Comments on: Twentysomething: The rising rift between gen X and gen Y http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/ Advice at the intersection of work and life Sun, 21 Mar 2010 13:59:21 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: X Marks the Spot http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/comment-page-3/#comment-222936 X Marks the Spot Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:52:53 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/#comment-222936 First off, Gen Xerwhotellsitlikeitis, great post. I found myself laughing (and agreeing) with most of what you said. I also realize that due to the date of this article, my comment is not likely to be read. But then again, who cares (unlike the original Gen Y article writer, I'm not seeking constant approval). I just wanted to say that Rebecca Thorman is extremely self deluded. She states that Gen Xers are a "you vs them" faction; yet, she sets up the article in an "us vs them" (gen y vs. gen x) construct. She goes on to state negative stereotypes about Gen Xers and how her generation is superior--thus, reinforcing the "us vs them" arguement. This is best exemplified by the statements: "A Gen Xer is often found at the office, squeezing by on their flextime, and blocking out the world with their iPod."...and..."Unlike our older co-workers, Generation Y doesn't operate out of fear or distrust, but the possibility of what can be done." And therein lies the rub: Gen Y is looking at possibilities (idealism) while Gen X is operating in the sometimes cynical world of reality. Gen Y are the group runners and talkers whereas Gen X are the actual doers and visionaries. Come on, Rebecca: get off your high horse. Actually, I wonder what you are thinking now as the economy has tanked. Who knows, maybe you are still spewing "advice" as opposed to actually working. But hey, I'm glad I bucked the system. I busted my hump getting great grades, having a University pay me for going--and working--there, and I have a sense of purpose in life. Nothing was entitled and it took years upon years of hard work and dedication. It wasn't the road most travelled, but it fit me. And, like a supposed true Gen Xer, I'm glad I got there without...uh...getting on my knees for someone else. The one who tells it like it is told it best: "Gen-Y = hollow shell of a Baby Boomer who wishes they were 17 again." Hey, at least the Boomers had the personality to think outside the box. First off, Gen Xerwhotellsitlikeitis, great post. I found myself laughing (and agreeing) with most of what you said.

I also realize that due to the date of this article, my comment is not likely to be read. But then again, who cares (unlike the original Gen Y article writer, I'm not seeking constant approval).

I just wanted to say that Rebecca Thorman is extremely self deluded. She states that Gen Xers are a "you vs them" faction; yet, she sets up the article in an "us vs them" (gen y vs. gen x) construct. She goes on to state negative stereotypes about Gen Xers and how her generation is superior–thus, reinforcing the "us vs them" arguement. This is best exemplified by the statements: "A Gen Xer is often found at the office, squeezing by on their flextime, and blocking out the world with their iPod."…and…"Unlike our older co-workers, Generation Y doesn't operate out of fear or distrust, but the possibility of what can be done."

And therein lies the rub: Gen Y is looking at possibilities (idealism) while Gen X is operating in the sometimes cynical world of reality. Gen Y are the group runners and talkers whereas Gen X are the actual doers and visionaries.

Come on, Rebecca: get off your high horse. Actually, I wonder what you are thinking now as the economy has tanked. Who knows, maybe you are still spewing "advice" as opposed to actually working.

But hey, I'm glad I bucked the system. I busted my hump getting great grades, having a University pay me for going–and working–there, and I have a sense of purpose in life. Nothing was entitled and it took years upon years of hard work and dedication. It wasn't the road most travelled, but it fit me. And, like a supposed true Gen Xer, I'm glad I got there without…uh…getting on my knees for someone else.

The one who tells it like it is told it best:

"Gen-Y = hollow shell of a Baby Boomer who wishes they were 17 again."

Hey, at least the Boomers had the personality to think outside the box.

]]> By: heather http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/comment-page-1/#comment-219522 heather Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:52:33 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/#comment-219522 Just FYI, from a generation X-er who had absolutely nothing to do with casual Fridays...What an ambiguous mess, leading to some of the most undigignified fashion disasters I've ever seen! I'm with you! Just FYI, from a generation X-er who had absolutely nothing to do with casual Fridays…What an ambiguous mess, leading to some of the most undigignified fashion disasters I've ever seen! I'm with you!

]]> By: heather http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/comment-page-1/#comment-219521 heather Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:48:15 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/#comment-219521 I agree completely. This generation Y-er is severely delusional. I teach this generation (the one that is committing friends of mine to retire or commit suicide due to parents who have to castigate employers who give them a less-than-perfect-review! God forbid they should work for something.) I also have many friends at Citibank. They are practically laughing at the prospect of hiring this generation, unless they act otherwise. They are unemployable, according to many contacts. Listen, I am teaching them, and while I cannot completely generalize, the majority are spoiled and immensely undereducated, and feeling overentitled, and it is sad. How would you feel about turning over your next generation to tailed primates? This is my experience from a gen-x-er from CA, who had to pay her way through many things in life due to incredibly selfish parents (who actually remind me of the y peeps, in fact.) What happened, folks? Why did you handicap your children like this? What's wrong with you Boomers? Why on earth would you create this monstrosity? Did you really think that it was a good idea to call the boss of your 20-something to argue about his review???? I agree completely. This generation Y-er is severely delusional. I teach this generation (the one that is committing friends of mine to retire or commit suicide due to parents who have to castigate employers who give them a less-than-perfect-review! God forbid they should work for something.) I also have many friends at Citibank. They are practically laughing at the prospect of hiring this generation, unless they act otherwise. They are unemployable, according to many contacts.
Listen, I am teaching them, and while I cannot completely generalize, the majority are spoiled and immensely undereducated, and feeling overentitled, and it is sad. How would you feel about turning over your next generation to tailed primates?
This is my experience from a gen-x-er from CA, who had to pay her way through many things in life due to incredibly selfish parents (who actually remind me of the y peeps, in fact.) What happened, folks? Why did you handicap your children like this? What's wrong with you Boomers? Why on earth would you create this monstrosity? Did you really think that it was a good idea to call the boss of your 20-something to argue about his review????

]]> By: anecdotal librarian « adj.librarian http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/comment-page-3/#comment-194125 anecdotal librarian « adj.librarian Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:13:14 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/#comment-194125 [...] All in all, I’m not certain what to think, anymore, about the bookstore model. It’s appealing to the eye. But after reading Brisco’s article, I’m convinced that bookstores and libraries operate on the same model of confusing the customer/patron in order to make them interact with the librarian. And people today, according to studies and the media, want to do it all themselves. Seriously, I’ve always wanted to do it all myself,  so I can’t understand the generational shift. [...] [...] All in all, I'm not certain what to think, anymore, about the bookstore model. It's appealing to the eye. But after reading Brisco's article, I'm convinced that bookstores and libraries operate on the same model of confusing the customer/patron in order to make them interact with the librarian. And people today, according to studies and the media, want to do it all themselves. Seriously, I've always wanted to do it all myself,  so I can't understand the generational shift. [...]

]]> By: Talking about Generations » Blog Archive » Letting Go: Bringing Generations Together In the Workplace http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/comment-page-3/#comment-191424 Talking about Generations » Blog Archive » Letting Go: Bringing Generations Together In the Workplace Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:06:27 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/#comment-191424 [...] X but I think our idealism is a driving force and spirit that is contagious. Gen X operates with realism, pragmatism and effectiveness over Gen Y’s [...] [...] X but I think our idealism is a driving force and spirit that is contagious. Gen X operates with realism, pragmatism and effectiveness over Gen Y’s [...]

]]> By: Foco em Gerações » Blog Archive » Unindo gerações no ambiente de trabalho http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/comment-page-3/#comment-191421 Foco em Gerações » Blog Archive » Unindo gerações no ambiente de trabalho Wed, 19 Aug 2009 06:58:04 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/#comment-191421 [...] acho que nosso idealismo é a força motora e animadora que contagia. A geração X trabalha com realismo, pragmatismo e eficácia acima do idealismo da geração [...] [...] acho que nosso idealismo é a força motora e animadora que contagia. A geração X trabalha com realismo, pragmatismo e eficácia acima do idealismo da geração [...]

]]> By: Gen Xerwhotellsitlikeitis http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/comment-page-3/#comment-188423 Gen Xerwhotellsitlikeitis Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:54:15 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/#comment-188423 Yes, it is quite depressing to have to sift thru the monstrosity of Gen-Y fashion, what they call "80's retro". Gen Yers actually think they look cool. Refusing take a lesson from the 80's? you shall see. Hideous neon colors and ugly flat shoe-slippers. Good Lord help us Gen Xers, there is NOTHING to choose from. We must stick with our AF as they are the only retailers who kept it like we love it, good old late 90s fashion. Sexy and understated. Oh how we cherish those times. Generation Z (is and) will be awesome. The are going to bring back sexy. - and molly-whop Gen Y. I can't wait for these Baby-Boomer-doting clowns' time to pass. Gen-Y = hollow shell of a Baby Boomer who wishes they were 17 again. Yes, it is quite depressing to have to sift thru the monstrosity of Gen-Y fashion, what they call "80's retro". Gen Yers actually think they look cool. Refusing take a lesson from the 80's? you shall see.

Hideous neon colors and ugly flat shoe-slippers. Good Lord help us Gen Xers, there is NOTHING to choose from.

We must stick with our AF as they are the only retailers who kept it like we love it, good old late 90s fashion. Sexy and understated. Oh how we cherish those times.

Generation Z (is and) will be awesome. The are going to bring back sexy. – and molly-whop Gen Y. I can't wait for these Baby-Boomer-doting clowns' time to pass.

Gen-Y = hollow shell of a Baby Boomer who wishes they were 17 again.

]]> By: Unknown http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/comment-page-3/#comment-188343 Unknown Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:15:30 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/#comment-188343 It's really sad to see that Gen Xers who are between the ages of 44 and 29 try to look like as if though they are 10 years younger than they are, with Abercrombie shirts on and so forth. It's disturbing. The women try to look like Kate from Jon and Kate plus 8. Its gross. Over 95% of Xers I know drive an gas sucking SUV, and support the GOP. And on top of all of that, now we got the Gen Zers (1995-2010) coming into the world with Hannah Montanaism where it's okay to dress like a Bratz Doll. Good Lord help us all! It's really sad to see that Gen Xers who are between the ages of 44 and 29 try to look like as if though they are 10 years younger than they are, with Abercrombie shirts on and so forth. It's disturbing. The women try to look like Kate from Jon and Kate plus 8. Its gross. Over 95% of Xers I know drive an gas sucking SUV, and support the GOP. And on top of all of that, now we got the Gen Zers (1995-2010) coming into the world with Hannah Montanaism where it's okay to dress like a Bratz Doll. Good Lord help us all!

]]> By: Patrick http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/comment-page-1/#comment-188051 Patrick Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:29:21 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/#comment-188051 Writer is full of crap. All youth is idealistic ... What is important are the values that guide their pursuits and the nature of those pursuits, (refer to URL attached for a good general characterization of Gen Y). Writer is full of crap. All youth is idealistic … What is important are the values that guide their pursuits and the nature of those pursuits, (refer to URL attached for a good general characterization of Gen Y).

]]> By: Shan http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/comment-page-3/#comment-185137 Shan Mon, 04 May 2009 08:19:02 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/06/twentysomething-the-rising-rift-between-gen-x-and-gen-y/#comment-185137 It's called ageism. It's called ageism.

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