Generation NeXt

Taylor, M.L. (2005). Meeting generation next: Today’s postmodern college student [VitalSource version].

Learning about generations can ultimately help us understand how to work with others by changing our own actions, views, and ideas.  The author suggests that generalizations are hard to make because not everyone fits in that category, but I have to agree with the author and say that generalizations are just that, general facts about groups because continually prove to be true.  While reading the writing from the author, I found it interesting to be able to relate each generation to my own life. The “Greatest Generation” (1901-1924) includes my great- grandparents who undoubtedly worked extremely hard and lived in a time where resources where hard to come by. The Silent Generation (1925-1944) includes my grandparents who believed in delay of gratifications, sacrifice, and conformity as describes by Taylor (2005).  Next, from 1945-1965 come the Boomers, this includes my parents. Taylor (2005) describes this generation as “the pig in the python”.  The Boomers went through a time where medicine, education, science, and technology increased at a rapid rate.  They were raised at a time when economic and social growth was taking place.  My parents did not grow up with families high in status or economic growth, but their siblings benefited more in that situation.  Boomers make up the majority of collegiate institution workers, which also includes my dad. 1965-1979 created Generation X (which includes my brother) which according to the author, are cynical, arrogant, and materialistic.  My brother is a VERY hard worker and has many good traits, but he does fall into the categories above, which I hate to admit. He does not fit into this category very well because he is very loyal, appreciative and respectful to authority figures, and committed to his work. My parents had a large part in that, as they raised us that way. Further, 1980-1994 created Generation NeXt.  This is the generation I fit into.  The author states that there is not a clear consensus on their character (Taylor, 2005).  I can tell you what the generalizations on this group include: technology based, seek instant gratification, fast paced, non-traditional (especially in regards to education), and at times irresponsible (especially with finances).

Taylor (2005) describes the largest changes to be found in the family.  This I agree with as the acceptance of family has changed drastically. It has gone from a mother who stayed home and father who worked to single parents, homosexual parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, etc. I think the value of the traditional family is almost lost, but the value of family in general is still there for many.  Many children in the recent generations grew up much differently than their parents and grandparents. We were these children, but things have changed in 15 yrs.  My brother and I played outside after our homework was completed.  TV was okay to watch, but we didn't do that until it got dark and usually we were on the soccer field. There were no reality TV shows and the worst show on TV was “Married with Children” (which we were not allowed to watch).  Yes, the times have changed and I am surprised that parents allow their children to watch what they do.  Especially in LV, where parents work ALL hours, the supervision lacks tremendously.

The author concludes with 12 suggestions on how to work with the generations rather than against them.  We can not change their ways.  It’s more important that we accept their ways because once one has grown up a certain way and has ideas engrained in their brain; it’s hard to get that out. People don’t change that easily and so it’s important to work with each other and accept each way of life and thinking.