Twentysomething: The rising rift between gen X and gen Y
Rebecca Thorman is 24 years old. I met her when I moved to Madison, Wisconsin, and spoke at an event she put together. I’ve been reading her blog, Modite, ever since.
By Rebecca Thorman – As the workplace weather changes, Generation X isn’t happy to see Generation Y as the rainbow in their persistent rainstorm.
Both generations have similarities, sure. Technological savvy and the willingness to rebel against boomer norms brought us together for a short time. But as more of Gen Y enters the workplace, Gen X is becoming increasingly marginalized, and the fundamental differences of how we operate are now dividing us along fierce lines:
1. Different job markets
Generation Y is a demographic powerhouse entering into our choice of jobs. With the world conspiring in our favor, we’ve already pushed the limits of the foundation Generation X laid.
Generation X tried to change the status quo while entering into one of the worst job markets since the Great Depression. They scorned the good ole boys, but had to play by their rules anyway, while millenials are able to create our own rules.
The fact that Gen Xers worked hard with little success beyond casual Fridays means that they are “only mentioned to be polite” in generational discussions. This is aggravated by Generation Y’s readiness to assume all the leadership positions when the Boomer generation retires. Gen X can’t seem to win and Gen Y reaps the rewards.
2. Cynicism vs. Idealism
Since the Gen Xers weren’t able to create the workplace change they desired, it’s no wonder that I get the feeling that Generation X is inherently skeptical of who I am. They’re weary of how easy success comes to me, of my desire to bring them into the mix, and of my idealism.
Unlike our older co-workers, Generation Y doesn’t operate out of fear or distrust, but the possibility of what can be done. I realize that Generation Y is new to the workplace. To Gen X, I just don’t get how the world works. And while it’s quite possible that we won’t change the world like we anticipate, why shoot for just the possible? Idealism is what changes the world.
3. You vs. Us
The Gen X focus on distrust makes them solitary workers, preferring to rely solely on their selves to see a project through, while Generation Y tends to want to support and work together. A Gen Xer is often found at the office, squeezing by on their flextime, and blocking out the world with their iPod.
Generation X is no doubt feeling like a stepping stone generation, and many are, in fact, choosing to align themselves with Generation Y rather than fade into the background. The founder of MySpace went so far as to lie about his age.
I say the more the merrier. There is strength and value to realism, and there is strength and value to optimism. That’s why we have to work together. What can I say? I’m a team player.
Rebecca Thorman blogs at Modite.
as being stuck in the middle of both generations (i am 30, born in 78) i see the idiotic generalizations on both sides.
my generation (roughly turning 27-32 in 2009) are old enough to appreciate the pre-internet era and young enough to experience and “get over” the internet and not let high technology “go to our heads”, or use it as a weapon against older (or younger) generations.
what gen x sees as “highly advanced ” use of technology by younger kids/adults, and gen y sees as being “bold and on the cutting edge”, we see as rather “passe”, because we did it already.
we’ve been on the internet, we made it cool to be young and plugged in, and we see it as “something you do” not something you define yourself after, or make others feel bad about.
so i say to gen x, calm down, you are a cool ass generation. cutting edge, extremely witty, and all-knowing.
to gen y, cool your jets, you are cool too, no need to criticize others. you are very smart and now hold the torch. be responsible with it.
as for cuspers we will remain the quiet force the binds us all together. we love both gen x and gen y and the boomers!
i also think Rebecca is not gen y, but a cusper, personally, considering she was probably born in 1982 or 81.
she’s a little too pressed to separate herself from “gen x”
i think she feels like she is gen x deep inside, but definitely not y.
listen Rebecca, dont let wikipedia or whatever else website define you, do what you feel.
Rebecca and Penelope are sophomoric at best. It’s nothing more than the immaturity I would expect from her. I remember being that age too. Further, Penelope is obsessed with writing about gen y and trying to fabricate conventional wisdom about it and my generation, gen x. It smells self serving at times. It’s as if she’s trying to defend herself. The technology arguments are particularly amusing. As a technologist I created and participated in the movement of the internet from the realm of scientists and geeks into the mainstream. Back in 1990, in grad school, I was logging hours on-line with people all over the world saying things like lmao and rofl, when Penelope was in grade school. That’s right Penelope, your generation didn’t invent the internet nor the online abbreviations any more than Al Gore did. The fact that you use text message with your cell phone…er…I do that too…doesn’t make you tech savvy. You’re what technologists call “users”. I left off the adjective to that comes before that to be polite. The whole article made me rofl. Being a team player is important, I value that too. How we get work done matters. But don’t confuse team player with not being able to get a job done without getting someone else to do the hard parts you don’t like, or simply not having the attention span to complete a job without someone standing over your shoulder directing you.
whymaniawhy,
awesome.
i freaking love generation x.
i think the boomers still resent the total awesomeness of Gen X, and are now trying to push theirs kids onto center stage to overshadow gen x. it can be really annoying considering their isn’t much to write home about as to what gen y is doing. (remember us cuspers (including Rebecca) see right through the hype, as we were the early “users” back in the late 1990s and early 2000’s when gen y was still in middle and elementary school). gen y is a carbon-copy of us “early birds” in that respect.
that is why we respect Gen X, and will always.
Have you noticed that most Zers are into X pop culture than the crap they have today(Millennials). My son (Gen Z) loves Grunge, Alternative, Hip Hop, Pop, and R&B from my era.Hell, he likes stuff from the Motown era!
I have to say I just love how Rebecca calls reading one article at Wikipedia research. That sort of underscores the depth of personal knowledge she bases her opinions on. Way to go girl. I was just like you 10 years ago at your age. Wait, sorry… I was like totally different. Oh, never mind.
Let me see if I can explain this in laymens terms as generation “Y” does seem to be unbelievably air headed at best and downright emotionally disturbed at worst.
1. We were using personal computers long before most of you were even born! ie. Texas Instruments. Shall we talk about Bill Gates … maybe that other guy Steve Jobs? ever heard of them?
By the way I’m a 37 year old male. Our elementary school had access to home computers (texas instruments) as did our middle school and high school (Macintosh) for that matter.
Point being we were the first to explore the territory and with intense feedback helped create what you bozos use today.
2. As far as sitting in a corner listening to an Ipod is concerned? If you consider running your own business for the last 15 years comparable to sitting in the corner listening to an Ipod… well guilty as charged! In fact 6 of my closest friends own successful businesses. One actually making motion pictures at this point.
How about this, lets call it like it really is shall we?: Know it all, narcissistic personality disorderd, spoiled rotten brats entering the workforce wet behind the ears judging an entire generation that literally helped pave the way for their sorry asses!
By bravely going against the grain and voting in such people as Bill Clinton for 2 terms, breaking down racial barriers to an extent never previously seen, promoting the use of “green” products to help save the planet, Creating a health food niche in which your kind can thrive, supporting the termination of apartheid in south africa as well as creating a musical and artistic niche that to this day isnt completely acknowledged for its intense uniqueness and flair.
We assisted in creating the internet, cellphones and personal computers making them what they are today as well as well as participated in a building boom of epic proportions while having some of the most memorable athletes in sports history. Lance Armstrong, Flo Jo (god rest her soul)De la hoya, Michael Jordan, Andre Aggasi, Bret Favre shall I continue?
Listen sweetheart nice try! however our generation accomplished things through hard work and sheer dedication that you obviously couldnt recognize if it hit you over that pretty little “wannabe model” head of yours.
Now what I expect is a THANK YOU SIR…enough said?
It’s called ageism.
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!
Oh please. I stir the hell away from looking like a Millennial. I don’t wear a hoodie, buy Apple products, have non-sense tattoos all over my body, and I wish I could delete my Facebook account if not for my family and friends on it. I’d rather wear flannel and parachute pants. than look like you.
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.
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.
Generation Y did you have to my genertion…..where should I start. Our fashion is terrible, 100% borrowed…people from the 80’s look back and are the first to admit that they looked ridiculous..but at least the style was new. our movies and music are lame. Our use of anti depressants and shrinks have made us all into zombies who lack creativity but can sure take orders with the best of them. Our idea of a social get-together is meeting up to play halo 3 on x-box live. We lack spine. We’re copycats. We let the government step all over us. Our idea of rebellion is wearing neon colors. We love facebook for it’s lack of individuality. We’re pretty much screwed.
Yeah..What’s with the anti-depression pills and shrinks? Was that a baby boomer trait passed down to you guys from their Hippie days of using drugs? As a kid, I watched MTV and played with my Atari to get over the blues. Then I went outside and played with my friends all day.
AMEN. What an egotistical brat.
Generation X and the Baby Boomers built, and continue to build, the entire pseudo-world of consumerism and beauty that the Millennials are living in. If anything, Gen X succeeded, with the Boomers’ original innovation and post-war money, to create an absolute matrix of stupidity and disinformation, and the Millennials are merely insignificant puppets that will work together being spoiled and buying garbage, and will optimistically scoff at cynicism to their utter demise.
There is something very troubling about this article. Rebecca responded to a post by stating, “I made some observations internally, researched them, and found many of my ideas to ring true.” When you click on the link for her research, it leads you to Wikipedia. This is the amount of research that you did? Wikipedia? I wonder if Rebecca ever actually sat down and talked to a variety of people from Generation X, actually took the time to really hear and understand what we think and feel. She may find that Generation X is not so cynical and not so reserved as her Wikipedia research implies. She may find that there is an idealism in our generation that works in balance with a strong sense of realism. (Unfortunately, some people mistake realism for cynicism.) Generation X has used this idealism and creative vision to become entrepreneurs, to make art, or to stage protests. Our experiences growing up during the ’70s, ’80s and the ’90s gave us the gift of being able to see through the BS that was trying to be forced down our throats. We’ve had to learn how to be resilient in an environment that was not always favorable, i.e. economic, political, environmental and parental.
While Generation Xers value their independence, something that we are fierce idealists about, we do value community. I think Rebecca is confused. Just because an individual, or a generation, is able to be comfortable by themselves without constant validation does not mean that there is a lack of concern or care for community or for the world at large. Our so-called “cynicism” might just come from the fact that we’ve seen the world going in directions that are scary, and we want it to be better.
The other troubling thing about this article is that, while Rebecca says a whole lot of nice things about Generation X, she is, in essence, just rehashing and perpetuating the same old myth about our generation by using the same negative terms that everyone else has used about us, most of which came from the Baby Boomers. The entire article is set up with an “us versus them” mentality, or shall I quote from the article “You vs. Us”. Its implication is that Generation X holds this “us versus them” mentality, yet Rebecca, a Gen Yer, is the one writing the article. How can you expect a generation, or anybody for that matter, to be open when we’ve heard nothing but negative things about us? Perhaps, the Boomers and your generation need to stop feeding these negative stereotypes and actually take the time to get to truly know what our generation is really all about. Your “internal observations” might be biased.
Oh, one more thing, our generation hates labels.
I would like to tell you about how my views on defining a generation have evolved. At first, I believed that gen y was from 1977 – 1995 for 3 reasons:
1. The “Baby Bust” TYPICALLY ended in ’77 and the annual birthrate began to increase dramatically – I saw a chart on the web that showed that year as having about 3.3 million births, while ’76 had 3.1 million (a difference of 200,000). ’78 had even more, ’79 yet more, and so on.
2. Those born in 1977 just came of age when the web first became available to the general public in ’95, hence the term “net generation” (or another name for the millenials).
3. Studies have shown that those born in the late ’70s have very similar attitudes to those born in the ’80s.
Now, however, I believe that ANYONE can be gen y if she is tech – savvy, open – minded to ALL kinds of diversity, and is into the latest music or entertainment. Just like a 20 – year – old can be called a Baby Boomer if he is not that much into technology, only supports racial equality, and likes the Beatles. There are just some people who do not fit into the “generation” to which they were assigned, and that is why I do not believe in using dates to define a generation.
My cousin and younger(youngest sibling) brother were born in 1977 and 1978 respectively. Both think like Millennials with tattoos galore, worship the iphone, and were coddled and spoiled by my mom and aunt like crazy.
My cousin and younger(youngest sibling) brother were born in 1977 and 1978 respectively. Both think like Millennials with tattoos galore, worship the iphone, and were coddled and spoiled by my mom and aunt like crazy.
I am a gen’xer. I think it is time for me to defend this young lady. All some of you are doing is calling her a narcissist, grandiose, spoiled brat, and other things.
How is this supposed to teach her anything? This does not give her any constructive feedback at all. All of this destructive critism does not tell her how she should behave and how she should act.
Wouldn’t it help her to show her what in writings are wrong, show her why they’re wrong and show her step by step?
I will attack a little bit of her argument. Rebecca, I believe you’re making a hasty generalization meaning you’re putting attributes on an entire group of people from observing only a few. Rebecca, how many people from gen x have to talked to? Where is your sample size and statistical analysis?
“The fact that Gen Xers worked hard with little success beyond casual Fridays means that they are “only mentioned to be polite” in generational discussions.”
You fail to define your terms. What is considered working hard?
You may think that those you saw are working hard but in other people’s mind they may not think so.
In addition, what is considered success. What kind of success are you talking about? Are you talking about financial success?
I want her to be better thinker. To do that, you have to attack her arguments and not demean and degrade her. If you all believe she is misguided then teach. Don’t critize her.
Oh, great. More coddling.
Wow, I don’t even know where to begin in addressing this one. So I will say that as an old and discarded X you win Ys, you Bennigan Collection hippies you…
I do remember my ministry experience with Kevin though my Y buddy. He would talk 15 minutes non-stop about what it means to have a chick in marriage and other things and make me laugh. I loved the guy. He was so letdown that he wasn’t married yet and how unfair that was to him. Then he was wrting a daily blog about himself on the internet, I wish I had the link so we can all appreciate the world of Kevin but alas I do not. But the point is all of a sudden, he was having our other Y stop texting to his chick while driving to let him out to get his photo taken for his blog. He was so proud of being taken next to the Loiters will have their ass shot message on the house. He did like a dozen plus poses next to it and then spent 20 minutes in the car talking about the experience without taking a breath. I also remember when the Ys were first coming up and driving and I’d walk the dog and they’d take the speed bumps full speed and you’d see them hit the ceiling of the car for 3 months before they would totally stop and then go about 1/100 of a mile over the bumps every time. I was in a co-op during college so I was like next to a saloon with beer bottles being chucked and a massage parlor with this nakeds women winking at me when I came back from class. And then our co-op was so depraved and i was so innocent. The acid, the drink and throwing up, the, well…. But for the most part the Xers I knew were real conservative and Reagan era people and some like MIchael P. or these lovable and hilarious sit-com versions of hippies. Or the college rock kids who worshipped REM and Bottle and Rockets or whatever the name all the garbage my generation were raving about that isn’t even a blip on the radar now and to super support Cobain after he suicided over crack or whatever wow… the songs are a little bit repetative to me at this point anyway. It’s kind of sad that my generation was the last to actually get to go out and do lots of cheap things or come out of class and suddenly see a film on a whim at a neighborhood theater or checking out the music scene or so on instead of posting on Twitter. The later was cooler as was doing volunteer work during college instead of watching Utube content all day. I was with the too poor students who didn’t date and the Psychology department was given a grant to study why we never dated before I didn’t sign my dorm contract and my parents shouted at me for days before I got to go to the co-op because I was taken by a chick who turned out to already have a guy and just pretending to be single so I would sign-up. Back then before rate a professor the boomer professor would tell us they were flunking us out to prevent us from going to grad school and let us know the first day that quits would be changed to F. And then they had other students from other schools in the graduate program but it wouldn’t be PC for me to talk about that one. But don’t worry while I have seen Ys get things so easily from not doing what it is supposed to take, wow I have seen the text book of that from Xers too. Being allowed to break the law with companies like Enron and then given more jobs and sent to New Port to get married from no skills in that area and constant whining about the unfairness of life and crying about how Louie should be in the hot tub with Ken Lay having sex with the girls to old conservative chicks and married and the richest one at Enron. So I’m not here to just bash Y gang. And the hi-fiving while red in the face over getting so much more than me and oh there are reasons why some Xers who are still single and poor are angry. At least in my world. But also there are a lot of similarities in the generations and a lot of positive between both.
If I could find it Kevin’s blog would be the perfect example of Y. But one for X would be David Beebe (the colonel) on MySpace. I think they broke the mold on him…
Of course! It’s quite often the people who fought so hard for change? Are forgotten, misunderstood and generally bad mouthed as it is in this particular case.
Sweetheart let me tell you something about Generation X.
1. You have no earthly idea of what we had to fight through and to deal with in order to make the changes that WE did. In ourselves and out there where you reside.
2. What was expected of us is far more than you will ever imagine due to the fact that you were not raised as we were. Not even close… Still we persevered despite constant negativity directed toward our generation long before we even had a chance to prove ourselves.
You’ve forgotten that we had to make massive transitions from the old ways to the new yet handled them with real heart. And we promoted those massive transitions every step of the way! believe it or not. Those very same transitions that now give your generation some hope. How do I know? Because I was there fighting for them.
The athletes from our generation? Were no less and no more driven than yours or the boomers for that matter. Our construction crews? Again were no less driven in fact more so. look around you! If you could step back in time to the 70s and 80s you’d understand immediately that our generation worked its butt off! In order to create what you see before you these days.
That latte? That fruit smoothie? That juice bar and sushi joint. etc. etc. etc. yes you know all the buildings that house such items and more? Guess what? We built them! It certainly wasn’t like that in the 70s and early 80s.
The landscape was much less eclectic if you will.
Our office personnel? are now your boss. Or the business owner who actually signs your check.
Try having some respect for those other than yourself. Try looking into the history of Generation X. Not as it was written by the self absorbed who felt threatened by our entering the workforce. But by those who speak the truth.
Our music? our fight for racial equality? our fight for the environment? our fight to be the best that we could be yet still possess some form of humility? Was all Based on intelligence. Yes you read that right. Even our rebels led to change.
You’ve misjudged us horribly! and your ridiculous generalizations is only further evidence to how closed minded and immature for you’re age that you’re acting.
We are the smaller generation in terms of numbers yes however we have accomplished much more than you even begin to realize or would obviously ever be willing to give us credit for!
We mastered the hardwork and hard play mindset. We observed and went for it. We actually believe that’s exactly why our art, literature, obsession with extreme sports and music? Will be remembered, guaranteed!
We were willing to work together with the boomers because we respected them in the work place. That’s much different than being a stepping stone. Sweetheart if you think Generation X was a stepping stone? You’re really in the dark aren’t you? We were anything but!
I’ve noticed your hypocritical rant about the “team work” mindset.
We will always be a highly unique, brave and accomplished generation who touched on more “taboo” subjects and issues. That needed to be touched on than most others combined! We weren’t afraid to throw ourselves into these causes with passion, open minds and bravery.
We too fought in Iraq and rolled over the regime with lightning speed! We have been called to duty in such places as Bosnia, Nicaragua, Libya, Africa, Iraq (twice!) Afghanistan and other countries which you will never hear about having seen combat in ALL of those locales.
You don’t know us! Quit pretending as if you do.
We are proud of our brave stance and heart. We actually felt the cold war. We watched the wall come down and we watched the space shuttle launch the first time and eventually fail.
We dealt with the gang violence and watched as Miami Fl. was labeled the most dangerous place in the world for nearly a decade. We were caught between the old guard and the new way. We pressed forward every step of the way! Which is the way it was supposed to be.
One day you’ll learn the truth…
1979, why would you want to ALIGN yourself with the WORST GENERATION thus far! We had it good, came up with REAL FAMILY and in a much better and SAFER time. These kids now GEN Y are THE NEW BABYLONIANS. No morals. No morals. No morals. That is why they are “redefining” because they have NO FOUNDATION. They don’t want TO RIGHT. They want TO BE RIGHT. GEN Y is doing everything we and our Baby Boomer parents already done, except they’re making it worse and lame!
1979, why would you want to ALIGN yourself with the WORST GENERATION thus far! We had it good, came up with REAL FAMILY and in a much better and SAFER time. These kids now GEN Y are THE NEW BABYLONIANS. No morals. No morals. No morals. That is why they are “redefining” because they have NO FOUNDATION. They don’t want TO **DO** RIGHT. They want TO **BE** RIGHT. GEN Y is doing everything we and our Baby Boomer parents already done, except they’re making it worse and lame!
I was born in 1979 and consider myself a Millenial, because I have virtually nothing in common with Gen X. I do not believe in labeling people a certain generation because of their age (that’s really just a mass – media and marketing tool) – I favor a more holistic definition of the word “generation” – I look at an individual’s CHARACTERISTICS. I say, stop the labeling and let everyone be who they want to be.
GEN X — We WORKED for everything like our BabyBoomer Parents. We did not start out having “microwaves” “computers” and “cable TV” we (like our parents) knew how to cook, read, write and turn the idiot box off to go outside and play and CREATE our own games and fun.
GEN Y has CREATED nothing! GEN X & Baby Boomers we created the technology, the cool music, the cool dance moves, the MTV style the BET style that you guys just keep “stealing” and “reworking” and “redefining.”
GEN Y IS NOT CREATING, but RECREATING, which is NON-CREATION.
GEN Y is very under-educated, over-privileged and lacking in morals.
There, I said it. That about sums up GEN Y.
I’m a Gen-X and these comments sound like what the boomers said about us when we entered the hob market.
I agree. Take break dancing for instance. That’s purely an 80s dance created by Xers. Today(or 10 years ago), you see the youngest Millennials doing the same moves. Yers…Quit biting on our pop culture and create your own.
GEN Y; they think they know everything, don’t want to hear about BB and Gen X opinions becuase they have been told their whole lives that they can do no wrong – worthless
Gen Y – quAntITty Gen X – QUALITY . Have FAITH! By the end regardless of your backgrounds (Boomers, Xs, Ys) the QUALITY will be favoured by the HEAVENS AS HAS IT BEFORE! Just don’t forget who and why we are.
DON’T YOU ALL EVER REALIZE that this new unfolding preliminary ‘NEW world’ and its propagators, rightfully from historical ancient religious texts will be condemn because of its decadence as how a civilization have not yet been punished and condemn previously before. At the very least, BE GRATEFUL that we’re not the ones that got CONNED because of personal envy, greed, laziness and sheer stupidity. And who will then should inherit after the aftermath? The majority or the minority? The quantity or the Quality? You tell the answer to yourself for your children.
Man, this is getting heated. I am generation y and I feel at this point someone needs to explain generation Y.
For people who say we don’t have a definitive style, your right. The reason is that even though generation Xers are “tech savvy” and enjoy the latest in technology, you still don’t have the experience of growing up with the internet. This involves growing up with an unprecedented wealth of information. Generation Y are the teenagers that grew up with free music at their fingertips(napster, kazaa, limewire), wikipedia, myspace and Facebook. In this new digital world we were free to do our own thing and join whatever style, social group, or culture we wanted. We have experienced a more eclectic mix of culture than any previous generation and rather than abide by an overarching culture, we just all made our own, most of it just a mix of those before us. To answer much of the people who attack us for our unoriginal culture, who cares, culture never gave someone a job.
Another attack I don’t understand is how we are simultaneously called the me me me generation while studies show us as being the most open to teamwork. And as for social justice, we were the engine behind the election of a black president who was open to compromise.
Also, generation y has not had it too easy either. Basically my teens began with 9/11, then eight years of war and propaganda about terrorists. When I graduated high school our financial system collapsed. Now I am graduating college and I am entering one of the most unforgiving job markets in the history of America. Most of my friends live at home, are unemployed and facing a much harsher reality than anyone before us.
Finally, I am happy were idealistic. We are the most educated generation yet, we have a fluid understanding of current technology, we are business minded yet socially conscious, and if America’s condition gets a little better, I believe our original ideas will change the world. If you have a problem with this open-minded, idealistic view fine, enjoy your average, jaded view of the world and don’t be surprised when were hired past you.
“Also, generation y has not had it too easy either. Basically my teens
began with 9/11, then eight years of war and propaganda about terrorists”
Oh please. You make it sound like “terrorists” was something FOX TV created to stir up fear and to brainwash people. They are a constant threat. The next terror act in America may involve nukes! While you grew up as a teen post 9/11, I grew up as a teen during the Cold War and with terrorist killing people world wide since my teens in the 80s. I grew up fearing if SS-18 ICBMs were going to rain down on me in my sleep. Why don’t you Google how many terrorists acts have occurred since you were born and see if you think terrorism is just a propaganda. So yeah, maybe it wasn’t easy for you to grow up post 9/11, but yours was easier compared to the WW2, Boomer, and Xer generations who had to deal with Nazis, Japs, Cuban Missile Crisis, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, and etc. BTW, those 8 years of war saw the DOW and S&P 500 rise to all time highs before the crash occurred in 2008. Your parents(as well as Xers) probably bought a Hummer and a Mcmansion during those 8 years. No sympathies here. You had it good before 2008. I grew up during the oil shortage crisis in the late 70s, 81′ recession/inflation, Black Monday in 1987,the 1991 recession, the dot com implosion, and our Great Recession that’s still going on today. I’d say you had it easy compared to us Xers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1Btoj1uBGk
What Glen Beck thinks of you Yers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQYC1sY3jp4
Disrespecting Millennials:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ENJ_Pu7Yw4&feature=related
Dana Carvey on Yers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXjZ-Rw77iY&feature=related
Karen McCullough:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0pkNKy0OGQ&feature=fvwrel
George Carlin on Yers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rIPe5akN48
More George Carlin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxmE2qMbYRU&feature=related
George Carlin on the Millennials parents: The Baby Boomers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR8aFDosQBQ
Sounds like you’re a part of the Occupy movement: you’re all about entitlement and complaining about others. I bet you got ribbons for losing when you were a kid. (which generation started that bs anyway?)
And the kumbaya style you describe as your work style will fly out the door as soon as you’re being overlooked for the next raise or you’re realizing someone else is profiting from your ideas. Remember it’s all been done before. Oh no, of course you wouldn’t remember, you’d need to be a bit older and to get out more. And I predict you’re gonna have a blast with the next generation! ;)