dsheinem wrote:I dunno, we have these "generational differences" debates in higher ed all the time and the more I have had them the more I am inclined think the generational categorizations are more of an obstacle to understanding differences, trends, etc. than a help.
I've been dealing with a Gen X-er in a position of authority lately--I don't do well with authority--who seems to enjoy dumping on 'my generation,' and no amount of me saying that I remember the nineties, when Boomers were always trashing Gen X-ers, would make him see that he is only representing the latest incarnation of the generation that he holds a grudge against, and the generation that that generation holds a grudge against; so on, and so forth. I also still basically look 20 years old, so I have the unique privilege of experiencing some of the worst of the generational prejudice, but it's not like it's something new. This is just apparently one of those times, like the mid-nineties, where beating up on the younger generation is fashionable. I was reading recently that the segment of Americans in their 40s and 50s (typically a peak earning period in people's careers) are more disgruntled about their finances than that age group has been in the past. Potentially due in part to significantly more people, who are past retirement age, holding on to many of the highest earning positions. It could be a bit of a stretch to tie that financial stress to the increased vocalization of discontent with Millennials, but I'm going to do it.
Anyway, I was born in early '88, and raised by Boomers. I grew up around a lot of people in their 50s and 60s. I might say that I identify with a number of those marketing teacher/Quora descriptions of both generations. They still read like descriptions of astrological sun-signs to me, though. So people will pick and choose the descriptors they feel drawn to, and there's no harm in any of them being wrong--or is there? They might have some basis in studies, but that doesn't mean there's enough rigor to elevate them well above fortune telling.
Even though I don't really fit into this discussion, in an effort to keep the thread somewhat on course: Why do I still play video games? Because I'll be damned if anyone tells me how I have to live my life. Didn't work when I was six. Doesn't work now. Won't work when/if ever I'm 60. If I ever stop playing video games, cold, it will surely be because I'm dead--or because I just don't like them anymore, but I'm willing to bet that would at least put me close to death.
Now that I've drawn a pall over the discussion:
I'm sorry.
I'll let myself out.
