Generations

Here's something that's been on my mind for quite awhile and being that I just stumbled upon a story about it, I'd like to address it. I'll start with a few statements that I'm sure everyone can agree with : All generations are quite different. The gaps are very wide and 90% of the time, each generation finds fault with or defies the other. Now.... that's only the beginning. My main interests or issues for discussion are about these 4 generations:

1. THE SILENT GENERATION (1925-1942)
2. THE BABY BOOMERS (1943-1960)
3. GENERATION X (1961-1981)
4. THE MILLENNIAL GENERATION/ GEN. Y (1982-1991)

** Please note that these dates may not be accurate. At present time, they are disputed**--referenced through Wikipedia

Okay, I've always considered myself a "late" baby boomer but according to the dates shown, I'm considered a generation X-er however; that's neither here nor there at the moment. The issues that I'm wanting to address, have to do with the differences between generations involving work ethic, financial securities, independence, and attitudes in general....But first, here's a brief synopsis of each generation:

Let's begin with the* THE SILENT GENERATION*.... This generation somewhat sandwiched between the GI generation(1901-1924) and the baby boomers, lived their childhood during The Depression era and WWII. They mentored the "Conciousness Revolution" being the founders of organizations of political dissent which the baby boomers would later radicalize. Being too young for involvement in WWII, they were veterans of the Korean War. Many of them becoming independent and marrying early on in life. They seemed to be pretty much structured, although they had little to say. Somewhat loners so to speak. As retirement age is upon them, they've laid the ground work for the next generation:** THE BABY BOOMERS**.....Although the definition of a baby boomer (according to reference) is someone born in a period of increased birthrates, demographers have set the birth years for this generation at 1946-1964 even though the U.S. birth rate began to decline after 1957. This generation was host to The Vietnam War era. Many having served in the war as well as opposing it. Generally referred to as " radicals ," they were leaders in protests and constantly prone to questioning "the establishment " often risking imprisonment. Although the baby boomers' contributions to technology are not quite as grand as those of our younger counterparts, they have had crucial roles in developing the American technology and finance industries dominating the US economy today as well as popularizing the growth of consumer goods and marketing developement and sale. Along with the youngest of the silent generation, the oldest baby boomers are approaching retirement age as well.--Which means that we are in the process of experiencing the largest senior citizen population of our time. Moving on, we cross over to the beginning of a new world:

~GENERATION X~

The birthdate of this generation is highly disputed. Again, I can only go by reference. Generally, this term is associated with persons born between 1961-1981 although demographically speaking; gen X'ers are referred to as being born in the 1960's and 1970's. And on another platform, there are some older generation X'ers who are less than enchanted with those who are born in 1980 and 1981. It is their belief that gen X'ers are born between 1964 and the mid to late 70's. There is of course a sluh of arguements as to the beginning and ending dates for this generation but I don't feel the need to go into that. I will say that this disputed issue is just the start of many--or the "snowball effect" of how this particular generation operates. (the debating generation) Actually, the gen X'ers are mere "door openers" for our future speakers--which I'll ellaborate on in a bit. With great respect to the prior generations, gen X'ers have seen there fair share of struggle and changes in our history. From " hippie culture " and Civil Rights movements, to space shuttle explosions, political corruption and the big disease with the little name. (AIDS) They've had a full menu. And as our lives flourish, the next generation arrives:

~THE MILLENIAL GENERATION (aka) GENERATION Y~

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the dispute continues over starting dates so I'll go with the demographics aspect. (ie: start dates range from 1977-1985 and end dates range from 1984-2002) This makes only 9 years (1985-1994) out of the maximum 25 year threshold (1977-2002) definately Generation Y. This generation was the first to grow up with the internet in a developed, prolific form-- (ie. : music downloads, instant messaging, cellular phones)-- which came to fruition in 1997. In other words; they're considered to be the " Techno-saavy " generation. You will also find this generation extremely tollerable to multiculturalism and internationalism. Race relations are on the rise and the positive results show by the wide range of friends and dating outside their race or ethnic group. Unfortunately, the growing trend of interracial relationships is sometimes a source of negative friction between youth and their parents or elders, who grew up in a society where interracial romance was once considered extremely taboo and even banned in a number of states until the late 1960's. The presidential election in 2004 was the first election where generation Y was able to vote in large numbers, John Kerry recieved most of the votes. As with previous generations, many problems began to surface as generation Y came of age.....underage drinking is prevalent as is drug usage.

So, now that we have a brief summary on these 4 generations, let's get to the heart of matters.....

As you can see, each generation has it's share of differences but, they also tend to flow into one another at the end. Each one making a trail for the next to follow....and so on...Although the outcome may be reached in various ways. Still history has it's way of repeating itself to a degree. I'm sure you're wondering by now what the hell I'm trying to say. Well, let me start by saying that frankly, I'm pretty much fed up with they younger generation and that includes those in my own generation as well. I understand that we're all individuals and have our own beliefs, morals and priorities in life but some of us just don't get it....AT ALL!!! Looking back at the silent generation what with their upbringing and making due during very troubled times, molded them into structured, highly respectful, hardworking and understandably humble individuals. They appreciate more and take nothing for granted. A very noble generation full of wisdom--in my eyes. The baby boomers--often defined as being raised in family units comparable to 'Father Knows Best' or 'Leave it to Beaver', were also taught respect and good morals. The majority being structured individuals and possesing a good work ethic similar to that of their elders. Of course the drug scene was alive and well in it's debut but there were still those who were able to shy away from that side of the spectrum staying focused enough to build a stable life. There were many defining moments during this generation in music and in lifestyle as well as events including Vietnam and Woodstock. Their impact on the economy presently is about 75 million....Technically, they are the economy....

And the world turns alittle faster as it embraces....

GENERATION X

Here's where the trouble starts. (My generation, of course...) The more things change, the more they stay the same...well, sometimes..... Often referred to as " the lackadaisical generation," one of many stereotypes, this generation was brought up on television, Atari 2600s and personal computers. We grew up in the 'me' generation of the 80's and finally realized that it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Some of us were lucky enough to be raised by two parents in a close knit, well rounded family unit while others didn't have that luxury. This is also a generation of "babies having babies" in mass amounts. With that being said, it also represents a time when parenting skills are severely needed. It's hard to teach a child when you're just a "child" yourself, somewhat. For some of us, organization and structure is a way of life and for others, it's a path unchosen. Financial security is a mandatory issue for your future. Unfortunately there are some in this generation who don't feel it necessary to give this any thought at all. Although I've painted a rather grim outlook for this generation, there are many positives. I'm only speaking negatives in a low percentile. In the workforce, gen x'ers have to work twice as hard as the baby boomers in order to prove themselves due to downsizing--by boomers of course. Generation X is more environmentally concious than previous generations. They care about the future of the earth and environment...also, they're very health concious as well. Eating healthy and excercising go hand in hand for these individuals. All in all, the majority of this generation is intellectual and hard working. There is a " small crop " in need of attitude adjustment but that's to be expected.....

And now, without further adieu

the newest crop of the future:

THE MILLENIAL GENERATION/GENERATION Y.....

Ahh yes, the newest generation--well, technically the newest of the new generation is generation Z but they're still too young to have opinions formed as to their way of living. So anyway, the gen y'ers are children of the baby boomers--being the largest demographic grouping since the baby boom population, they're also known as the "Echo (Boom) generation." Even though this generation has a style all their own, they do tend to fall back in time with some popular 60's and 70's fashions. (platform shoes/blast from the past) Not to fret....they aren't lingering, trust me. I've seen some fashion statements that would make one turn their head in "excorcist style." Being that the gen y'ers are unfolding before our eyes, I want to address a recent news story I read concerning their arrival in the work force. As they enter into a multi-generational workplace, gen y'ers want to work but they don't want work to be their life. In other words, they want the freedom to work a selective schedule--which I suppose works out fine if you work from your home or have your own business. It's rather hard to do however; if you work in an office for a company or work as a laborer of some sort. They seem to want to be as laid back as possible whether they choose to work while listening to their iPods, wearing flip-flops to the office, or working in their pajamas at home. As this age group moves into the workforce during a major demograpic change, you see 60 year olds working beside 20 year olds. College graduates overseeing employees old enough to be their parents. Uncomfortable? Yes, sometimes....well, most of the time-- but this the future. This is the way it is, like it or not." Generation Y is much less likely to respond to the traditional command-and-control type of management still popular in much of today's workforce."-quoted by a managerial science professor in New York." They've grown up questioning their parents, and now they're questioning their employers. They don't know how to shut up, which is great, but that's aggravating to the 50-year-old manager who says, 'Do it and do it now.' " he says. Earlier in this post, I mentioned the gen x'ers being "door openers" for our future speakers. This is what I was referring to. The gen y'ers have that "speak your mind" philosophy--which is good sometimes but also it can be over-used. In my opinion a person can always learn more...even if you do have a degree. When you're working with someone who has more experience than you, you should listen to them-- whether they're a co-worker, or an employee under your supervision and of course if they're your boss. As I type this, I feel how sensitive a subject this is with me. I've experienced this scenario very often in my life. I'm not knocking this generations' enthusiasm, I'm just saying that they need to stop and think about this. Generation Y was born into the pc world. They're very independent and Tech saavy. Thank goodness they have an interest in retirement plans....which is more than I can say for my generation. Some gen y'ers already having spoken to financial planners by age 23. They are an age of multi-taskers and said to be like Generation X on steriods. They are our future.

And so, such is life.....

That's pretty much what's been on my mind folks!