Generation Z: Are We Really Going to Leave the World in the Hands of GEN Z? (Part 1 of 2)

When we think about the greatest generation, we look back upon those Americans who were born between 1900 and the mid-1920s. This generation certainly took a beating with two World Wars, with the Great Depression as icing on the cake. 

 

In his book The Greatest Generation, Tom Brokaw wrote about his trip to Normandy to cover the fortieth anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Europe that turned out to be the beginning of turning the war around against Hitler. The war stories that are shared at gatherings are almost always about someone else. They rarely reflect on the bravery of the storyteller. It is hard to imagine a generation steeled by the challenges of those born in this period. 

 

The generational differences in our society are very distinct. Every 15-20 years, lines are drawn that outline the unique differences that define each generation. Related to employment and work ethic, to the way we communicate, to the ways we use technology, each generation has a distinct persona. 

 

It is also common to bash the next generation. Just as the subtle message embedded in The Greatest Generation implied that no other generation could ever be as challenged, the Traditionalists (b.1928-1945) looked with suspicion on the Baby Boomers (b. 1946-1964) and their anti-war sentiments, their rampant drug use, and over sexualized rock and roll music. Boomers did the same with the Gen Xers (b.1965-1980). Gen Xers were self-absorbed, materialistic, certainly not loyal to their employers, and they lacked the idealism of the Boomers (they were cynical by nature). 

 

Enter the Millennials (b. 1981-1996). Millennials were criticized by Boomers and Xers for being too entitled. Again, the themes of being self-absorbed and disloyal were bandied about. Because Millennials were so dependent upon technology, they seemed to lack social skills. This generation was also financially irresponsible with all of their student debt. All they seemed to care about was instant gratification. 

 

Now emerges still another generation; Generation Z. Generation Z The criticisms are a mixture of the oldies but goodies along with some new charges. This group is even more obsessed with technology and have even shorter attention spans. This generation has barely know life in the office (due to COVID), they are content to stare into their phones rather than engage with others, and on political apathy, -let’s not even go there. The majority are still living in their parent’s basements. Is it fair to say that our future is in doubt? How in the world is this generation going to take the reigns and lead us well into the mid-21st century?

 

Is this assessment legitimate though? Is it too easy to criticize each new generation that comes along, pointing out their differences and defining them as failures? Why do we feel compelled to make our generation seem like the better one and put the newer generation on their heels, -to make them feel like they have it somehow easier, or that they are cut from softer cloth?