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.