This book has been a great introduction to the class. I can see why it was chosen as the first piece to use to start off the W131 writing class. It definitely has a lot of topics to continue writing about and to further the discussion.
My insight on the book has been great. The title of the book definitely sparked my interest into getting started, although I had to read this book a lot faster than I normally would to keep pace with the curriculum. I can say that I did enjoy this book and would recommend it. I thought a lot of the topics were right on, as how this current generation has been spoiled and how they view the world. A lot of things that I see with this generation and started to question was also brought up by this author. It made me relieved to see that someone else was also seeing and thinking the same thing.
What I hope to write on is to write more upon the depression with our society and why it had become so more prominent. I think there were a few things that were overlooked in this area and I would like to see what other people may think of the topic as well.
A few questions that I find myself asking is, how did we as a society start to believe that our child is better than your child mentality? Is this why we kept telling our kids, "You are so special" in hopes to out shine another parent by raising a child with high self-esteem?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Thoughts on Gen Me
When I enrolled in this class I was dreading having to read a book. I'm not a reader and do not enjoy reading. When is glanced at this book the topic did intrigue me and I thought maybe I can get interested in it. As I began t rad Generation Me I found it easy to read and follow which is where most books lose me. There are alot of interesting questions and topics in this book. Twenge is very opinionated and at times hypicritical. This actually made it more interesting to read and allowed me to get more involved and form my own opinions.
The issue that gained my attention the most is how Gen Me is told they are sopecial and have these blown up expectations of what they can be. Sure some of them can and will be but what about the ones that underachieve? Aren't they being setup for a big let down? Maybe even setup for failure by believing they don't have to work hard to achieve their dreams and goals.
How can we change the idea that they are "special" and will succeed at what ever they try? Not everyone can be the President or CEO of a company, some people are good at being a hard worker and those people are needed and its not a bad thing to be a blue collar worker. Hopefully Gen Me understands that this is not a negative or a let down if they end up having to perform such jobs.
The issue that gained my attention the most is how Gen Me is told they are sopecial and have these blown up expectations of what they can be. Sure some of them can and will be but what about the ones that underachieve? Aren't they being setup for a big let down? Maybe even setup for failure by believing they don't have to work hard to achieve their dreams and goals.
How can we change the idea that they are "special" and will succeed at what ever they try? Not everyone can be the President or CEO of a company, some people are good at being a hard worker and those people are needed and its not a bad thing to be a blue collar worker. Hopefully Gen Me understands that this is not a negative or a let down if they end up having to perform such jobs.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Gen Me
I thought Generation Me was thought provoking. Dr. Jean Tewenge put in a large amount of hard work to gather facts and information to aid in the development of her research. Although i did not agree with most of the book, I think Tewenge bring up important topics that this generation needs to involve themselves with. The author takes a very negative view of this generation but she still considers herself part of that very group. I personally had no life changing moment reading this novel, if anything I became frustrated with society the education system, and Tewenge herself. I think the book was very unorganized. I found myself flipping back to previous chapters where she said one thing in that chapter and then in a different chapter contradicted what she had said. I do not thing all of her generalizations are a fair representations of society as a whole. There are many exception so Tewenge's over simplifications and they are not mentioned. In our class discussion alone there were exceptions to the generalizations made in Generation Me. In my opinion the book should have been organized into a chapter or two of research followed by a chapter of her opinions. As a reader I think a better organized book would have made it easier to understand the information and to know when Tewenge is transitioning between fact and opinion. I did not throw the book in the trash and then get it out again. If I was going to throw the book away I would not retrieve it again. The book as a whole shed light on important topics and the information was backed by extensive research.
Blog 2
I had mixed feelings about GenMe. I enjoyed reading all of the facts and information inside of the text. I wasn’t really sure that Twenge did a good job of giving her own voice. She did a great job of presenting facts and opinions from other people, but she didn’t put in an equal amount of her own input. I felt like I was reading a compilation of what everyone else thinks of GenMe. It was nice to see so many different opinions, but it was hard to distinguish her thoughts from everyone else’s. For the most part, I think that the book is pretty accurate about GenMe. I have not really given much thought to what I would write about yet. I think based on the prompts that I have done so far, I would probably elaborate more on Twenge’s section to parents and members of Generation Me. Hopefully, I will learn more about myself as a member of Generation Me and as a parent in Generation Me. The one thing I wish Twenge would have elaborated on more, was Generation Me’s role as a parent and how to raise our children to become better and happier than we are. She did give a little bit of advice but I think 3 pages was a little bit weak. I think the question in my essay that I will try to ask myself is, “How can I separate myself from Generation Me as a parent and teach my child to be different from kids growing up with parents from Generation Me?” I think it will be interesting to learn from myself and try to figure out how I can break the mold as a young parent.
Reaction to Gen Me
I liked the book. I thought it was funny while still making valid points. I enjoyed how she compared the generations instead of just focusing on one. I would not say it was life changing but it did make me realize many things about my life. It helped me understand why I act the way I do. My generation has definitely shaped me. I am so different from my parents because we grew up differently and this book helped me see that. I also liked this book because now I better understand the generations before me and why they reacted the way they do to the things I do.
I think I want to write about Gen Me and the gap between the generations. I would like to question why she puts in so many statistics. My main question is what causes the changes and the differences between generations not just state that they are in fact different which I feel like so doesn’t explain the reasons behind it enough.
I want to be able to better understand the causes of generation gaps. I think I will discover that the reasons aren’t as crazy and far-fetched as I think they will be. I think through the writing process I will discover the true causes of the gaps.
Blog Posting 2
When completing Twenge’s Generation Me, I am not sure how I feel about the book. There are some points in the text where I agree with what she is saying and there are other parts where I totally disagree with her, although her points about our now generation is pretty much on point. We are self revolved and everything has to be now not later. We are too focused on what we get out of our lives and never consider anyone else’s emotions purely since we just don’t care if it doesn’t have anything to do with us.
One of the main focus points that I felt throughout the text was how generation me’s parents have gone so wrong about parenting us and what we should not do with our future children to come. This is something I would like to go write about and go further into depth of what we can do to improve changes for our children to better help them as they grow. Being self involved and not caring about others will only harm us. Always making excuses as to why we didn’t complete a project only prevents us from taking on responsibility and expects everyone to hand us things in life.
I would like to use my writing to help others be aware of the harmful things we are causing for our children and how it impacts our life and theirs to come as well. Telling people the impacts of the awful habits our parents have created and coming up with solutions to the problem for our future generations to come I hope will only impact people’s hearts and want to change our coming future for the better.
One of the main focus points that I felt throughout the text was how generation me’s parents have gone so wrong about parenting us and what we should not do with our future children to come. This is something I would like to go write about and go further into depth of what we can do to improve changes for our children to better help them as they grow. Being self involved and not caring about others will only harm us. Always making excuses as to why we didn’t complete a project only prevents us from taking on responsibility and expects everyone to hand us things in life.
I would like to use my writing to help others be aware of the harmful things we are causing for our children and how it impacts our life and theirs to come as well. Telling people the impacts of the awful habits our parents have created and coming up with solutions to the problem for our future generations to come I hope will only impact people’s hearts and want to change our coming future for the better.
Blog DOS
After getting into Generation Me I first thought the writer was a mid-aged woman who just hated everyone under the age of 45. Getting a little farther in the book I now just think she just has distaste for us. Although I think she has a grudge, I would agree with almost everything she says. Although Twenge puts us all in the same boat, for the most part she seems to put down the truth. In no way have a felt a life-changing moment while reading this book, even though I would have to say that reading through it makes me want to possibly improve the way I do things on a day-to-day basis. If someone reads this book and doesn’t feel like they could better themselves even a little bit, then they have some serious issues.
Reading through this book, the part that stands out to me is the disrespect and self-involved thinking of almost everyone in our generation. I would like to write how being polite, helping others, and not thinking of ones-self all day just makes the world go around a little easier. Something simple like holding the door for the person five steps behind you, is it really that hard?
The more I think about how people go out of their way to be a pain in the butt the more aggravated I get. When driving around town or walking on campus you can always see when someone makes a kind gesture to hold the door, or let someone walk across the street in front of them, or merge in front of them. I would like to answer the question, does it take time out of your day to not be a dick?
Initial Reaction to Gen Me
My initial reaction to Gen Me was that it mostly had our generation figured out. Although some points were rather harsh she basically had us in a nutshell. Some of her points were also incorrect though. I can't say I really like the book since it is all opinionated but it definitely throws some valid points in our direction. It more or less just shows me how to not act. I wouldn't say I had life changing moments during this book but it definitely made me think about my life and how to act better.
I would like to talk about Gen Me's research methods. Twenge doesn't really use good methods of research. She just adjusts the research to benefit what she is trying to say. Then every once in a while her reasearch will contradict her self later on in the writing.
I really just want an A my other classes are killing me so an A would be fantastic for the gpa.I really wouldn't ever take a writing class if I didn't have to, or go to college for that matter. But this essay stuff will help me build structure for other essays and other writing materials I will be using in my life. If I do decide to change majors this writing class will help out and it would probably be required in everything else too.
I would like to talk about Gen Me's research methods. Twenge doesn't really use good methods of research. She just adjusts the research to benefit what she is trying to say. Then every once in a while her reasearch will contradict her self later on in the writing.
I really just want an A my other classes are killing me so an A would be fantastic for the gpa.I really wouldn't ever take a writing class if I didn't have to, or go to college for that matter. But this essay stuff will help me build structure for other essays and other writing materials I will be using in my life. If I do decide to change majors this writing class will help out and it would probably be required in everything else too.
GenMe Mon/Wed 9 A.M. Class
My first reaction to Generation Me was how un-scientific her research really was. I feel that as someone who has a PhD in psychology should be aware that surveys are one of the most unreliable ways to collect research. Has Twenge ever heard of the term response bias? Which basically means the people taking the survey will answer the questions in a way that are more socially acceptable. So for example if you are asking a teenage girl in the 1950’s if she thinks that premarital sex is ok, her response is probably going to sway more towards the socially acceptable answer of, NO. Whereas of in today’s society Twenge has not only surveys to base her research on, she also has just plain observation of today’s young people. It is easier to observe that young people today and see that they are way more open about most things than people in most previous generations were. I think that despite the fact that Twenge research methods are not the best she does make some valid points. For example she brings up a good point that generation’s idea of learning is very skewed. And that most people today do have unrealistic dreams and expectations, but I feel they are only unrealistic because out generation is not willing to put in the work to get what we want. Overall I feel that Twenge’s main goal was to try and help older generations understand and connect with our generation more effectively. Because of the way we have been raised we do not appreciate and have a hard time accepting criticism especially negative criticism. I think that our generation is misunderstood and once we can find some common ground with older generations things will probably start to work more smoothly for everyone involved. Overall Generation Me has a lot of information that is mostly supported by opinions, not facts.
I think that I would like to write about a couple of things. One I want to talk about how I think she could improve her research but actually conducting research besides surveys which would make her findings more scholarly and more believable for me. I also would like to take some of the things Twenge says about our generation being miserable and really depressed. I feel that is a very large generalization and that I can give her multiple examples where she is wrong. I am definitely going to explore more options though.
A question I would like to answer would probably be what generation is Twenge apart of and how what really defines make you apart of the generation. I feel like there should be strict standards. With Twenge the term GenMe is very loosely thrown around. I definitely am going to have to think about this more also.
Challenge My Authority?
Generation me was an adequate read. Twenge tended to flip-flop her views and statistics on more that one occasion, but I feel I was able to receive the overall message of the book. There were parts, mostly towards the beginning, where I agreed with her logic behind generational differences one hundred percent! On the other hand, as the book continued, I found several instances when I thought she was full of crap and was trying to put words together to fill a book. I wouldn't say that this book has changed my life, but is has opened my eyes to uncover the REASONS things happen, and not just accept the fact that they do.
I plan on writing about the differences Generations X had with authority, compared to the views Generation Me has on authority. We can all tell that, for the most part, our generation has began resisting the word of our parents and out elders. Today, just because you are older does not necessarily make you wiser and allow you to dictate what someone else does. We don't feel, today, that those given the power are necessarily deserving of that power. Therefore, we tend to chose our own paths and give the responsibility to ourselves.
So, the question I intended to ask is a simple question with many answers. We know that our generation challenges authority. Why? We know that our generation believes certain individuals do not deserve the power they hold. Why? We know that more often than not, today, children will disobey their parents. Why? All these question are part of a much larger question. What trigged our generation's view on authority to become so apathetic towards the individuals in charge of us?
Blog Entry 2
I believe This is a great for anyone at any reading level. This book gives a broad perspective of our genereation and the way she describes the actions, feelings, and beliefs of the generation are very accurate. This novel changed my view on many social issues that plague this generation and I believe I have become better at communicating with individuals face to face rather then communicating through my phone.
I would love to write about the depression of this generation in more detail due to the fact that my father suffers from it. I believe i could create a real world scenario and apply some of the concepts Twenge expressed in her novel. Depression is a very interesting subject to me and I believe that I could go more in depth with the idea and help people better understand the nature of it.
Through writing this essay, I would love to understand the information Twenge has shared with us on a more critical level. I want to be able to answer many questions I asked myself while reading this novel. There are many ideas left in the dark that I like to answer on my own. I believe this novel has much information between the lines and I am gonna try and discover its true meaning and try to analyze and understand the information it holds. This novel is filled with controversial information and I would like to explore the different views and try to understand the point of view their comming from that way i can get the full understanding of both my view and the view of other individuals.
I would love to write about the depression of this generation in more detail due to the fact that my father suffers from it. I believe i could create a real world scenario and apply some of the concepts Twenge expressed in her novel. Depression is a very interesting subject to me and I believe that I could go more in depth with the idea and help people better understand the nature of it.
Through writing this essay, I would love to understand the information Twenge has shared with us on a more critical level. I want to be able to answer many questions I asked myself while reading this novel. There are many ideas left in the dark that I like to answer on my own. I believe this novel has much information between the lines and I am gonna try and discover its true meaning and try to analyze and understand the information it holds. This novel is filled with controversial information and I would like to explore the different views and try to understand the point of view their comming from that way i can get the full understanding of both my view and the view of other individuals.
What do you believe is true?
Gen Me is a good read for anyone who has an open mind and isn’t scared to accept different views on the way we live and view our lives. I would have to say that I only like this book to a certain extent, and would more than likely never read it again. On the other hand, it’s a good “one time read.” I was amazed by some of her facts, and found myself stuck thinking where in the world did she find this stuff on others. Some of her information corresponded right on dial with my life, but I found myself disagreeing with her more than I had generally expected. Do Twenge’s views make her opinions correct? Possibly, due to her factual research, but then again, you have to remind yourself that Twenge is only one person.
I feel like self-esteem is something that really effects Gen Me, but I don’t feel like it plays a role in everyone’s life that is in Gen Me. I would like to write more on the self-esteem issue because I do agree with her on the fact that we are all hand fed and set up for disappointment, but at the same time, it comes down to the fact of who you really believe you are as a person. I personally like to set goals that I cannot reach, just so I can work my hardest to try and reach those goals, potentially coming up just short, or even possibly reaching them. Does that mean that I am setting myself up for disappointment? No. I am setting myself up for success. How does that saying go, “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars?” If I don’t reach my goal, I work twice as hard to accomplish my task at hand, so that’s where I disagree with Twenge on self-esteem. Being born into a generation doesn’t mean that you are going to fit its stereotypical definition. That’s like saying, “you’re rich, so you must be a good, successful person.” That person may be rich, but in all reality, they could easily be a cruel, con artist.
I really want to write a paper, and discover reasonable information, that goes against Twenge’s views of self-esteem and her generalization of generations. I wholeheartedly believe that Twenge’s views are nothing but an over processed, sewn together stereotype. Just the simple statement of being born between certain dates means you are linked to a group of people, is like saying, “you wear skinny jeans, so you must be gay.” That’s just my opinion though, and even if it isn’t bound together in a book, could you accept my views? Or would you automatically assume that Twenge is correct because it actually is bound together and distributed to millions of people and accepted by many? That’s another question I would like to answer.
I feel like self-esteem is something that really effects Gen Me, but I don’t feel like it plays a role in everyone’s life that is in Gen Me. I would like to write more on the self-esteem issue because I do agree with her on the fact that we are all hand fed and set up for disappointment, but at the same time, it comes down to the fact of who you really believe you are as a person. I personally like to set goals that I cannot reach, just so I can work my hardest to try and reach those goals, potentially coming up just short, or even possibly reaching them. Does that mean that I am setting myself up for disappointment? No. I am setting myself up for success. How does that saying go, “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars?” If I don’t reach my goal, I work twice as hard to accomplish my task at hand, so that’s where I disagree with Twenge on self-esteem. Being born into a generation doesn’t mean that you are going to fit its stereotypical definition. That’s like saying, “you’re rich, so you must be a good, successful person.” That person may be rich, but in all reality, they could easily be a cruel, con artist.
I really want to write a paper, and discover reasonable information, that goes against Twenge’s views of self-esteem and her generalization of generations. I wholeheartedly believe that Twenge’s views are nothing but an over processed, sewn together stereotype. Just the simple statement of being born between certain dates means you are linked to a group of people, is like saying, “you wear skinny jeans, so you must be gay.” That’s just my opinion though, and even if it isn’t bound together in a book, could you accept my views? Or would you automatically assume that Twenge is correct because it actually is bound together and distributed to millions of people and accepted by many? That’s another question I would like to answer.
Generation Me takes on Generation X
My first impression of Twenge’s Generation Me was very narrow-minded since this book covered my generation. Twange painted Generation Me as a generation that only lived for the moment, which I disagree. There are plenty of people in my generation that do not fall under the categories that Twange has placed. In fact, the only reason why this generation is seen in a negative light is the fault of generation X. The parents of Generation Me caused the problems, and now Generation Me have to fix it. Now Generation Me is reaping what Generation X sowed.
I am not one to point my finger, but I think it would be interesting to look farther into the effects that Generation X had on Generation Me’s environment. The fact that most of Generation Me’s narcissistic behaviors stems back from Generation X. It was them who set the foundation of “it’s all about me”. Some of which would rather do drugs and run away into Canada in fear of getting drafted instead of serving their county. Then they tell Generation Me that they are a bunch of narcissist. Well, they should look right in the mirror and stop pointing out the problem and start helping fix it.
Blog Posting2
Generation Me is a book that informed us of how our generation acts, speaks, and thinks. This book is mostly on factual information and that' s what I liked most about it. I do agree with Twenges' message she conveyed . I think for most students, it was a real eye-opener. Although, I did not have any life changing moments during my reading, I still came out to like it a lot and recommened it to a few of my friends.
I would like to write about Gen Me and gays and lesbians. I want to write about this because I think there are so many people out there who are still very closed minded. Even though I know I cannot change other peoples percertions about this topic, I would just like to inform the people who do not agree with this lifestyle what gays and lesbians have to put up just to be accepted.
The question I would like to answer on this topic is how can people still think that it's okay to bash and belittle gays and lesbains? I would like to discover is anyone has ever gay-bashed or stood up against one before.
I would like to write about Gen Me and gays and lesbians. I want to write about this because I think there are so many people out there who are still very closed minded. Even though I know I cannot change other peoples percertions about this topic, I would just like to inform the people who do not agree with this lifestyle what gays and lesbians have to put up just to be accepted.
The question I would like to answer on this topic is how can people still think that it's okay to bash and belittle gays and lesbains? I would like to discover is anyone has ever gay-bashed or stood up against one before.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Generation Me. Sorry, no epic title to grab anyones attention.
Generation me... Something about it just sounds like a sales gimick to get small children to buy a t-shirt. Or even a childrens book title even. What it doesnt sound like is an official term for our generation. At least...not a endowing term for our generation. It makes us sound like a bunch of attention grubbing children. Which I dont look at our generation as being. I do agree with Twenge on how our generation does have a higher self esteem and a higher degree of narcisissm. But to define our entire generation under that premise is misguided and wrong. Not everyone in our generation is that way. And to those who arent, it is a slap in the face. It is kinda hard to think that our generation is looked at the way it is. I DO see alot of the depression and alot of the let downs that lead to the higher rates of depression in our generation.
Based on what I read throughout her chapter on depression, I would like to write more on it. Being part of the "statistic" of people who have been through severe suicidal depression, I feel like I have some insight on the issue that are not covered in the book. And I feel that my perspective might give a new light onto a side of depression that is NOT covered in the book that I feel is an important reason as to why our generation is as depressed as it is. Statistic wise.
I would really like to focus my writing on comparing and contrasting my experiences with myself and our generation, with the examples of our generation and our "thinking" that Twenge gives throughout the book. Not just through depression, but also in the realm of what makes us different from other generations. I agree with some of her findings, but I also feel that some of her findings could have been influenced different ways numericallys. I may end up changing my mind on my essay topic, but That is what I want to write about at the moment.
Based on what I read throughout her chapter on depression, I would like to write more on it. Being part of the "statistic" of people who have been through severe suicidal depression, I feel like I have some insight on the issue that are not covered in the book. And I feel that my perspective might give a new light onto a side of depression that is NOT covered in the book that I feel is an important reason as to why our generation is as depressed as it is. Statistic wise.
I would really like to focus my writing on comparing and contrasting my experiences with myself and our generation, with the examples of our generation and our "thinking" that Twenge gives throughout the book. Not just through depression, but also in the realm of what makes us different from other generations. I agree with some of her findings, but I also feel that some of her findings could have been influenced different ways numericallys. I may end up changing my mind on my essay topic, but That is what I want to write about at the moment.
GenMe vs. GenX
While not really sure what to expect from reading the back cover synopsis of Twenge’s book Generation Me, I can honestly say that even after having read the book I’m still not sure what to think. While I feel that Twenge had some reasonable arguments, I also felt that she missed, or misinterpreted, information. The biggest issue I had was with the fluid definition of GenMe, is it from 1970(ish) to 2000 or 1982 to 2000? Growing up I was always told that my generation, those of us born in the 1970’s, was part of Generation X, now I’m part of GenMe?
That is what I think I want to write about; Generation X is it’s own entity, and not part of GenMe. I firmly believe that there is a distinct difference between what Twenge has dubbed GenMe and what has been referred to as Generation X.
I would like to better compare, and determine, on what issues is Twenge so fluidly changing where GenMe starts. Hopefully through writing this paper I will be better able to see if I do agree with her overall definition, or if I stay with my current conclusion that GenMe and GenX are two separate groups. I would even like to see if maybe it isn’t a definition based on age, but perhaps it is more based upon how you were raised and the values you were taught as a child?
Generation Me
When initially starting the book I assumed it was going to be over loaded with nothing but statistics. How wrong was I? I laughed outloud on more than one occasion. Seeing the comparison of what was written and my own daughter and her friends, I couldn't help it.
Twenge did a great job of giving people insight as to what is occuring with today's generation. She seemed to flip-flop in some of her opinions which made me wonder exactly where she stood. Or if her sole purpose was just to be informative? That is until the end when she did give some advice on how to curb the negativity.
When children are spoon fed their ideas, feelings and actions, who is to blame when the outcomes aren't to most's liking? Of course it's the very people who fed it. The author does put that responsibility on baby boomers at one point in the book. That doesn't mean that those who display those self serving attributes can't be responsible for changing them though. I believe that it can happen. When given the right tools for the job(and we know youth today have many opportunities), the job can be done. But will it?
It's a relief that people are noticing the mistakes made while they are still in the making. It helps to communicate and discover constructive ways to not only deal with them but to turn them around.
Saying that has me thinking she should possibly write another book, on the better side of things attributed to this generation. With all of the confidence they display, a great idea has to have been born to someone. Regardless, their individuality can harm and foster at the same time. It's going to take a willingness to accept actions to then be able to change those outcomes. That is definitely possible.
Twenge did a great job of giving people insight as to what is occuring with today's generation. She seemed to flip-flop in some of her opinions which made me wonder exactly where she stood. Or if her sole purpose was just to be informative? That is until the end when she did give some advice on how to curb the negativity.
When children are spoon fed their ideas, feelings and actions, who is to blame when the outcomes aren't to most's liking? Of course it's the very people who fed it. The author does put that responsibility on baby boomers at one point in the book. That doesn't mean that those who display those self serving attributes can't be responsible for changing them though. I believe that it can happen. When given the right tools for the job(and we know youth today have many opportunities), the job can be done. But will it?
It's a relief that people are noticing the mistakes made while they are still in the making. It helps to communicate and discover constructive ways to not only deal with them but to turn them around.
Saying that has me thinking she should possibly write another book, on the better side of things attributed to this generation. With all of the confidence they display, a great idea has to have been born to someone. Regardless, their individuality can harm and foster at the same time. It's going to take a willingness to accept actions to then be able to change those outcomes. That is definitely possible.
Blog Zwei- Generation Me
After finishing Generation Me, I feel that, as a whole, Twenge made good observations about the current youth. I felt she did generalize a bit on several points, but I have always thought that if one tends to generalize, then there must be some accepted truth to their claim. This generation is most certainly one of the most selfish and unmotivated generations that have ever been. I did not feel that there were any bits of enlightenment within the text, but it was a decent analysis of the modern youth.
In writing on this book, one thing that I would find enticing would be Gen Me and its outlook on technology, or lack-thereof. It seems interesting to me that such a tech-driven society can be so uninformed of how the instruments they cling to function, aside from button pushing. I feel that tech-savviness will become more important in our lives as time goes on, and it seems that there is an unwillingness or inability to understand the mechanics of how and why our technology works.
This point brings about the question of whether Gen Me is fed everything they need, or can they rely on themselves to manage. Again, this is the distressful generalization that is made throughout the book, but nonetheless, it owns a kernel or two of truth. If Gen Me’s iPhones broke spontaneously, what would become of them? Could they figure out a solution, or would they drown in confusion without a guiding hand? if I probe my experiences with what I have read, then perhaps I can muster an answer.
In writing on this book, one thing that I would find enticing would be Gen Me and its outlook on technology, or lack-thereof. It seems interesting to me that such a tech-driven society can be so uninformed of how the instruments they cling to function, aside from button pushing. I feel that tech-savviness will become more important in our lives as time goes on, and it seems that there is an unwillingness or inability to understand the mechanics of how and why our technology works.
This point brings about the question of whether Gen Me is fed everything they need, or can they rely on themselves to manage. Again, this is the distressful generalization that is made throughout the book, but nonetheless, it owns a kernel or two of truth. If Gen Me’s iPhones broke spontaneously, what would become of them? Could they figure out a solution, or would they drown in confusion without a guiding hand? if I probe my experiences with what I have read, then perhaps I can muster an answer.
blog 2
Twenge’s book Generation Me as whole was a good book. Her ideas and outlook on our generation was very accurate. We do not get involved enough in politics or anything that is going to change our society. Look at what is going on in
I feel like a main focus of the book is self-esteem. I am thinking about writing about this and her point that as a generation we need to focus more on self-control and stop building ourselves up just to be disappointed at some point in life. Instead of building people up our society just needs to prepare our children that real life is not easy and full of praise all the time.
I am going to use this paper as a way to try and change the way people think about the self. I understand that the change will not happen over night. It is just the point that preparing our future children is important, and they are prepared and ready that life is not always easy then maybe the depression and anxiety will decline. No one wants to be depressed and if no one wants that then why not try something to change it.
Initial Reaction (Blog Post 2)
First, I will say I both liked and disliked the book. I would certainly like to read through it again, under normal time constraints, and get a second view it. On first read through, I can readily identify with several of her points on the relations between younger and older people. I deal with this regularly in the workplace, and have seen many of her examples (both vague and finite). I also share her vision on the state of many current issues. All of that I liked. What I find I could not agree with all of the time was the heavy dose of pessimism. Reality can often seem bleak, but statements like “The gap between expectations and reality has widened to a yawning gulf of disappointment” (page 213) tend to add her own personal negativity to the equation. All in all, I think Twenge can be as cynical as the Generation Me that she claims to be a part of (an intentional literary tool to give credence to this claim, perhaps?) most of the time. This makes for unpleasant spots in the book where she is already imbedding reality’s boot firmly in your arse. I didn’t care for that.
I think that I would like to address some of the negativity with perhaps a bit more motivating perspectives. While many may not agree (or it may simply not matter to them) I find all the Eyore™-like statements spread throughout the text to be amotivational in general (and in finishing the book, for that matter). To that end, I think I will write from a perspective of “Is Generation Me really as cynical as Twenge portrays?”
Digging into the text and looking at sections again, I hope that I can find evidence that either Generation Me isn’t quite so jaded as Twenge, or that I misinterpreted her in the first place. Perhaps, in finding whether or not Gen Me is so cynical may even provide some inight into why daily life in our society is the way it is. Who knows?; maybe I’ll even reverse my initial assessment of her negativity.
GenMe- Blog 2
I loved reading GenMe. In my opinion it was very interesting and almost mind boggling to know exactly how much the generations have changed. It made me really want to stay on track with school and just try my hardest to get a degree, since the future doesn't look as bright as I once thought. This book made me understand its no longer as easy as graduating to get into the medical field. Some people may not agree with this statement, but statistics are statistics. I think out of all her "surveys" the schools' data was the most accurate. Unlike her asking a group of people; you cant necessarily believe every single person is giving the most honest answer. But the schools' data on the other hand can't be altered.
Another topic I would like to write more about is GenMe raising and leading our generation into narcissism. I highly agree with her on this particular topic. Raising our children to think that everything they do is good because you dont want to hurt their self esteem is the most ridiculous way to raise a child, in my opinion. If anything your setting them up for failure for their very own future and success. Why do that to your child? To make them feel special about theirselves while their young but to then have them slapped in the face with the harsh reality of this world when their older? Think about how their self esteem will be affected then. I would like to do more research on this particular topic. I want to know why GenMe feels the need to raise our children to thinking they are these "perfect little angels" due soley to the fact of not wanting to hurt their self esteem. And maybe its just not the parents. I want to know if other aspects are to blame; like the schooling, media, and the childrens' other peers. Once again this is just my personal opinion on this topic and if anyone has felt offended while reading this, Im truly sorry.
Another topic I would like to write more about is GenMe raising and leading our generation into narcissism. I highly agree with her on this particular topic. Raising our children to think that everything they do is good because you dont want to hurt their self esteem is the most ridiculous way to raise a child, in my opinion. If anything your setting them up for failure for their very own future and success. Why do that to your child? To make them feel special about theirselves while their young but to then have them slapped in the face with the harsh reality of this world when their older? Think about how their self esteem will be affected then. I would like to do more research on this particular topic. I want to know why GenMe feels the need to raise our children to thinking they are these "perfect little angels" due soley to the fact of not wanting to hurt their self esteem. And maybe its just not the parents. I want to know if other aspects are to blame; like the schooling, media, and the childrens' other peers. Once again this is just my personal opinion on this topic and if anyone has felt offended while reading this, Im truly sorry.
Review of GenMe- Blog 2
Did I like it? That is a harder question then I even thought it could be. My initial response would be to say no I did not. I think the reason for this being is that it scares me somewhat. She is very negative towards our generation. She only wrote one very positive chapter. This somewhat made me lose a bit of respect for the book. With that said. Yes, I did like it as a reading of fiction. I no longer believe everything she said.
I am still a bit undecided but I think I would like to write about one of the topics that I did agree with Twenge on. That is that topic of our lack as a generation of voter participation. We as a nation with each generation of had a steady decline in voting.
I would like to explore in greater detail why exactly this has occurred. If it is more because we do not feel our opinion matter or just shear laziness.
I am still a bit undecided but I think I would like to write about one of the topics that I did agree with Twenge on. That is that topic of our lack as a generation of voter participation. We as a nation with each generation of had a steady decline in voting.
I would like to explore in greater detail why exactly this has occurred. If it is more because we do not feel our opinion matter or just shear laziness.
Blog #2
I did not like Twenge's book Generation Me at all. She had good ideas throughout the book, but I think that most of the writing was not really her opinions. I believe that she uses way too many statistics and data from other people. She should have talked more about her own experience. I feel that she stereotypes a whole generation and I do not think that this fits most people. I think that I might write about Twenge's view on the parenting of generation Me. I would like to talk about that your views are shaped by multiply sources such as parenting, media, the peers one may have during school and other issues that helped shaped generation me. It is not just because were in this generation this is how we act, but why generation me acts the way it does. I would like to discover the elements that stand behind generation me. For instance, why this generation views sex the way it does or why children are so disrespectful now a days.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Blog Posting # 2
Let me start by saying that when I started reading GenMe, I wasn't sure what I was going to get out of it. I didn't expect to read something like this in school. But I was pleased to read and analyze this book and the author Twenge. I have to say that Twenge makes many valid points and that her book does a good job trying to explain to us why we in this generation are the way we are. Not only that but the short and long term negative effects caused by the mentality of people in this generation. This book put things into perspective and helped me see what my flaws are and what I need to work on.
The mentality that this generation, and this generation's children, has is having a very negative effect in the local society and the nation as a whole. This generation is more concerned about "me" than concerned about we as a community and dependants of each other. In my essay I would like to write about the specific effects if such a self-centered mentality and the damage it is causing and will keep causing in the future if it goes without change. But this is just my point of view. I have to consider myself as a flaw in this system also. Nobody is completely free or independent. Nobody is an island. I want to try to explain this concept in my writing.
I think the time spent on writing my essay and the brainstorming will help me reveal a path to better myself and not fall under the negative aspects of being part of this generation. I'm not sure if I will be able to answer a specific question. Most likely my writing will create more questions than answers. I at least hope to arouse people's curiosity and maybe help them see things with a different point of view. Society has "programmed" our brains to think and react to things in a certain way. Out actions and reactions don't have to be limited to what society teaches us. We are free to think for ourselves but not just about ourselves. I hope to develop this point in my writing.
The mentality that this generation, and this generation's children, has is having a very negative effect in the local society and the nation as a whole. This generation is more concerned about "me" than concerned about we as a community and dependants of each other. In my essay I would like to write about the specific effects if such a self-centered mentality and the damage it is causing and will keep causing in the future if it goes without change. But this is just my point of view. I have to consider myself as a flaw in this system also. Nobody is completely free or independent. Nobody is an island. I want to try to explain this concept in my writing.
I think the time spent on writing my essay and the brainstorming will help me reveal a path to better myself and not fall under the negative aspects of being part of this generation. I'm not sure if I will be able to answer a specific question. Most likely my writing will create more questions than answers. I at least hope to arouse people's curiosity and maybe help them see things with a different point of view. Society has "programmed" our brains to think and react to things in a certain way. Out actions and reactions don't have to be limited to what society teaches us. We are free to think for ourselves but not just about ourselves. I hope to develop this point in my writing.
Blog 2.0
Did I like GenMe? Yes and no. To begin, I'll tell you why I didn't like it. Twenge had very strong opinions that were backed up by countless data and statistics that painfully showed me that the foundation I'd built my life on was in fact detrimental to me as a person. She totally opened my eyes with this book and at first I hated it. If it wasn't a required reading, I would have swiftly done away with it after the introduction. Ignorantly thinking to myself, "What an idiot. How could self-esteem be bad for you? I'd rather read my lifeless Western Civ book than this nugatory crap." But then, as much as I tried to fight it, she grew on me.Actually, no, she didn't grow on me. Her statistics proved to me that I was wrong in my way of thinking. So now, I'd actually be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it. She pulled me in and got me interested about how self-esteem can be harmful to us and what we could do to change ourselves for the better. I would most certainly say that this book has had a life changing impact on me and my family. Ask my son, he's already tired of the daily lessons about self-control and self-sufficiency.
If I had to chose a topic to write about, it would be on either GenMe's narcissistic attitude or the growing rate of depression among us. I think both would be more than enjoyable, as these two topics seemed to engage me the most. Through writing this essay, I hope to become better acclimated with the writing process as I have apparently never been properly taught how to do so.
If I had to chose a topic to write about, it would be on either GenMe's narcissistic attitude or the growing rate of depression among us. I think both would be more than enjoyable, as these two topics seemed to engage me the most. Through writing this essay, I hope to become better acclimated with the writing process as I have apparently never been properly taught how to do so.
Friday, February 4, 2011
GenMe Blog
My impression of GenMe is of wonder, how did this get past the editors and turn out to be a required reading book for College composition, it must be because it is thought provoking with the information presented and not the presentation itself. Is she writing a research paper in novel form or is she writing a non-fiction novel based on researchable evidence that supports her own personal point of view? For me there are too many snarky remarks thrown in to make this a research based book. It came off that she was writing a paper with facts used to support her specific point of view of the current generation. I felt that she had many valid points but she allowed her viewpoint and presentation style get in the way of how they were presented and it was too jumbled, I found it difficult to read, let alone finish.
I do find her advice at the end of the book intriguing, I feel that she redeemed herself and was able to bring some type of redemption to the text. While she paints the generation as lost throughout the text she is able to end the book with some relevant advice about what we can do in order to help the generation learn and grow, I personally feel that this specific are could be expounded upon in greater detail since it cuts to the core of how many of the problems in the current growing generation could be overcome. And while reading and writing about the text one could begin to discover why the current generation is like it is, what has happened in such a short time, 1940 to present, to take us from the Greatest Generation ever to the GenerationMe way of life. Surely it cannot be so simple as making sure that everyone is taught that their own life is the most transcendent event around.
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