Comments
As a parent of Gen- next, I always felt their entitlement to what I had fought so hard for as a "Boomer" I thought we were the "me" generation,alas they are.
"it's all about me" that's what they said about the Boomers until you have one who really knows it's" all about me."
One of their entitlement is they can drift from job to job because they grew up with computers as part of their lives.
I stayed home with my children 18 and 20 now and watched myself fall behind the techno generation. I can no longer drift into a job with the skills they take for granted and employers expect you to have. I see them having an easier time because they know tech so well. Going back into the work force is a brutal challenge competing with a Nextgen.
However, they take for granted so much of what I fought for in the feminist agenda: to have a right to choice, to wear pants to school and the rights of
Title IX. It is all so engrained in their lives as truths "of their life." AND they get the easy way out of deciding whether to be pro-life or pro-choice, The law helps them change their minds between which better fits their life at the moment of conception. I on the other hand, had no choice till I fought for it.
So much they have, so much they have been given, and so much they have to decide on, can only cause me as a Boomer, to think they know only entitlement.
Leslie M.
Posted by: Leslie M. | January 13, 2007 4:47 AM
We are all just spoiled.
Posted by: Dong Hao | January 14, 2007 8:20 AM
I am a bit older than a boomer and have learned to understand the Generation Next by having my 22 year old grandson live with me since September while he attends university. His views and beliefs differ much from mine, which can be a good thing in many ways. I can relate to Judy Woodruff when she expressed her positive feeling on the future of our country. Generation Next seem to have learned from our mistakes and appear to be very responsible in many ways. They live in the moment, which can be a good thing and they seem to value those who stand out and have done things positively, such as Angelina, Oprah, Bill Gates or anyone who has helped make the world be a better place. I could go on, but enough for now.
Thanks PBS!
Posted by: Dory | January 14, 2007 10:20 PM
I agree with Leslie- and I am really disappointed in their lack of recognition that ALL they have available, so early in their lives, has come from people who have worked much harder for everything than they likely ever will. I have never seen a more arrogant group- and they keep reinforcing to each other, in their "group think" approach, that they know EVERYTHING. The show brought out that the smarter of the group are beginning to recognize the enormity of the tasks that they will have handed to them in the future, to steward- and I think they feel as unsupprted by the majority of their generation- as we do by them.
Posted by: Bob | January 17, 2007 5:24 AM
I have read a lot on this website about how those who fall into the age bracket “generation next” are somehow “more educated” than previous generations. What? Maybe people in generation next have more academic credentials in terms of the number of college degrees than people in previous generations but excuse me they are not any more educated than previous generations. I’m sorry, but people who went to high school and college 25 years ago went to school when there were actual standards in education and are just as educated (if not more) than this generation. But that’s just my opinion.
Posted by: Ryan | January 17, 2007 7:20 PM
I'm suprised to see the opinion that we (genNexter's...of whom I am a member) are considered to have such a sense of entitlement. It's possible that we grew up with that sense, but with the economy being what it is, most of us have come to the realization that we are going to be less well off than our parents, not more. Coming out of college, the job market is so hideous that most "well-educated" people I know end up living in their parents basements as a matter of necessity. Working 60 hour weeks at a restauraunt (despite multiple degrees, in many cases), is not excatly fueling any sort of feelings of entitlement.
Also, while working with the public, I've noticed that a sense of entitlement is definitely more prevalent in the generation directly before ours (the older of the Gen X generation). Most GenNexters I know are appalled when they encounter this entitled attitude from the 28-40 crowd.
Posted by: Molly | January 17, 2007 8:52 PM
Although my generations attitude toward work and money is different, i don't think it's fair to claim that a whole generation's outlook is unrealistic. Some people in my generation are unrealistic when it comes to work and money, but i don't think it's to the point to where it should tag an entire generation. I think that alot of my generation has more idealistic motives when it comes to personal growth, career satisfaction, and overall well being than past generations. I can see how it may come across as selfish or irresponsible to past generations, but i see it as an important part of the ever evolving human being. Today's generation is learning to not only survive, but to enjoy their survival.
Posted by: Amber Taylor 18y/o | January 24, 2007 5:05 PM
I'm a few years older and doesn't fit into this Gen-Next profile. Oddly, in my experience, I often find it easier to relate to the current Gen-Next than my own age group.
In my opinion, generation gap isn't as wide as people claim. One major thing that is easily shared by Gen-X and Gen-Next is technology and video games. If you ever worry about not having anything to talk about, bring up your favorite video game and go from there.
As for work, let's be honest here, if you superiors are exploiting you, wouldn't you want to move on? If management doesn't appreciate your work, wouldn't you tell them to shove it? It's the same with any generation whom work for multinational corporations.
Posted by: Gavin | January 30, 2007 11:27 PM
I read an interesting article from the UK about a similar situation with the gen nexters there feeling "entitled" to things, specifically jobs. The article cites marketing as one of the forces that has steered this generation into thinking that everything is "customizable"- including jobs.
Another interesting point in the article was that organizations are concerned that young people today don't have the "soft" skills necessary for the workplace (i.e. teamwork and leadership). The article suggests that if you look closer though, often the definition of these skills in organizations run by baby boomers is to put the company's needs before your own, thus holding yourself and other workers responsible for the shortcomings of the company. The article suggests the possibility that at least some of the problems in a company may be caused by "organizational failings and lousy systems". It goes on to say that organizations should make the effort to find a balance between what they should ask of their employees and how they can better meet their employees' needs.
Here's a quote:
"A civilized organization is one that takes these questions seriously and seeks to find good answers. Today’s typical organization whines about picky employees and assumes that the “correct” state of mind to be sought in recruits is one where what the organization wants is seen as inviolable law."
Please read the article!
http://www.slowleadership.org/2007/01/picky-picky-or-compliant-team-player.html
Posted by: rox | February 1, 2007 2:50 PM
While I respect the gen-nexters for their sheer acumen and technological competence, it seems they lack a sense of reality. It is a reality that not everyone will be fabulous. It is a reality that there is only one Bill Gates. It is a reality that for as many bulls as their are in the market there are bears. Some must do their very best and be content with the results and live within their means.
Posted by: drd | February 13, 2007 8:37 PM
I stay with my granddaughter(23)and her roommates periodically because she and I have have always been close friends. Her friends are very realistic, unspoiled, wary from living in families with broken marriages, and flexible, flexible, young adults. They are frustrated that their college educations will leave them in "eternal financial debt" and have not won them jobs with health care benefits, which they think should be universal. They are cynical and untrusting of political leaders but have very strong friendship expectations and values and drop everything to help one another and share what they have. They are materialisitc as so often described and are very open to people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. So what's the big deal, they ask, about the media hyped issues those older than they are so hung up on? Frankly, as a 70 year old, I admire them and think they portend a grand future for this country.
Posted by: Spence | February 17, 2007 9:22 AM
I thought that this film was so interesting. I had never before thought of myself as being defined in a generation, nor that my generation would be "breaking the mold" of all generations that came before it. It was never brought to my intention before watching this film just how different my generation is. I feel and have experienced many of the different emotions and actions put forth by other gen-nexters. Where does my sense of entitlement come from? Why do I feel that others owe it to me, just 'because...'. I dont even understand that about myself. I can't begin to explaine all of the arguments and disagreements I have gotten into with my mother, and my grandmothers about this exact concept. More often then not, they ask me, "Where did I get this idea that the world owes me?" And to be honest with you.. I really dont know. I was lucky when I grew up, and I had things very easy. I am more or less an only child who got whatever she wanted, I was spoiled. Things aren't like that anymore. My father had to change carrears at the age of 50, we dont have the money we useto have when I was growing up. I am going to be coming out of college with more debt than I know what to do with. Why that doesnt concern me, I dont know. Why I still feel the world owes me.. I dont know. I have ambition, I have drive.. I want to succeede in life more than anything. I feel that if I dont, I fail. I know this is the case with many others in my generation as well. I feel as though I should be able to do all of this at my own pace and with my own stipulations. Again with the entitlement... I do not know. I'd like to think that others, in the older generations, see us as a breth of fresh air, rather than rude and unlikeable. We are the up and coming future, and with our attitudes.. anything is possible at this point!
Posted by: Amanda Lynne 20 y/o | March 24, 2007 5:01 AM
Generation next is different from older generations of Americans in many ways. One is the way of living. Older generations had to work harder for what they wanted in life and things were more laid back. But they also didn’t have many opportunities for the poor to better themselves unless someone did something great. Generation next doesn’t have to work so hard to get a regular job or anything, unless they want to make a lot of money for the fast life that America has. So at the same time it is easier to get a job, but most people want to make a lot of money, so they have to work harder to get an educational degree that will give them a great paying job.
This younger age group has effected my community in a way where its almost a 1:15 or even 20 ratio for older generation to younger generation. Also since there is more Gen-next than older people, my community resembles what this young generation wants. There are three banks next door to each other, clothes stores, hair salons and everything someone of this generation could want and just a walk away. Being in the age and time we are right now, where it is all about technology and making money, I believe this generation’s attitude toward work and money is realistic. In this fast life, you have to make money or you won’t make it. So if the current job you have isn’t enough for you, look for another as soon as you can that will.
Posted by: Lyse | March 24, 2007 5:54 PM
My children are a bit younger than the kids in Generation Next, but I see the effects of this generation even on them. There is less appreciation for things. Many kids today are really entitled. They believe that they "need" what they see advertised in the media. And once they get what it is that they needed, they don't take care of it. If something gets broken or lost, they feel like it should be replaced!
I think a big part of this is because kids today aren't really aware of what is involved in making the money needed to buy the things they want. In past generations, even if a teenager didn't have a job, they had chores and responsibilities in their homes and communities. There is less of that today, because most kids are involved in activities after school and on weekends. If parents made their kids more aware of the monetary value of material things, I think everyone would be better off. But of course, it's not just the kids who want and need - it's us parents, too!
Posted by: Dana | March 25, 2007 4:19 PM
I think one of the main differences that come to mind about the older generations of americans in comparison to the Generation Next generation that I see is, the gen.next.gen believes that there is a certain level of entitlement amongst them. Vs. say the Baby Boomers or the gen. above them or one below them where they believe you basically work for what you get and be appreciative for your strong work ethic and not to be so assuming with grandiose expectations that have not been earned and deserve produce no entitlement clauses. You earn your living; a living is not giving to you. You do not expect a "vacation" just after you begin a new job or better than that move onto another job simply because your demands are not being met. You work through issues/concerns for the betterment of the company as a functioning whole. The affect that this generation may have/has had on our community in fact is: You are never sure you are going to see the same persons working at the market bagging your groceries (for example) from week to week. It is almost as if they do not like what the "boss" is saying it is as if they are saying, "I don't have to take this," and they quit. I just am not seeing the respect for authority and the camaraderie and work ethic that seems to have been the foundation for this great America that we grew up with. This generation seems also to believe that the grass is always greener on the other side prior to giving their side a great mowing first. This generations attitude toward work and money is unrealistic. I see and listen to younger gen's casual talk about their enormous debt about frivolous spending sprees and I am very aghast! I cannot believe my ears! They seem to be not bothered at all in the least by debt. I owe nothing to anybody and it will likely stay that way. I wonder if their parents know just how much they are in debt. The bill for college has gone up in just a period of ten years 60%. However, these young adults are spending it as they are going to pay it all back the first year they are employed. When in fact they have not even gotten a fair taste of the expense they will incur when they are required to live out on their own after college and provide their own means. I think this will be a huge awakening for nearly all of them. Quite sobering. I wonder if though at times if the older generations may have influenced the younger generations to be over achievers and thus overly optimistic as well and producing such false optimism? They almost seem pompous to a certain level, respectively deficient in knowledge of the basic community morale.
Posted by: crackerjack | March 26, 2007 3:10 AM
The one aspect of this film that interested me the most the most was the attitude of my generation. I never really thouht that our attitude of entitlement was something that other generations think of us. I feel that, as a generation, we have so much to offer and there is so much we can change and accomplish, but we are dealing with this stigma that we feel everyone "owes" us something. With so many positive things we can do, why is our attitude defiing us? For me, I do not feel as though this attitude is derived from high standards and expectations. We expect that some things should be this way or that way. This attitude can be either a good thing or a badthing. It comes off to others as a bad thing, but it can also be used as a tool. This expectation can drive to accomplish positive changes.
Posted by: Lauren Elizabeth | March 28, 2007 6:36 PM
As a teenager in the Generation-next I dont agree with many of your comments. You "bommers" criticize us then you say that we affect you in a good way. You guys catagorize us like little clicks in high school. Not all Gen-next people are selfish and ungrateful. As a senior i have had the same job for almost 2 years, i juggle baseball, school, and work and still manage to get good grades. I pay most of my bills including my car payment, insurance,phone bill, and my gym membership. Along with all the little stuff.
Posted by: vincent jimenez | August 31, 2007 5:37 PM
My thoughts on everything I've just read is: I can understand what the boomers who have posted comments are saying BUT I don't care for the fact that you think or catagorize Generation Next as self-absorbed("all about me") and having everything handed to them or having it "easy." Yes,we do know about modern technology. We even understand it but that doesn't mean we won't face similar challenges that the Baby Boomers did or do. Technology will advance further and our kids will be more intellegent and "hip" than us. As for being able to drift from job to job and such,I've been working at my current job for a year. I guess I do have the option of quitting and starting something new. However,right now I don't see why I should. I'm comfortable and it allows me to pay for my senior events,cell bill,clothes,etc. On a final note,I don't believe all of Gen. Next is ungrateful,dependant or spoiled.
Posted by: Corrinna T. | September 4, 2007 3:38 AM
There is no doubt that there are intergenerational differences between my generation and the generations of years past. However, my age group is tabbed selfish, unrealistic, having false sense of entitlement, etc. Some people may be, but i think the biggest difference is not that were selfish and whatnot, its that we are diverse. I believe we are the most diverse generation ever. We can do anything, see anything, be anything, do anything to our bodies, etc. We are a diverse generation and those of the past just don't understand the vast diversity that exists in Generation Next.
Posted by: Matthew Kelm | September 4, 2007 4:33 PM
Well, I could write for pages about this show. First I have to point out the last statement made on the show that baby boomers have taken care of the "said" generation.How exactly? By destroying our environment? By going into an illegal war? How about by making sure most of us won't receive social security. But all I took a great offense to the show. I am 30 and i could relate a 30 year old person I know to every single person on that show. I am of the so called generation X and I believe we are the generation that started the beginning of cell phone use and text messinging. I also know that we are much more accepting of gay and lesibian people then the generations before us. Isn't all that we are talking about is progression. No generation gets where they are without the generation before paving the footpaths.
Posted by: Heather Bennett | September 6, 2007 4:01 AM
I'm a twentysomething as well, and I'm just baffled by the attitude coming from some of the self-described boomers here. Those of you who label my generation entitled and lazy: Would you say that to LaKeesha Perry, who's working and studying for an engineering degree while raising three kids on her own? Who, exactly, are you talking about?
I also think there is some misunderstanding about my generation's attitude toward work. The labor market has fundamentally changed since the baby boom generation started working, and perhaps some older generations don't adequately understand that. Gen Nexters are keeping our career options open because, frankly, we have to. We have grown up with the understanding that job security is a thing of the past. Entry-level and unskilled jobs are being automated, and we've already seen entire industries rise and fall with the business cycle. We can't expect our employers to offer benefits like health insurance and personal days. (That's why we have to ask.)
So, yes, many of us do want to find jobs where we can put our skills to use and we can enjoy a decent quality of life -- doesn't everyone? We just realize that we won't have the luxury of waiting for our employers to give us those (pretty basic) benefits; we have to find them for ourselves. To me, that's not selfish or wrong, it's just reality.
Posted by: Sarah | September 6, 2007 4:39 AM
As the parent of a 20 year old and an 18 year old, I feel privileged to have access to frequent discussions of ideas and world events with Gen Xers. Yes, there are some of this younger generation who are fixated on entitlement issues. Take a look at the MTV "reality" shows if you don't believe me. Yet, who instilled a feeling of entiltlement in that group? Most likely it was their particular boomer parents. I prefer to focus on the civic-minded faction of Gen Xers. They are more community minded and more globally conscious than their ancestors. They have worthy ideas and we can learn from them if we take the time for meaningful interaction. Every generation has a quota of "jerks" but we must look beyond that minority and focus on the ones who are making lasting contributions to better our society. Thank you to Judy Woodruff for higlighting some of those voices.
Posted by: Mary Lyons | September 6, 2007 4:53 AM
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