In this reading, Monaco and Martin (2009) do a background check on my generation, the Millennials (1981-2000). Following the introduction of the Millennial generation the article begins to focus on the parental generations, Boomers and Gen Xers, of the Millenials and the influential role they play as parents. Honestly, before reading this article I was clueless as to what my generation is called and how it is characterized.
Although I may not have agreed with every description, I saw myself and my friends in descriptions such as, multi-tasking, social, and technologically proficient (Monaco & Martin, 2009). I agree with the article about the high involvement of parents in the education of the Millennial generation. The involvement of the parents can be attributed to the value placed on education for their generations. My own personal experiences can attest to this high parental involvement. My parents were very involved in my decisions regarding where I went to college, keeping track of my grades, and encouraging me to get the most out of my education.
What I found most interesting about reading this article was how it made me feel. I felt a sense of belonging. In an earlier reading by Mills (2000), the point was made that a person cannot truly know the importance of their life without realizing the role they play in the history of their society. I think the categorization of society into generations is one way to help individuals understand where they fit in the daily evolving history of the world.
Courtney I agree with your notion that our generation is defined by the digital age. Like you, I also think that not every description was accurate. I believe that each generation is defined by a major technological innovation that defines the culture of generation.
ReplyDelete1920s-Radio
1930s,1940- Film with spoken parts
1950s- Television
1980s- Cable Television, VCR
Millennials- Internet
Courtney,
ReplyDeleteI too found myself agreeing with the descriptions of multi-tasking and technologically proficient. Digital technology has become such a constant in our generation that it has required many changes in our lives that are unique to Millennials. I didn't get a cell phone until I was 19 and I remember having to plan what I was doing with my friends, where we were going to meet and when, and other items like that. When I talk to kids who are in high school now, they rarely seem to plan much in advance because all of their friends are a text away. I also find myself multi-tasking constantly. I watch my TV while cooking and eating dinner, talk on the phone to my parents when I do laundry or other chores and do many other similar things. I think part of this is due to how busy life has become for Millennials.
Knowing some of the characterizations of each generation can be useful in certain work environments--e.g., many boomer teachers cannot understand the multi-tasking (i.e., reflected by the constant urge of students to check their cell phones or iphones during class). On the other hand, I think it is important to not let these generalities become stereotypes that limit our thinking about individuals from each generation. I'm glad you can see the relationship between the concept of generations and what Mills said about needing to understand the intersection between biography and history.
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