Documentary Forum: About the Project and General Feedback
By: Generation Next Initiative
September 5, 2007 8:06 PM

What other issues would you have liked to have seen discussed in the documentary?

Do you have any questions or comments about the documentary as a whole? Any general feedback on the Generation Next project?

We'll try and answer some of your questions in this same post.

Comments

While I watched this documentary, I wondered what the target audience was?? At any rate I am a 62 y.o. white male, who not only thoroughly enjoyed Judy Woodruff's excellent work, but also learned much, and discovered many new "discussion points" to pursue with my own children.
Posted by: sanford rubin | January 13, 2007 3:04 AM

Wooooow. I saw Judy Woodruff on the Colbert Report and thought that this documentary would be interesting. Boy was I wrong! That was just about the worst reporting imaginable. Judy Woodruff interviews about a dozen mostly idiotic college undergraduates or recent graduates and we're supposed to believe that this represents a fair cross section of "Generation Next" (her term, not mine). Those interviewed seemed to reside in only three states in the United States (Alabama, Florida, and New York). A portable "kiosk" interviewed Generation Nexters from around the US. However, since the font used on the screen to describe the location of residence was mostly illegible, it's hard to say whether or not these people were representative either. However, my real gripe with this program, aside from its lame production, was that it neither offered anything new or interesting. A full hour of PBS programming essentially boils down to: 18-25 year olds use the internet, have crummy jobs, and have a lot of debt. None of this is new or interesting. The same could be said about my parents so long as you replace internet with color TV or telephones or whatever the new thing was back then (microwaves?). Lastly, Woodruff ignores the real causes for some of the more major changes. She spends a lot of time discussing our generation's issues with debt, often framing it as if it was a symptom of poor monetary choices. She barely mentions the fact that wages for our age group have been stagnant for years and makes no mention that rises in health care and housing costs have made it harder and harder to save money. Conclusion: Lame.
Posted by: Alex | January 13, 2007 3:12 AM

I JUST watched the Generation Next documentary on TV about 5 minutes ago. After the show ended, I got up from where I was sitting at the foot of my parents' bed, kissed my mother on the forhead and said goodnight. We were talking about some things I want to do with her tomorrow morning when the documentary started and caught my attention. I was captivated by it, but my mom fell asleep. I am currently a 16 year old from a town in the Greater Boston area, MA. I was very pleased with many things said in the production but I feel a great many identities have been left out. People like me were not adressed whatsoever. It appeared to be overlooked that only a certain type of people respond to things like the Generation Next bus. There are thousands of people who live very alternative lifestyles. Thousands who deal with major depression caused by everything from social codes and image to abuse, and parents divorcing and abandoning them. I have had my fair share of battling depression, and I feel very confident in myself after my ordeal because I made it to hell and back again-I also feel a great guilt in saying that because my friends deal with incredibly worse situations than what I did, which was bad enough. My point is that kids like me, older and younger, most of us do not respond to programs like these. I am a very rare breed in that sense. There is soooo much more I have to say about this, but I think I've made my point. To sum it all up for good measure: Yes, this generation faces new challenges previously unimaginable. Yes, we will rise up to deal with them. Yes, we are the most diverse generation. No, all of our "types" were not adressed. Oh and one last thing, I've heard many names be kicked around for my generation. There is one that seems to stick a lot more than other names. That name is The Depressed Generation. Anyone who reads this, please feel free to e-mail me or myspace me about what I have said. I am eager to hear how others respond to my points. Thanks for reading my way too long comments, -Deb
Posted by: Deborah | January 13, 2007 3:14 AM

Awesome, this is the sort of project that will save the world and help it grow properly, you know, good stuff.
Posted by: Marc | January 13, 2007 3:28 AM

When I heard about this documentary I thought it was going to be more of an open view on this generation but the discussion was no where to be seen It seemed to have focused on certain groups of our diverse generation to discuss the “populous” view of everyone. Even though a discussion needs to be placed for everyone to hear about this generation, this documentary though did not really discuss our generation only a certain selection.
Posted by: M. R. | January 13, 2007 4:22 AM

I just finished watching an hour of what I would consider to bet the most influential, inspirational piece I have seen on television in my eighteen years of life. The show was full of promising yet average young men and women who are striving to make a difference in this world and speaking up on their views and opinions of current world issues. I personally felt convicted to do something for my local community. I believe the documentary put a bright light on our generation, shining out towards the older generations who may not understand us so well and also encouraged our generation to not be intimidated by what�s out there but to go after what we are passionate about because one person can make a difference. It would be great to see more of these types of documentaries on television. It seems so much of what consumes daytime TV is JUNK! It's damaging to our souls. Ok - that may be a big extreme but television programs now a day are certainly not going to make a difference in the way we think for ourselves. It is purely idiotic entertainment. Giving our generation a horrible idea of what life should or shouldn�t be like. Thank you PBS for a wonderful program!
Posted by: Kimberly Berger | January 13, 2007 4:23 AM

I really enjoyed this documentary, but was a little disappointed that the "first Americans" weren't included. The Native American youth of "generation next" have so much more opportunity than others before them. As the mother of three Native American generation nexters, I am excited for my children. When I was in elementary, middle, and high school the US history being taught included our people as a footnote. Here in Montana, the history of Native Americans is becoming a requirement in Montana's school system. Also, for this generation of young Indian people, there is a renewed pride in being Native. More and more young Native Americans want to know about our real past and where they can go with their future. I applaud Judy Woodruff for her excellent work and know that PBS couldn't possibly include every culture in their special, but wanted people to know that Native Americans are still present in America and we also are moving ahead.
Posted by: Tracy Whitegrass | January 13, 2007 6:10 AM

I was channel surfing and caught the PBS special a couple minutes into it. I quickly yelled to have my mother turn it on. It was sort of ironic that this topic was on because my mom had questioned me the other evening about why my generation is the way we are. Of course I could only give her examples of what I knew (that included why some of my friends have changed schools or majors plenty of times). She also kept asking "how will your generation pay bills if they only want a job that makes them happy?" It was a great program for my mom and I to watch together. Commercial networks have attempted to track down Generation Next to no avail. And its no wonder since commercial TV barely scraps the surface. But Ms. Woodruff and PBS put their heart and soul into this production. And the best part is that it was not slanted one way or another which, sadly, is the norm for commercial network TV. Kudos to PBS for yet another wonderful job. And thanks to putting my generation into perspective. Having just moved back home, I could relate so very well to this show. Thanks again.
Posted by: Bobby | January 13, 2007 6:56 AM

Whether or not Judy Woodruff nailed this topic on the head is unimportant. She didn't set out to put an end to all the mystery that plagues my generation. The program didn't aim to bring light to the inefficiencies of our youth or to tediously lecture them on true morality. Woodruff and her accomplices aimed merely to explore a subject that no one in this country seems to care about and that is; what does this generation, which is next in line to inherit planet Earth, feel about the important issues that govern our modern society? I must give endless applause to Woodruff for exploring a vital generation that our government, our spolied and ignorant society, and even our parents don't seem to care for. I am a nineteen year-old college student from Massachusetts and I don't feel as though any of the lads interviewed were at all like me, but that's what made it so interesting! We are all different; our generation cannot and will not be categorized! Everyone is a character in this new age group and that shows our unparalleled strength. We, like Woodruff said, are an incredibly diverse generation, not just ethnically, but socially and intellectually, and that will turn out to be our savior. This is an hour long special and there are fifty states in the union, comprising of about forty million "Generation Next'ers." Who cares if some lonely kid from Oregon feels like his tiny high school clique wasn't represented? It's insanely ignorant to complain that every group and every opinion of our generation wasn't represented. But, then again, maybe that ignorance goes to show the accuracy of Woodruff's reporting. We are a "me" generation. We desire and need and want, and when we don't get, we blame the elder generation. Is that not along the lines of what she was talking about? I found this program deeply uplifting and fascinating. I feel a newfound confidence in my generation and I feel as though we are now able to take a bold step into the future. Soon we will take the reigns and with it, tremendous responsibility is handed down, but until we can accept these age-old, Baby Boomer notions of selflessness, philanthropy, and virtue we are no greater than the greed, vanity, and narcissism that infests every poor generation.
Posted by: Tyler Lynch | January 13, 2007 8:06 AM

I think that this was an excellent portrayal of Generation Next. It sums up an entire generation in an hour. I stumbled upon it, but I'm extremely glad I did.
Posted by: Tandy Morris | January 13, 2007 9:40 AM

I watched about the first 20 min. of the show and I was disgusted to say the least. This production was more fitting of channel 1 news than PBS. I have no idea where your samples came from, but I can assure you that the majority of any generation would not ask for a vacation after 2 months of work (at a well paying job)! Besides the majority of this generation is not lucky enough to work at an advertising agency. Get a better sample for the love of God! Go to Wal-Mart and tell the cashier with sick children that she is lazy. I bet there are more 16-25 moms at Wal-Mart than advertising agency workers total! And a quote from a guy saying, "Why go to law school, I like video games!" was a farce at best. I doubt he really feels that way and if he does, he has much to learn about himself. Most importantly, he is not representative of my generation. As for quitting jobs, I would bet anything that this is not limited to my generation. It�s not a thing of vanity, its necessity. Corporate America has taken the idea of the pension and turned it into a 401 k. Instead of paying a pension, they take their money back from a worker and give them a shell of a retirement if they can. Not to mention the story about of the hourly worker and how it became a total joke. The show cannot factually survive on the same channel that airs front-line. I also would like to dispute that this generation is the first to make less money than the one previous to it. In the 1990's 80% of the populations wages went down or stayed the same. Don't get me wrong, I've seen this malnourished argument before in Time Magazine, and I thought it conceived and in bad taste too. I want to make a new documentary about how The Greatest Generation and their parents fought long and hard for unions and pensions and how the baby boomers gave it all away. You see, the baby boomers had substance abuse problems and turned to mega-churches to wish their past away and they blamed liberalism for their excesses. Corporate America seized the opportunity putting out pro-Republican agendas in these churches and tricked the boomers into giving back all their parents worked for. Not to flattering is it? Lots of generalizations huh? Well, now you know how I feel!
Posted by: Chris | January 13, 2007 10:37 AM

I taped the documentary last night and just got around to watching it and I must say I think the whole thing was too bias. That wasn't our generation that they had shown. The people that were shown even in the Rv section were all good average kids. The program didn't address the real generation only those that make a difference. Yes we have those people that will always be the ones to make a real difference in the world but there are still even more who aren't like them. I have spent a considerable amount of time observing my peers in school and I don't think that this program accuratly describes us. I am currently 17 and am what people call Gothic. Why weren't there any veiws from people like that. Also, why were all the relgious aspects from a christian point of veiw. There are so many more religious aspects to our generation. Religion will always play a very heavy influence in any generations life and they should have been mentioned. As I said the whole program was bias and it was completely off. PBS should not make any documentary because it continually tries to add a christian underbase to everything it does and ignores any other area.
Posted by: Bryan | January 13, 2007 8:35 PM

Congratulations, PBS and Judy Woodruff! As a 62-yr old Canadian, I would like to meet every single young American in your excellent documentary after having been depressed by any news out of the US for a VERY long time! Let's all hope Generation Next prevails!
Posted by: R�jane Babin | January 14, 2007 2:08 AM

Like Judy Woodruff, I have three children between the ages of 23 and 30. I have seen their struggles, unlike any we experienced at their ages, and my heart goes out to these kids, with the cost of education as it is today, with no guarantee of work at the end of it. The girl you interviewed at the end of the segment was so much like my own, I really identified with all she was saying. Our son went to a prestigous university, transferred, changed careers again, then went to college... but could finish NONE because the stress effected his heart and we nearly lost him. It was horrible. Both our daughters don't even have jobs using their schooling. Honestly, we didn't have those concerns! At 30, we already had our family completed, yet none of our children think they can even afford to marry with the HUGE debts they carry and what a shame is that! You don't think of the day that could change your life completely... I am permanently disabled so I can no longer assist our children with their finances. I absolutely think the message Generation Next gives is a good one for our government to pay attention to. There has to be some relief for this younger generation, and it cannot be the parents' responsibility only when most families have more than one child in them and it's enough struggle to make sure they are fed, properly clothed and kept healthy and happy.
Posted by: Karen from Canada | January 14, 2007 2:23 AM

I would like to know where you did some of the research concerning college related debt. I have been out for 2 years and have 85,000 t miraculously pay back, and well, I am not the only one. Vast amount of my friends, from all majors, interests, etc have more than 30,000. It seems that to get by in the country nowadays you have to be uber rich or super poor to get by. We're tld we have to go to college to get a good job, but we go and then are overburdened with debt that you get whatever jobs you can just to pay the bills, lest anything else. I would love to be able to work a job that paid me what I needed, gave me some form of health insurance, I would trade in my full week paid vacation for some health insurance, decent pay and the ability to pay my overly high rated student loans without panicking about bills or food each month.
Posted by: Suzanne Kiertianis | January 14, 2007 2:38 AM

I thought the program was very well done. I am surprised at some of the negative comments. Although some of their attitudes sruprise me, and I surely do not agree with all of them, it is important for us to hear.
Posted by: Ed minich | January 14, 2007 3:37 AM

I thoroughly enjoyed this show and wished it could go on into much more detail. This topic, Generation Next, is so big that it's a shame the documentary couldn't be made into a multi-part series. The concerns of and challenges to this generation are not all that different to some recent generations like my own, but they are starkly different than some not-so-recent ones. I hope there are continuing updates and that this project will continue to report on the subject. Thanks!
Posted by: Greg Edwards | January 14, 2007 11:05 PM

I have just finished watching the "Generation Next" documentary; I was quite disappointed in the program. I felt the samples were not accurate of my generation, nor did they represent all areas of this country. The samples you used often seemed to have extremes in their lives (family trauma, religious, college graduates). I believe you missed a large population that needed to be represented. The items you exposed did not englightened those who watched. I agree that the world needs to know what we think about current issues. For a world that we will be responsible for, it should start taking care of us. With fair wages, more employment opportunities, and educational chances.
Posted by: Ashley | January 14, 2007 11:11 PM

I'd like to see the issue of rising or nearly out-of-reach health care and insurance costs for Generation Next addressed. It's hard enough now for many of us a few years older to cope with these costs; I just wonder how much--or if--members of this generation worry about issues like these.
Posted by: Greg Edwards | January 14, 2007 11:14 PM

One must applaud Judy Woodruff for highlighting the plight of the young generation; she is one of the most thoughtful and objective reporters on television. It is important to put the plight of the young in historical perspective. When I came to the United States by myself as a 17 year old refugee in 1952, it was possible for me and my classmates to work our way through college without burdening family or accumulating debt. The simple reason was that at that time one hundred hours of labor at the minimum wage were enough to cover annual tuition at most if not all state universities. Part time work during the academic year and full time work during the summer covered all of our costs. Today, it would take one thousand hours of labor at the minimum wage and that would barely cover annual tuition alone at a Midwestern state university. And it is not just inflation. After the Vietnam era it became fashionable for governors and state legislatures to cut state university budgets more each year. That is why the average student graduating today has $20,000 of debt, which is almost exactly equal to four years of tuition at a state university. And when we settled and started our families, we could manage our cash flow through personal loans or credit card debt at no more than 12 % interest. With the repeal of the anti usury laws in the early 1980s mainline banks are now charging rates that during our early years were charged only by loan sharks and regarded as criminal. But after all, the 1980s brought a new economic philosophy to our land ~ �Greed Works� and �No New Taxes�. The sense of communal responsibility for the well being of the young, which was prevalent in the two decades after WW II has been abandoned by morally bankrupt politicians at both state and national levels. And our young now have to compete in a global marketplace where most of their peers, in both developed and developing countries can attend university at little or no tuition cost. I despair to think what our grandchildren will face if our national and state government leadership does not wake up to the global realities.
Posted by: Rajai Atalla | January 16, 2007 4:37 AM

If the documentary could be faulted for anything, to me it would be these two things � it was not long enough in 50 minutes to provide the underlying analysis of how the Generation Next:�s environment has changed from the past, and, it did not present the long view about how this generation�s coping skills will interact with changes to that environment. In short, the rise of consumerism, coupled with global trade and industrialization, is accelerating resource consumption, climate change, and information transfer. Global corporations are becoming de facto world governments, making national governments irrelevant. Population growth is eliminating wilderness wherever it can be found. Does Generation Next: have a grasp of the scientific and economic facts driving, as one respondent put it, their depression? Depression is sometimes described as having no hope of a better future. While Ms. Woodruff ended with a positive, upbeat forecast, it reminded me of the slogan �When you can keep your head while all around your are losing theirs, then you obviously don�t understand the situation.� A few niggling picks at the documentary. The information about the age at which youth first engage in sex conflicts with recent census data saying this generation is sexually active later than the previous generation. Another error of precision is commentary that �mandatory volunteerism� is responsible for the rise in continued volunteering. That may an accurate connection, but the term is an oxymoron. On the whole, however, I was impressed with the quantity of information crammed into the hour and reminded that each generation differs, based upon the world that exists during its ages 7-12 (Dr. Morris Massey�s �What You Are Is what You Once Were�) I would give PBS a high-five for the effort and ask that next time, more time.
Posted by: richard | January 20, 2007 8:29 PM

I'm the Executive Director of an organization that works to inspire and connect people in their 20s and 30s to take action in the community. I think this documentary did a good job of describing the mainstream of the demographic. I would echo the comments of many on this website, that there are many people outside of this mainstream who's perspective would be fascinating. I am a big fan of Judy Woodruff, but isn't there a person in the demographic, who'd have enough credibility to tell the story of our generations. I hope PBS will continue to track this fascinating demographic. In our work, we often see people who want to make a difference in the communtiy, but are not interested in participating in the community in the ways our parents did. This is causing a huge explosion of micro-organizations that meet the needs of this demographic and is likely the reason for less than stellar voting participation rates. Generation Next--keep it going, we are the leaders we've been waiting for.
Posted by: alison | January 21, 2007 6:48 PM

I watched this documentary with several of my classmates and then got to hear THE Judy Woodruff speak to my class the next day. First of all, never in our conversation did she claim to know everything about Gen Next, or that the documentary was a science. However, she put in hundreds of hours of interviewing and filming throughout the year that she traveled across the country, and I thought the documentary was very well done. I understand the comments above, but I thought it was very informative for me, a 19 year old undergrad. Everything in the documentary was true; there were no lies, and made me think about aspects of my life that I had never thought about before, like the fact that my generation is more connected to our parents. When I first left for college, it would be weeks between phone calls with my parents, but as I have become more comfortable with the college life style and being away from home, I find myself communicating with my parents more than ever. I find this is true of my friends as well. The documentary also made me realize some of the rediculous things my generation does, but some of the good things, too. A reporter cannot possibly address all issues in one hour, which is why there is a second part being produced. I don't think, however, that this should be the end-all-and-be-all of Generation Next. This great reporting should be a jumping-off point for conversation and for our communities to take a closer look at the youth and the problems and challenges they face. Believe me, it scares me out of my mind to know that myself and my peers are going to one day be responsible for this country--not because we are delinquents or because we're stupid--but because we have problems that do not have answers and there is a lot of pressure to find those answers. But I believe that every generation has it's own future and own legacy, and it will be very interesting to see where my generation ends up. Bon voyage and good luck!
Posted by: Katie Trzaska | January 23, 2007 1:12 AM

I have been watching the documentary for about half an hour now the fact that I can now write this post affirms much of what was said. But... The crucial element that was not discussed was how different we all are across this country. I am a 23yr old male in CT and watching other Americans in my generation speak about social, political, or generational issues I realized how differed we all are. The documentary highlighted the internet, cell phone, and text messaging as drawing us together but it also has provided us infinate possibilities to be different. As a quasi joke example, I reference to a mp3 player playlist. I dare anyone to find another playlist the same as theirs. If anything I think we are the most fractured and individualized generation in years due to the amount of information that passes us by on a daily basis. There may be an underlying connection that we all use the cell phone and facebook but because of out interconnectedness we have found ways to distinguish ourselves in this totally connected world. I dont know if any of that is true but I would love to see Generation Next part 2 deal with how individual we all are.
Posted by: Mike L. | January 24, 2007 4:40 AM

Some responses appear to come from generation nexters' who were not part of the survey. I believe we must open our heart, mind and soul to all generations--w/o judgment or bias. The mission of the documentary was very important--that we understand and accept generation nexters for who they are. It's unfortunate some weren't addressed. I agree that many youth between the ages of 16-25 have issues causing them to feel bad about themselves, or inadequate. Shame on the people who cause this to happen. Perhaps a generation nexter "summit" involving at least 200 generation nexters in each area visited would have provide more diversified and realistic data. Perhaps a project in the future querrying the youth nationally through internet would help establish the route and geographical visits (at lest ten), based on responses. Meanwhile, we can all begin to address the needs of generation nexters with love, acceptance and non-judgment; while we listen to them,model respectable, human behaviors, and hold them accountable for the same. You GO, generation nexters'--you are our future. Don't ever let enyone make you feel bad or inadequate about yourself or who you are! Educator; 55yrs of age.
Posted by: Deborah Jo | January 28, 2007 1:05 PM

Some issues I would have liked to see discussed in this documentary is more on the educational problems Generation next is having. And where do people believe this generation is going to take America in many years to come. Personally speaking for myself as part of this generation, I believe a lot of the things said were stereotypes or generalizations. Some of Generation Next might be spoiled and live up to the standards and hype mention in the film. But personally I believe that is not true for everyone. As a whole, the documentary was funny and brought to light a lot of things I never really thought about, until pointed out. One example is compared to the baby boomers how much easier Generation Next has it. But to call the generation spoiled isn’t necessary because times are changing so it is like companies are obligated to make more advance and technical things to be used by everyone.
Posted by: Lyse | March 24, 2007 5:55 PM

It's always interesting to me how, as much as things change, they still stay the same! Many of the issues that kids today go through are the same things that I had to deal with 15 years ago, and my parents before me. It was definitely nice to get the perspective of members of "Generation Next". It's always interesting to hear how other people view the world and their roles in society. I do think it would have been good if there was more emphasis made on asking what impact the choices and decisions people make today will have on their lives as they get older. I know when I was 18, becoming a "true" adult seemed so far away. I wasn't too concerned with being able to support myself or my future family. I can tell you that the years FLY! I wish that, even as an 18 year old, I had had the foresight to think about what I would need and want in 5 years instead of just concerning myself with the present.
Posted by: Dana | March 25, 2007 4:49 PM

I just watched the program the other evening, and couldn't help but be intrigued. Considering the variety of comments that have been made, I will try to keep mine concise. I do have to say, for a one hour documentary, it turned out very well. It was so interesting to hear more ideas from people my age. Of course every documentary has a bias. Of course every documentary, especially one of this undertaking, cannot cover every topic. Both of those things are common sense, or should be. I do think that there are so many different parts of my generation that are just beginning to come together. I do have to agree that the struggles of our generation were not mentioned as much as I thought they would be. I saw a lot of focus on the philanthropy, and not enough on the struggles that we go through because we are all so different. Making room for acceptance can be a challenge, and trying to talk to our parents about why we accept things is difficult too. Overall, I think the documentary covered America's "ideal" Generation Next. The truth is that all generations have their shames and triumphs. As I watch the continuing effort of my peers, I am hoping that we can lay aside trivial personal differences without compromising all sense of moral integrity. In conclusion, I thought the documentary was good, but I hope the next stage of research takes into account how we've been affected negatively by actions of the past; as well as how our current post-modern agendas may leave behind many important virtues.
Posted by: Maggie | March 29, 2007 9:31 AM

I truly enjoyed watching MOST of this documentary, however there were two glaring things that insulted me. 1. It seemed that each person interviewed was religious.. and as far as I could tell were Christian. It is my experience that many young people question the religions of their parents, especially in light of gay rights and marriage. Christianity is NOT supportive of gay marriage or abortion. I see that church groups ammend the versions of the religions they preach in order to maintain fellowship, but no mention was made to the generation's opinions about these new beliefs vs their parents'. Furthermore the sampling of people interviewed all seemed to be "going somewhere". Most were college kids trying to make something of themselves. Does the opinion of all of those poor black men who didn't finish high school matter? I feel this documentary was very biased toward middle class young adults in average situations and would have liked to see more research about the rest of the generation.
Posted by: molly | May 6, 2007 7:14 PM

I am a WASP Babyboomer. The GEN Next is right. Things have changed and not in their favor. I have kids and grandkids somewhere in the middle. A bit past Gen Next but the problems they face are the same. Civics must not be taught anymore. The understanding of what can be done to change some of things, like wages compared to twenty years ago speaks for itself. Watching "Comedy Central" for the news, FOX news. Having worked in broadcasting, the Gen Next is right, news is slanted. It bothers me that FOX is owned by an Australian and not a US company. Most of the problems we have like disparagement of wages, poverty, college graduate debt, Social decay and other economic and social inequalities are a result of "Not VOTING or ELECTING" favorable candidates to change some of the inequalities. I was not surprised with the GAY acceptance. The acceptance of 17 Million illegal Mexicans. When the Gen Next put everything together, perhaps they will start Voting. Don't blame the older generation, of who 90 per cent plus vote, if you are not happy with your current downhill direction of having less of a standard of living than your parents or grandparents. Enjoyed the program but Gen Next better become more politically active or things will get worst. Mike Utah
Posted by: Mike | June 21, 2007 7:03 PM

I am the mother of a generation nexter and I have the utmost respect for Judy Woodruff so I looked forward to watching the show. I was deeply disturbed by the racial stereotypes of the people profiled: the African American woman was a single mother and the Hispanic male was a gang member. Although both of these individuals were doing an excellent job of overcoming adversity and were striving hard to be successful, what makes this generation so exciting are the opportunities available to women and minorities that were not open to boomers. Another hallmark of this generation are the number of interracial and interfaith couples. The people profiled should have reflected these phenomena.
Posted by: Lindsay Anderson | September 6, 2007 4:11 AM

I just finished watching your show and was struck by how male-focused it was, especially in light of Judy Woodruff's opening comments about GenNext's unprecedented diversity. Of the half dozen or so stories, only one was devoted exclusively to a young woman. The other women played supporting roles to the featured men. With each new story, I eagerly awaited an inspiring tale of a young woman with great conviction blazing a trail like her male counterparts. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.
Posted by: Helen Scalia | September 6, 2007 4:13 AM

I just watched Generation Next 2.0 with Judy Woodruff and have a single question for Ms. Woodruff and the producers: Where were the women? With the exception of the single mother in Detroit, Michigan, the focus of each segment was on a young male, be he lawyer, farmer, gang-member, journalist, or gay rights activist. Women appeared on the peripheries of these stories or were relegated to second class status at best. One wonders if Ms. Woodruff would ask a single father the intimate questions she asked of the single mother. I did not appreciate your obvious gender bias in a generation which seems less comfortable with gender bias than previous generations.
Posted by: Jane Ann Crum | September 6, 2007 4:27 AM

I was disappointed in tonight's segment on Gen 2.0 (Sept. 5). I thought it veered between quirks and stereotypes. More importantly, I thought Ms. Woodruff could have asked deeper, more challenging questions of many of those featured. For example, why not ask Mr. Fiske if he had ever considered reducing his working hours so he and Mrs. Fiske could BOTH share the responsibilities of caring for the children AND pursuing paid employment? And why not ask Mr. Reimer whether he intended to enlist in the military to show the depth of his commitment to the US's mission in Iraq? [Moreover, as a Villanova alum, I can attest that starting a conservative newspaper there is hardly an accomplishment--it is like shooting fish in a barrel. It is big no challenge to be a conservative at Villanova.]
Posted by: Michele R. | September 6, 2007 4:50 AM

I saw the part of the program about the farm boy/college student, and alternative living bus travelers......and this is way more like a very selective group of almost minorities, since even family farms are going the way of the dinosaurs (I have farming relatives, and know this to be true.) This presentation left me wanting for some cross-country surveys, percentages, of what this age group thinks and wants and expects: for example maybe, 100 questions drawn up by socioligists, and then some of the answers to be illustrated with individual examples of different lives. That is what I was hoping for, and did not see.
Posted by: Chris | September 6, 2007 7:09 AM

Did anybody notice that the Latino and African American people shown on the documentary had very non-traditional and off the path type lifes? 2 out of the 3 people did not attend college and in no way were portrayed to be attending college soon. The third person, (the African American single mother) was attending college through a special government assisted program. Every caucausion person on the documentary either was atteding or had already received their bachelor's or even professional degree. Does this really depict what Gen Next is like? I thought this was an age where college access was higher for all people? How is it okay for a television program to depict the Latino as an gangbanger "cholo" trying to make it as a part time city employee and then have an African American male being kicked out of his grandparents home because he is gay. I believe statistics reveal that gay men are more likely to be white males versus African American males. So why didn't Judy interview a white gay man to get his view point on Gen Next's issues or interview a college educated Latino/a about their view points on the issues that concern Gen Next?
Posted by: Anthony Jimenez | September 6, 2007 7:48 AM

PBS is developing a bad rep with a demographic that was completlely ignored: hispanics. By your own statistics the smallest prison population is hispanic (30% white, 43%black and 27% hispanic). Why then show the only hispanic as an ex-con. Kudos to the guy for all his efforts, but, come on, not one college educated hispanic? How could you ignore such a demographic? My family rolled their eyes in disgust and would not finish watching after it was obvious that only whites would be the ones with "truly" succesful stories, from begining to end. I finished watching, thinking:"Come on Judy, don't let me down, I want to tell my family tomorrow that you are not following in Ken Burns' footsteps" (his WWII documentary left out Latinos). Again, PBS is ignoring the significant contribution of Latinos. This time the slight was personal. If this were the Judy Woodruff Network, then no big deal. But this is Public Broadcasting. Lest you forget that because our money goes into the airing of that documentary, it's a slightly different role. One thing you can count on from this Generation Next is that we will make sure the Hispacnic narrative is no longer be ignored.
Posted by: Michelle | September 6, 2007 8:04 AM

I am writing today to express my severe displeasure at the program I’ve just been viewing on PBS, “Generation Next 2.0” which exhibited bias, racism, sexism, heterocentrism, xenophobia and an unprecedented level of ignorance about (what should be regarded as intergenerational) socio-cultural values. The program focused on Gen Y, and the sexism, racism et. al, expressed were not necessarily coming from the young people interviewed, but from the producers of the program—in the narrative, in the structure, in the overall composition of the profiles and most of all, in what is LEFT OUT of this vapid testimony to white middleclass American hegemony. Of all the interviewees, only one woman interviewed received her own profile—and she was a Black single mother of three living in government-subsidized housing. Wow, is she representative of Gen Y? No way, not only is she not representative, her stereotyped representation serves as a trope to reinforce the myth that black women are likely to be single, poor mothers of multiple children. Gen Y actually has the highest number of young black women attending and graduating college of any generation before them. Where was one of those young women?! What’s worse, LaKeesha’s profile was only one the three racial minorities presented, with one of the others, Leo Vasquez, representing ANOTHER racial stereotype—the dangerous, uneducated, criminal gangsta Latino male—and don’t think I didn’t notice that Judy Woodruff noted he and his wife and two children are ‘forced to live’ with his parents because he cannot support his family. The third racial minority, a young black man, was the only gay Gen ‘Next’er profiled about his homosexuality—but of course he was a good Christian! In fact, in the open bias of privileging what are ostensibly white, heterosexual, middle-class, Christian values, there was a visible LACK of alternative viewpoints/profiles explored. Of the “100’s of people we met on our journey” you only chose those who could reinforce the mainstream values of the Baby Boomer generation. I’m surprised that Judy Woodruff didn’t come out with a pair of pom-poms and a cheerleading outfit screaming “We’re Number One!” But I digress…What about Gen Next immigrants? What about, as one viewer posted, the Native Americans? Where were Asian-American youths? The program privileged the profiles of straight, white, middle-class men—big surprise since the only ‘scholarly’ viewpoints expressed came from the mouths of…you guessed it, straight, white, middle-class men. I’m appalled. Shame on the producers of this program: namely, McNeil/Leher Productions. This was CBS fluff, not worthy of PBS.
Posted by: Gen Xer | September 6, 2007 8:06 AM

The trouble with specials like this one is that it reinforces an old myth that the younger generation is somehow different than previous generations--as though we've spawned some new, alien species. More troubling, Woodruff seized upon every stereotype out there and took pains to find a young person to illustrate each one. The result: a prosaic and decidedly counter-productive program.
Posted by: Carmen Spradley | September 6, 2007 4:35 PM

Not sure if anyone noticed the bias that this program exposed. First, there were 3 GenNextr segments that covered white kids that appeared to be very "stable" family-wise, well educated and striving for the American Dream. Their concerns primarily were about moving up in their respective career/jobs, making more money and starting families. In another segment, you covered a Hispanic male who was a middle school dropout, a (former?) gangbanger who had spent time in jail and is now a father of two who has very little to gain with such a limited education. Next there was a black male who was gay and struggling to be accepted by his family. Finally, you featured a young black 23 year-old single mother of three highlighting her trials and tribulations. What I saw was not a cross section of GenNext, but simply a stereotypical presentation of what mainstream America perceives to be their world POV. Even your so-called social experts sounded truly out of touch with the REALITY and FACT that there are significant numbers of minorities who are just as family stable, educated and upwardly mobile as any white kid in this country. You failed with great deftness at presenting a true picture of the what a lot of the young people are really doing with their lives - especially minorities. There are African American, Hispanic, Asian, East Indian young people who are members of stable, nuturing families, well educated, and focused on becoming positive and productive citizens of this country as well as the world. What you presented in this program did not reflect that aspect at all. So, all in all, your program came across as very shallow. Too bad you missed the mark.
Posted by: Lorenzo Wilkins | September 6, 2007 8:15 PM

I watched the program last night with my roomate and had to change the channel because we were so frustrated with the people the producers of the show decided to profile. I don't understand why you would continue to support the idiotic notion of white supremacy. If you were going to profile the best of white society then do the same for all others. How are you going to show a white couple that has everything going for them and then cut to the lowest class of Latino's that there is? This is infuriating. I am a Latina that is going to college and paying for it all on my own. I have managed to take 19 units work 25 hours a week and still do community service. I hightly doubt that the white couple you profiled had to endure any of this while going to school. So, my question is: If you are going to show a Latino gangbanger to portray the Latino cmmunity in this generation then why dont you profile a white crackhead to portray the white portion of our generation? I live in San Francisco and can show you more white crackheads than you need to know about. In turn, if you want to portray everyone equally in a positive light then show people like myself to portray people of color.
Posted by: Christina Sanchez | September 7, 2007 4:12 AM

I am a gen Y woman and a graduate student. I Tivo-ed this program and watched it just now. I find the lack of women featured in this documentary to be a gross oversight. The only woman featured was a single mother. Other women appeared as the wives of featured men. These women were asked questions primarily about marriage, children and family values; interviews with men were not framed around these domestic issues. Certainly the women of my generation are more than wives and mothers. In fact, collectively, gen Y women outperform men in school and graduate from college at a higher rate than their male peers. Despite being highly educated and motivated, these women will face significant barriers in their careers, as highlighted in research by Catalyst and other organizations. Gen Y women, accustomed to success and praise from teachers and parents, may be greatly disappointed by the realities of the workplace environment that the baby boomers and Xers have created. There has been much debate recently about the regression of 'feminist' ideals. In this documentary PBS gave little more than a cursory nod toward the women of gen Y, and certainly did not feature a many issues salient to women. The issue of gender in the workplace is going to be one of significance for the young men and women of gen Y, especially with the necessity of two incomes to maintain an American Dream lifestyle. This documentary was generic, bland, stereotypical, and biased. I expect a lot more from PBS.
Posted by: Niquole Dunham | September 7, 2007 7:08 PM

I haven't been able to find out when this program will show locally in Albuquerque, NM. I'm wondering if it's because of the mexican population here and not wanting to offend. Censorship.
Posted by: Jennifer | September 11, 2007 12:56 AM

While the program had its strengths, it was hard for me (a 65-year-old white woman) to get past the racism in selection of the young men and women who were interviewed. It's good that you included a former gang member, a gay activist, and a single mother; but they were Latino or African American and not representative of these ethnic groups as a whole. In contrast, most of the white interviewees were college graduates. The program would have been stronger if you had provided more demographic information including socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity. Anecdotal reports need to be placed in a larger framework; you failed to provide this. It was hard to believe that this was broadcast on PBS. You should do better.
Posted by: Diana | September 12, 2007 7:14 AM

I watched this program last night and while I enjoyed portions of it, I share the views of some of the commenters here. I am a 24 year old female in California and feel almost totally unrepresented by the majority of people highlighted in the documentary. While I am a college graduate (two years, not four, and the media and society do not allow me to forget the stigma associated with Community College) and have a steady (entry-level administrative) job, I do not feel like I and many of my peers have the drive and determination represented by the interviewees. I found myself wondering, "They keep saying, 'unlike the majority of Generation Next' when referring to these people. Why are they focusing on people who are UNLIKE the majority of the generation when discussing the generation itself?" I was disappointed to see a lack of representation of the rest of us - we who are struggling with severe identity crisis, emotional insecurity fueled by the contradiction of our parents' coddling and society's expectations (helicopter parents were mentioned, but briefly), fear and uncertainty of our own futures, and the resulting culture of apathy, procrastination and decision paralysis surrounding many of us. I had the displeasure of feeling very inadequate when compared to the first couple featured (though I must say I enjoyed their interview - they both seem to be very aware of the uniqueness of their situation; self-awareness is another feature of our generation not mentioned) and to many of the people who followed. "Where," I wondered, "are the people who AREN'T sure about themselves and their futures? Where are the people still questioning their purposes and wondering if they're the only ones who are?" I think highlighting those people who defy the statistics about our generation does a disservice to the rest of us - we already feel alone, and as if everyone is more successful and together than we are. Why present a cross-section of people who ARE more successful and together than we are? A documentary on the exception to a rule which presents itself AS the rule is disingenuous. Regardless of how often it was mentioned that these people were atypical, the fact remains that they got the majority of the screen time.
Posted by: Nancy | September 13, 2007 7:45 PM

I know that this might seem a minor question to you. However,I have a patron who watched the program and wants to know the name of the song that played during the final credits and who recorded it. They want to know the lyrics. Thank you for your time. Jane Halsall Young Peoples' Services McHenry Public Library
Posted by: Jane Halsall | November 2, 2007 1:43 AM

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