Apr 18, 2012

Books, Magazines, and Such: Generation Me



     

          I recently read "Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled-- and More Miserable Than Ever Before."  The author, Dr Jean Twenge, explores the ways in which our generation differs from that of the previous ones. I am not American, and although the studies relied upon in the book were conducted in the United States, I say "our generation" because I believe that many of the issues addressed  a multicultral youth. It goes without saying that we are the internet generation and that today's children and young adults from all over the world are greatly affected by popular culture and one another.

          "Generation Me" dives into the reasons why our generation which has been given so much freedom and independence is still often unsatisfied and unable to find happiness the way our parents and grand parents have. Twenge touches on the self-esteem programs that were indoctrinated into schools that taught kids from a young age that they were special and they should always feel a high level of esteem for the self. A nice thought teach children in theory, however if you teach a child that he/she should feel good about him/herself just because they were born special, you are taking away the gratification that comes with accomplishment. So like I said, nice in theory, until you realize that you have an entire generation of grown-ups walking around, saying to themselves that they are special and deserve better or more than the next person.

            Twenge also touches on how the high level of independence we have has caused us to be isolated and alone and to take for granted the social freedoms we were freely handed by our parents. Many of us have never truly understood what it feels like to be part of a community and rarely do we even know our neighbors. On the other hand, she makes sure to point out that unlike previous generations, we are more accepting and tolerant of each other's differences.

            What I really found interesting is that Twenge explained why life is harder for many of us than it was for our parents. She states how much the price of housing and living in general has increased over the years, leaving many of us unable to have a hard time making ends meet and causing us to be well into our thirties before we are remotely comfortable. It is harder to know what being "happy" entails because we have always taken it for granted. Many of us still rely on our parents for monetary supports well into our 20's and often after college. We are more educated than any generation before us. The downside to this is the extremely high level of competition making it tougher to get into the colleges of one's choice or to find employment.

             Overall the book is a very interesting read. It is very relatable and Twenge seems to identify with the issues at hand. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it helped that she was funny in her delivery. I think the book is good for both the members of "Generation Me" and their parents! Pick it up at your local library (yes, they do still have those) and enjoy the read.

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