Dear Shirley:
We entered a new century, completed a new decade and are coming into a new year. We recognize and are familiar with the Baby Boomers followed by Generation X, Y and Z. What can we expect next?
Gen Seeker
Dear Gen Seeker:
I too, was wondering what would follow Generations X, Y, and Z. I found the answer to be simply; ‘The Next Generation' identified as TNG. By examining definitions of past generations we can project what TNG will look like. In the mix of new appearances “History tends to repeats itself.” There is no one characteristic of what a generation is like; it is more of a summation of several factors that create the mold of the generation with many generalizations. People born into each new generation are cohorts of the same date range who share similar cultural experiences as they age.
We are familiar with the Baby Boomer generation, which extended from the end of World War II, 1946 to 1964. The marked increase in birth rate of babies born in this era created the biggest bulge in American population to date. Many joined in the 60s counterculture movement. The values of this generation were committed to gender and racial equality, environmental stewardship and getting ahead in this world.
Generation X (1965-1981) considered the invisible and ignored generation arrived at the end of the Boomer phase. This generation grew up when Mom's started going to work; divorce became more common; latch key kids found their own way through forced independence; sleeping together before marriage was accepted; disrespect toward parents and a lack of believe in God emerged.
Generation Y (1980's to 1990's) blended the Echo Boomers or the Net Generation to form a set of young people who have increased use and familiarity with communications (email, texting) media (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace), and digital technology online gaming (Second Life, World of Warcraft, Flash Mobbing). Peer oriented they are known as neo-liberals and market oriented in their approach to politics and economics.
Generation Z are babies born in the early to late 2000s, children of late Boomers, Gen X'ers, and some young Y's. These individuals have not yet revealed their true intentions.
Bill Gates founded “Generation I” which is biased by Internet technology; enhanced information, I-pods and I-phones. Talking in text avoids social interaction or communication face to face. Gates proclaimed: “this generation has no memory of life without the Net. They are truly our agents of change.”
In TNG, experience, diversity and creativity will be the norm. TNG will promote environmental coalitions, nonprofit organizations for water, energy, forest and environmental tax reform; politicians focused on social change and ecological protection. TNG kiddos are not looking for the next new rage they are examining what went before them. Some of TNG offer ‘nothing and want everything' because they grew up being used to getting whatever they want. They too, will learn freedom does not come without responsibility. Unfortunately, they may be burdened with the greatest responsibilities the American people have ever known. Somehow they will have to step up and show they are capable of handling the liabilities they have inherited.
Good ole Bob Dylan said it well, yes, “The times they are a changing.” We will have to rely on the younger generation to make positive and successful decisions for their future. The one consolation is the fact that good or bad, history does repeat itself.
“Ask Shirley” questions can be focused on any topics involving life, health, fitness, mental training, competition, clinical issues or addictions. Please, email your questions to Askshirl@gmail.com. All questions will remain anonymous.
Shirley K. Durtschi is an Applied Sport Psychology Certified Consultant (AASP-CC), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Chemical Dependency Counselor Supervisor (CDCS) for the State of Alaska.
