What are some traits of Generation Me?
1)unapologetically focused on the individual
2) Never puts duty before self
3)Self-expression
4)Speak the language of the self as their native tongue.
5)Highly optimistic: go to college, expect to make a lot of money, be famous
"This is a time of soaring expectations and crushing realities....the gap between what they have and what they want has never been greater."
"When you were born dictates the culture you will experience." What does this mean?
--world events, social trends
What is Twenge's Ethos?
She's been studying generational differences for thirteen years
when she began it was based on personal experience and educated guesses. no proof.
When you were born has more influence on your personality than the family who raised you.
p.3
1970s, 1980s, 1990s
she's in it
elementary school kids to thirty-something adults
How does she distinguish us from the boomers?
we never had to protest
"we're not self-absorbed, we're self-important
we take things for granted like independence, the fact that we're special.
we're not spoiled: have to overcome many challenges
growing self-reliance
Are we selfish?
youth-volunteering risen
we want to make a difference in our own way
we will move to cities far away
we enjoy unprecedented freedom to pursue what makes us happy!
sexual behavior changed
What have you heard your generation called?
Our most distinctive trait:the freedom and individualism we take for granted.
