Generation Me Comparison/Contrast - Essay Example

It is very clear that times have changed when looking at generations. From my children, to my parents, to grandparents there is an expected difference in views and behaviors. However, there is a distinct difference between the children of the new millennium and those of previous generations. Generation Me, written by Dr. Twenge discusses the rise of the entitlement generation. This paper will show the disparity in viewpoints expressed within Generation Me and previous age groups as examined by Dr. Twenge in conjunction with my personal experiences. The variance in the expression of sexuality, the decline in social rules, and mental health issues are the areas in which I see the great divergence. In my observation, there is a great contrast with the young people today in their expression of sexuality versus earlier generations. Older people are not as outward about their bedroom experiences or preferences as younger people are. In days gone by, it was standard expectation to graduate high school and marry, for men and women. “…The average first-time bride in the early 1970s had not yet celebrated her 21st birthday.” (Twenge, 1) For women, becoming a homemaker was an honorable, anticipated profession. The woman who goes to college is seen as unconventional, but while she was attending school, she was expected to be looking for her future husband. If either gender is not married by a certain age the woman is called an old maid and men were looked at in a suspect matter. Those who did not settle down were suspicious of lesbian or gay lifestyles. If this were really the case, the individual would dare not say anything about dating the same sex. There was a general whisper in the community about the woman who looked manly or the man who appeared womanish. The church, media, and strong family traditions prevented anyone who did not meet the expectations to be open with their way of living. Being gay or lesbian was an unspoken event, and ostracized that group. Conversely, in this time of humanity such thoughts of hiding ones sexuality, and marrying directly out of high school sounds ludicrous. Marriage for the younger generation is treated as a long-term goal like a youngster saying one day I want to attend college. Many young people are opting to have children without being married, or choosing to wait well after the “appropriate” time to have children. In order to properly map out their future, technological advances have made it possible for women to freeze their eggs and plan exactly when they will have children. “She does not expect to marry until she is in her late twenties, [she doesn’t], have any children yet.” (Twenge, 2). Women’s liberation movements have made it more acceptable for women to leave the home to work, or opt out of having a family. In addition, the times have allowed those who are gay and lesbian to feel free to come out of the closet and live openly. Although there are many opponents to this expression the young generation has embraced this concept and run. Many young people are coming out and coming out at a younger age. It is not uncommon, for preteens and teens to say that they are lesbian, gay, or bi-sexual. Openly holding hands, kissing their same-sex mate in public is almost a common scene. As opposed to the older generations, the teens of today are freer to explore their sexual orientation as well as life on a different level than their elders. “It was expected that you would have children-it was not considered a choice.” (Twenge, 19) With the help of videos pushing a serious sexual agenda and other multimedia campaigns, sex sells and influences the young generation to freely articulate their position on such matters. The older generation did not have televisions in every room, let alone the internet. They primarily drew their sexual inferences from what they saw in the home and other institutions. Now, the virtual world has virtually opened a portal for all possible forms of sexuality statements. "There is little question that American society has grown more accepting of homosexuality recently” (Twenge, 207) Once a friend once said to me that our children are losing social graces. It is very apparent that social rules are not cool. Basic manners are not used, and in some cases not taught to children. There are no governing codes for young people anymore. In public, our elders would not dare swear in front of their elders, not offer a seat to an adult, or demonstrate rude behavior. Currently on any given day, you can hear a teen or even younger person calling each other profane names, or even calling an adult out of their name. When on public transportation pregnant women are not offered, seats and senior citizens cannot sit in their designated areas. One incident that comes to mind is the homeless woman that a group of teens attacked on public transportation in Maryland. Not to say all children from generations past were perfect, however there was a limit to the mischievous and disrespectful behavior. “There were certain things you did, certain things you said, and certain things you didn’t talk about.” (Twenge, 19) If a young person was out of line, the adults that were witnessing the demeanor were expected and had permission to correct the child. Communities are actually something that you could see in motion. These days, if you dare speak to someone’s child t in a disciplinary tone you are almost asking for a fight. Formerly, the way in which the children addressed the adults, “yes, ma’am”, or “no sir” all indicated respect. When told to complete a task children as a rule children moved right away to do so without dissension. With the new wave movement of self-expression and digital space, young people do not know what it means when we use the term; there is a time and place for everything. Impulsivity is very common in the young generation. They cannot wait for some of the basic things in life. For example, they want instant food (microwave), instant fame (you tube), and instant gratification (email vs. snail mail). Self-centeredness is the core of their social interaction. Even in the movie “Finding Nemo” the seagulls chanted ‘mine’ through the entire film notes Twenge. Young people spend the majority of their time uploading pictures exposing vanity, and everything is on their time like having shows on-demand. The term itself represents impatience and selfishness, and don not forget the i-phone, i-pod, my space, and face book. All of these sorts of activities and gadgets promote a sense of social retardation, and isolation that is leading to other shifts in the teenage experience. Going to church, sporting events, and playing outside not only gave young people something to do but it instilled an invisible skill within. Even though many older people may have felt that church was not their favorite place, they were learning such skills as listening to others, dressing appropriately for different occasions, and how to reach out or watch others reach out to humanity for support. Attending sporting events, and playing outside instilled how to have natural fun, how to be creative in your own right, and it allowed young people engage in age appropriate fellowship with those of the opposite gender. It also encouraged being physically fit which has proven to release endorphins, helping reduce stress by creating a good feeling. There was less depression, boredom, and overall mental health issues with the older generation. "So heres how it looks: Generation Me has the highest self-esteem of any generation, but also the most depression. (Twenge, 212) Engaging in family social activities and school functions also fostered a sense of belonging, and acceptance. With the millennium youth have too much down time spent on the outer self, or time spent on focusing on what others have materialistically. Parents are no longer available to spend quality time with the young people. Many are so busy trying to make ends meet that they must work two jobs, or unconventional hours. This leaves the children to occupy themselves in unhealthy ways. Bombarded with the social networks children begin to compare with others and reflect internally without supervision. Feeling alone, unsure, and unconfident many young people resort to drinking, drugs, and promiscuity early. Other teens are simply searching for an unknown and attempt suicide. I have heard many stories of eighth graders, and even middle school students being placed on medications for anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Family bonds are compromised in many ways with increased divorce rates paving the way for self-absorbed or loner teens. They say change is good, however what we sometimes fail to realize is that there is a price to pay. With the digital age upon us and the entire world being online, it would behoove us to parent our children with the new ideology along with the old. As the author of Generation Me points out on various levels, the change in our youth was a gradual process. With more expression, lack of real social interaction, and a higher risk of mental barriers, it is important to remember the basics of human need. Works Cited Twenge, Jean M. “Generation Me: Generation Me: Why Todays Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive” Free Press Edition, 2006 Read More

“She does not expect to marry until she is in her late twenties, [she doesn’t], have any children yet.” (Twenge, 2). Women’s liberation movements have made it more acceptable for women to leave the home to work, or opt out of having a family. In addition, the times have allowed those who are gay and lesbian to feel free to come out of the closet and live openly. Although there are many opponents to this expression the young generation has embraced this concept and run. Many young people are coming out and coming out at a younger age.

It is not uncommon, for preteens and teens to say that they are lesbian, gay, or bi-sexual. Openly holding hands, kissing their same-sex mate in public is almost a common scene. As opposed to the older generations, the teens of today are freer to explore their sexual orientation as well as life on a different level than their elders. “It was expected that you would have children-it was not considered a choice.” (Twenge, 19) With the help of videos pushing a serious sexual agenda and other multimedia campaigns, sex sells and influences the young generation to freely articulate their position on such matters.

The older generation did not have televisions in every room, let alone the internet. They primarily drew their sexual inferences from what they saw in the home and other institutions. Now, the virtual world has virtually opened a portal for all possible forms of sexuality statements. "There is little question that American society has grown more accepting of homosexuality recently” (Twenge, 207) Once a friend once said to me that our children are losing social graces. It is very apparent that social rules are not cool.

Basic manners are not used, and in some cases not taught to children. There are no governing codes for young people anymore. In public, our elders would not dare swear in front of their elders, not offer a seat to an adult, or demonstrate rude behavior. Currently on any given day, you can hear a teen or even younger person calling each other profane names, or even calling an adult out of their name. When on public transportation pregnant women are not offered, seats and senior citizens cannot sit in their designated areas.

One incident that comes to mind is the homeless woman that a group of teens attacked on public transportation in Maryland. Not to say all children from generations past were perfect, however there was a limit to the mischievous and disrespectful behavior. “There were certain things you did, certain things you said, and certain things you didn’t talk about.” (Twenge, 19) If a young person was out of line, the adults that were witnessing the demeanor were expected and had permission to correct the child.

Communities are actually something that you could see in motion. These days, if you dare speak to someone’s child t in a disciplinary tone you are almost asking for a fight. Formerly, the way in which the children addressed the adults, “yes, ma’am”, or “no sir” all indicated respect. When told to complete a task children as a rule children moved right away to do so without dissension. With the new wave movement of self-expression and digital space, young people do not know what it means when we use the term; there is a time and place for everything.

Impulsivity is very common in the young generation. They cannot wait for some of the basic things in life. For example, they want instant food (microwave), instant fame (you tube), and instant gratification (email vs. snail mail). Self-centeredness is the core of their social interaction. Even in the movie “Finding Nemo” the seagulls chanted ‘mine’ through the entire film notes Twenge. Young people spend the majority of their time uploading pictures exposing vanity, and everything is on their time like having shows on-demand.

The term itself represents impatience and selfishness, and don not forget the i-phone, i-pod, my space, and face book. All of these sorts of activities and gadgets promote a sense of social retardation, and isolation that is leading to other shifts in the teenage experience.

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