generation so far with a great independent work ethic. It's really hard to distinguish a generation until you can see how they really turned out.
I'm on the younger side of Generation X- and I don't see myself and my generation being angry per say...more like questioning authority and being independent. Gen Y is more dependent on their parents for financial and social support and yes...they are way more wrapped up in the net, texting, FB, etc.
I think the great thing about Gen X is we were able to taste a bit of life before everything was ruled by technology. We played outside, and were not so plugged in like Gen Y.
The thing I see about gen Y is that they think they are smarter than everyone else, when in reality they know far less about the world than previous generations. The cynicism I see with some youngsters is disturbing.
I also do agree they have the financial supposrt of their parents, whereas we had the parents who were offspring of WWII survivors - hence, they had a survivalist spirit built into them. Although with the current recession, one might argue todays generation are indeed learning about how to be more independent!
Last edited by The_gateway; 02-10-2011 at 03:00 AM..
The thing I see about gen Y is that they think they are smarter than everyone else, when in reality they know far less about the world than previous generations. The cynicism I see with some youngsters is disturbing.
I also do agree they have the financial supposrt of their parents, whereas we had the parents who were offspring of WWII survivors - hence, they had a survivalist spirit built into them. Although with the current recession, one might argue they are indeed learning about how to be more independent!
So far Gen X was the most educated generation, but it looks like Gen Y will trump that.
I look at my younger siblings who are Gen Y and they are big time consumers who never had to work for anything. So much has been given to them. They grew up with the inflated market and living on borrowed credit. Now they are in their 20's with no real working knowledge of how to survive in the world. I think they are in general idealistic and space cadets. I do think they are more aware of the world and look outward, which is a good trait. Gen X is more Individualistic.
What I find is funny is we were labeled Gen X because they thought we were going to be a class of losers who never did anything with our lives. Fast forward to the next generation and Gen X ended up being the most educated generation so far with a great independent work ethic. It's really hard to distinguish a generation until you can see how they really turned out.
Technically that was not the origin of the term Gen X, it was more about group of young people, seemingly without identity, who face an uncertain, ill-defined future. Slacker is term used to demonize us.
The reality doesn't matter, to the boomers Gen X will always be "losers", primarily because of our independence and willingness to not conform *(to the boomer world).
Quote:
Originally Posted by The_gateway
The thing I see about gen Y is that they think they are smarter than everyone else, when in reality they know far less about the world than previous generations. The cynicism I see with some youngsters is disturbing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by The_gateway
I also do agree they have the financial support of their parents, whereas we had the parents who were offspring of WWII survivors - hence, they had a survivalist spirit built into them. Although with the current recession, one might argue todays generation are indeed learning about how to be more independent!
We may see their attitude as thinking they are smarter but as with Gen-X, it is just that they are not like us, they have different values and goals. Living in a social media world helps them to look at things in a radically different (not wrong) way.
As Neil Howe says
“They are pressured and programmed,” explains Howe. “They are special and sheltered, bonded to their parents and networked to their friends. They want structure and instant feedback. And they expect to be doted on and served.” Quite different from the Gen Xers, Millennials work well in teams and have complete confidence in their future. Adds Howe, “They fear risk and dread failure, and they have pretty conventional life goals. Above all, they want the system to work!” Lifecourse Associates, News Release: “New book debunks common myths about Millennials in the Workplace”
Quote:
Originally Posted by lyra33
So far Gen X was the most educated generation, but it looks like Gen Y will trump that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lyra33
I look at my younger siblings who are Gen Y and they are big time consumers who never had to work for anything. So much has been given to them. They grew up with the inflated market and living on borrowed credit. Now they are in their 20's with no real working knowledge of how to survive in the world. I think they are in general idealistic and space cadets. I do think they are more aware of the world and look outward, which is a good trait. Gen X is more Individualistic.
Gen X are realists for the most part.
One big thing, they aren’t taking out nearly as much debt as like age Xers and boomers did, they are cutting back especially in auto purchases, they don't want to count on cars like every other generation did.
They may not have working knowledge but they do value collectivism, so what they lack in Gen-X street smarts they will gain in collective knowledge and the system. (This aspect worries me; I can only hope we move them towards voluntary collectivism as opposed to forced.
They may not have working knowledge but they do value collectivism, so what they lack in Gen-X street smarts they will gain in collective knowledge and the system. (This aspect worries me; I can only hope we move them towards voluntary collectivism as opposed to forced.
Technically that was not the origin of the term Gen X, it was more about group of young people, seemingly without identity, who face an uncertain, ill-defined future. Slacker is term used to demonize us.
The reality doesn't matter, to the boomers Gen X will always be "losers", primarily because of our independence and willingness to not conform *(to the boomer world).
We may see their attitude as thinking they are smarter but as with Gen-X, it is just that they are not like us, they have different values and goals. Living in a social media world helps them to look at things in a radically different (not wrong) way.
As Neil Howe says
“They are pressured and programmed,” explains Howe. “They are special and sheltered, bonded to their parents and networked to their friends. They want structure and instant feedback. And they expect to be doted on and served.” Quite different from the Gen Xers, Millennials work well in teams and have complete confidence in their future. Adds Howe, “They fear risk and dread failure, and they have pretty conventional life goals. Above all, they want the system to work!” Lifecourse Associates, News Release: “New book debunks common myths about Millennials in the Workplace”
One big thing, they aren’t taking out nearly as much debt as like age Xers and boomers did, they are cutting back especially in auto purchases, they don't want to count on cars like every other generation did.
They may not have working knowledge but they do value collectivism, so what they lack in Gen-X street smarts they will gain in collective knowledge and the system. (This aspect worries me; I can only hope we move them towards voluntary collectivism as opposed to forced.
I would say that is how you spot a boomer or Gen X. Gen Y seems to not take a stand or believe in something that they will not ever back down from. Just because Gen Y tells me to order a pizza on the internet, I still order it by phone just to irritate and keep doing what I've done for years! lol "You need this and you need that!" No I don't, I lived without it all these years, I think I'll manage. I've only had this computer for two years if that tells you anything. Hands on experience is very different from living off the net. I sure didn't learn all about music on the net. If I did, I would like what "everyone" else is supposed to like and talked about on the net. From what I gather much of Gen Y is just like everyone else. No one really stands out as being unique or different. I don't go along with anything that isn't my style because someone tells me to do it or else. That makes me rebel all the more.
I would say that is how you spot a boomer or Gen X. Gen Y seems to not take a stand or believe in something that they will not ever back down from. Just because Gen Y tells me to order a pizza on the internet, I still order it by phone just to irritate and keep doing what I've done for years! lol "You need this and you need that!" No I don't, I lived without it all these years, I think I'll manage. I've only had this computer for two years if that tells you anything. Hands on experience is very different from living off the net. I sure didn't learn all about music on the net. If I did, I would like what "everyone" else is supposed to like and talked about on the net. From what I gather much of Gen Y is just like everyone else. No one really stands out as being unique or different. I don't go along with anything that isn't my style because someone tells me to do it or else. That makes me rebel all the more.
As far as technology you will either have to conform or drop out of society or pay a massively higher price to do it your way.
Not a lot of Rotary Phones left are there.
Gen Y is very much into not standing out, they are a conformist and group think generation. Boomers were all about “me”, they also don’t like people who are not like them.
I am not saying you have to do anything, just know that generations cycle and they are all different.
Example (A) Gen Y says...... "you can't do that, my teachers said it is bad and people aren't supposed to!" Me....... to hell with that, watch me!!
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