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How are Generation X and Generation Y similar?
Please provide a positive answer and please do not favour one generation over another.
What did each generation protest?
What did each generation protest?
voted interesting: moreanswers M$0.59, jeffhoard M$0.16, bugmenot M$0.10, heartofgold1 M$1.00, jasoncalacanis M$0.10
answers (7)
I am a Gen X-er with siblings who stretch into Gen-Y.
Similarities:
Both generations are distanced from their politically motivated parental generations by two "A" words: Anarchy & Apathy
The birth of the Punk subculture (late 70's & early 80's) is a direct focus on the anarchistic stance the Gens X & Y view of authority - and even political structure. We didn't pull out bongs and pick daisies - nor did we grasp for days gone by or Mrs. Cleaver anecdotes. We screamed our rage at our parents, our teachers, the police - ANYONE who came between us and our quest for doing what we want to do. This blended into the early Goth scene - which turned into itself for what it wanted, becoming anti-social and mysterious. The later-part spawned the beginning of the Emo-ness of the Gen Z.. something that needs a bit more study and contemplation on as it is still undergoing morphs and changes
However, we all grow up, eh? Now, Gen X & Y are approaching the early stages of "middle agedness". Late 30's, early 40's - and slowly starting to understand what our grandparents had talked about. Forget our parents who are now retiring and reaping the benefits of their hard labor in raising us. Now, Gens X & Y are the ones in charge, and we are standing there going, "Hu?!" (note that is not a typo - many of us are so confused we cannot even finish the question)
Financially, the Gens X & Y of the United States feel burdened as their retirement will not include Social Security. Benefits are already stagnated for our parents, and expected to drop as the years progress. Rather, Gens X & Y will be paying to support the huge baby-Boomer population. Retirement at 60? I don't think so... As we are expected to live longer, as such we will have to work longer. Anyone ready for that 80-year career span?
So the apathy sets in. We turn to our government leaders and wonder what they are doing - but we have a deep sense there are no answers even if we look for it. Generally speaking, many Gens X & Y people just sigh, turn on some video game, and try to ignore the fact that our countries are broke, our resources are dwindling and... our children will wind up supporting us.
On the positive swing, Gens X & Y are damned smart! We grew up with computers, developing them to become the killer-processors they are today. We programmed the internet (we didn't create it, we just made it better) and we are developing digital solutions to boredom. Technological advances in medicine, communications and transportation.
If only to solve our money woes... The biggest issue with Gens X & Y - we do not know how to really save our money. We are the impulse generations having benefited from the prosperity of our Booming parentage. However, Gen Xers are a bit more frugal in their spending than the Gen Y group as we experienced Regan-nomics and we do remember the gas lines of the 70's. We do still spend - we just tend to spend on used or "gently treated" items moreso than the Gen Ys who like brand new shiney things.
As we get into middle age years, we will learn just what it is like to really tighten our belts and do without. It is already starting with this recession (yes, I said the "R" word) and we will start looking for ways to fix it (for we are smart). The issue will be can we force our respective governments to listen to us? Perhaps we need to get out of our apathetic cocoons sooner than later and jump up screaming as we did when we birthed the punk movement.
Similarities:
Both generations are distanced from their politically motivated parental generations by two "A" words: Anarchy & Apathy
The birth of the Punk subculture (late 70's & early 80's) is a direct focus on the anarchistic stance the Gens X & Y view of authority - and even political structure. We didn't pull out bongs and pick daisies - nor did we grasp for days gone by or Mrs. Cleaver anecdotes. We screamed our rage at our parents, our teachers, the police - ANYONE who came between us and our quest for doing what we want to do. This blended into the early Goth scene - which turned into itself for what it wanted, becoming anti-social and mysterious. The later-part spawned the beginning of the Emo-ness of the Gen Z.. something that needs a bit more study and contemplation on as it is still undergoing morphs and changes
However, we all grow up, eh? Now, Gen X & Y are approaching the early stages of "middle agedness". Late 30's, early 40's - and slowly starting to understand what our grandparents had talked about. Forget our parents who are now retiring and reaping the benefits of their hard labor in raising us. Now, Gens X & Y are the ones in charge, and we are standing there going, "Hu?!" (note that is not a typo - many of us are so confused we cannot even finish the question)
Financially, the Gens X & Y of the United States feel burdened as their retirement will not include Social Security. Benefits are already stagnated for our parents, and expected to drop as the years progress. Rather, Gens X & Y will be paying to support the huge baby-Boomer population. Retirement at 60? I don't think so... As we are expected to live longer, as such we will have to work longer. Anyone ready for that 80-year career span?
So the apathy sets in. We turn to our government leaders and wonder what they are doing - but we have a deep sense there are no answers even if we look for it. Generally speaking, many Gens X & Y people just sigh, turn on some video game, and try to ignore the fact that our countries are broke, our resources are dwindling and... our children will wind up supporting us.
On the positive swing, Gens X & Y are damned smart! We grew up with computers, developing them to become the killer-processors they are today. We programmed the internet (we didn't create it, we just made it better) and we are developing digital solutions to boredom. Technological advances in medicine, communications and transportation.
If only to solve our money woes... The biggest issue with Gens X & Y - we do not know how to really save our money. We are the impulse generations having benefited from the prosperity of our Booming parentage. However, Gen Xers are a bit more frugal in their spending than the Gen Y group as we experienced Regan-nomics and we do remember the gas lines of the 70's. We do still spend - we just tend to spend on used or "gently treated" items moreso than the Gen Ys who like brand new shiney things.
As we get into middle age years, we will learn just what it is like to really tighten our belts and do without. It is already starting with this recession (yes, I said the "R" word) and we will start looking for ways to fix it (for we are smart). The issue will be can we force our respective governments to listen to us? Perhaps we need to get out of our apathetic cocoons sooner than later and jump up screaming as we did when we birthed the punk movement.
source(s):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punk_movement
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iTrgrpJ1JxUsdwo-WbKS7wAGq...
http://www.examiner.com/x-19536-Tucson-Investing-Examiner~y2009m8d27-Social...
http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/retirement/what-will-retirement-...
http://resources.ketchum.com/web/boomers.pdf
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/07/21/daily8.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punk_movement
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iTrgrpJ1JxUsdwo-WbKS7wAGq...
http://www.examiner.com/x-19536-Tucson-Investing-Examiner~y2009m8d27-Social...
http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/retirement/what-will-retirement-...
http://resources.ketchum.com/web/boomers.pdf
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/07/21/daily8.html
| Asker's rating: |
This was a great answer that had a lot of thought put into it. Thanks for giving such a great detailed answer. I also tipped @buddawiggi for continuing to answer as I asked. Thanks for all of your hard work everyone!
voted helpful: buddawiggi, mysterygirl89, ewpldf, psycgirl
Q: Write a few sentences about why you think Generation X and Generation Y are similar.
A: You're joking. You're *asking* for aspects that members of the two groups share in common?!?
Members of gen-X and gen-Y typically all have two eye, two ears, one nose with two nostrels, two hands with five fingers per hand, one brain with two hemipsheres, two legs, ten toes, one heart, two kidneys, cells metabolizing in an oxygen atmosphere using the oxydative dephosphorilation pathway, a need for oxygen, water, and food, a love of sex, a dislike of disease, a fondness for fine weather, etc. etc. etc.
In fact, they've got so much in common one has to nit pick fine little nuances of behavior in order to identify patterns of group attitude sufficient to justify classification into separate subcultures, labeled gen-X and gen-Y.
So the question is not what do they have in common, because by default they've got most things in common.
The issue remains, what do they have *not* in common that matters enough to call them different!
A: You're joking. You're *asking* for aspects that members of the two groups share in common?!?
Members of gen-X and gen-Y typically all have two eye, two ears, one nose with two nostrels, two hands with five fingers per hand, one brain with two hemipsheres, two legs, ten toes, one heart, two kidneys, cells metabolizing in an oxygen atmosphere using the oxydative dephosphorilation pathway, a need for oxygen, water, and food, a love of sex, a dislike of disease, a fondness for fine weather, etc. etc. etc.
In fact, they've got so much in common one has to nit pick fine little nuances of behavior in order to identify patterns of group attitude sufficient to justify classification into separate subcultures, labeled gen-X and gen-Y.
So the question is not what do they have in common, because by default they've got most things in common.
The issue remains, what do they have *not* in common that matters enough to call them different!
voted helpful: mysterygirl89
voted unhelpful: mahaloking29, lesszoa
Actually we do have things in common, I don't think its nice to kind of insult people on their questions. I gave a perfect example of what we do have in common and there is tons more, I would prefer next time that you just not answer a question if you don't like it or think it is basically stupid. . . . We do have a lot different of course, but I wanna see how bright people are and see what creative things people can come up with.
Hmmm, if you like you could write a few sentences of why you think they are soo different, in a positive way, most people say negative things about Generation Y, could you say something positive about how they are different, I will change your answer to Helpful, if you do.
Sorry... it's just that I've heard discussions like this before, but when I look at people calling themselves gen-X versus gen-Y, I can't see any significant differences. Nothing on the scale of, say for example, people who were teens prior to 1966 versus those who were teens post 1974, or those who were teens prior to 1940 versus those who were teens post 1945, not to even *mention* teens pre 1928 versus post 1933...
Generations used to change a lot with each subsequent generation in the 20th centry, but some time around 1982 things leveled out, and not much has changed since then.
Generations used to change a lot with each subsequent generation in the 20th centry, but some time around 1982 things leveled out, and not much has changed since then.
Hmmm, I don't see it as a Vs. we are their children there is nothing bad about it. But of course our life styles are different. I personally think this topic just bugs you. Tons have changed, like War and what people think about it.
No, it doesn't bug me, it's just that kids these days are so much more like their parents than was any generation of kids any time in the 20th century prior to 1982 that I can't see it as being a significant issue, but maybe that's because I'm so accustomed to the genrations having been radically different that I can't see differences when they're subtle.
Well I think Generation Y is to divers. So it is hard to say. I hate to generalize but that is what is needed to answer this question.
As a Gen X Manager I've spent a bit of time thinking about how the Gen-Y people who worked for me are different and how that matters, but I've also noticed some similarities. Here are a few I've seen (note: these are observations from what I've seen, but not necessarily a comprehensive analysis):
1. Technology Value - Gen X (esp. the younger half of the generation) and Gen Y both grew up with personal computers, game systems, etc. so there is a comfort with technology and a willingness to see the value it can bring.
2. Entitlement- Both generations seem to be fairly confident and in my experience seem to have a little greater sense of entitlement (especially in the marketplace) than other generations. The idea of "putting in your time" to get a promotion or raise is not as accepted by Gen X & Gen Y.
3. Salary vs. Benefits - Flexible work schedules, the social impact/value of a job, indirect compensation, etc. all seem to be more important to X & Y-ers than other generations.
1. Technology Value - Gen X (esp. the younger half of the generation) and Gen Y both grew up with personal computers, game systems, etc. so there is a comfort with technology and a willingness to see the value it can bring.
2. Entitlement- Both generations seem to be fairly confident and in my experience seem to have a little greater sense of entitlement (especially in the marketplace) than other generations. The idea of "putting in your time" to get a promotion or raise is not as accepted by Gen X & Gen Y.
3. Salary vs. Benefits - Flexible work schedules, the social impact/value of a job, indirect compensation, etc. all seem to be more important to X & Y-ers than other generations.
voted helpful: mysterygirl89
voted unhelpful: mahaloking29, lesszoa
Don't forget to talk about what each Generation has protested about, there is two parts to the question. (^_^)V
Generation X, commonly abbreviated to Gen X, is a term used to refer to the cohorts born after the baby boom ended, extending from the early-to-mid 1960s to late 1970s . The term Generation X has been used in demography, the social sciences, and marketing, though it is most often used in popular culture.
In the U.S. Generation X was originally referred to as the "baby bust" generation because of the drop in the birth rate following the baby boom.
In the UK the term was first used in a 1964 study of British youth by Jane Deverson. Deverson was asked by Woman's Own magazine to interview teenagers of the time. The study revealed a generation of teenagers who "sleep together before they are married, were not taught to believe in God as 'much', dislike the Queen, and don't respect parents," which was deemed unsuitable for the magazine because it was a new phenomenon. Deverson, in an attempt to save her research, worked with Hollywood correspondent Charles Hamblett to create a book about the study. Hamblett decided to name it Generation X.
Generation Y, also known as The Millennial Generation or as Generation Next, is a term used to describe the demographic cohort following Generation X. Its members are often referred to as "Millennials or "Echo Boomers. There are no precise dates for when Generation Y starts and ends. Most commentators use birth dates ranging somewhere from the late 1970s to mid 1990s. Until Generation Z began to come of age in the late 2000s, Gen Y was often ended around 2000 for convenience, but it is now more common to end Y and begin Z somewhere in the middle of the 1990s, such as August 1996.
Members of Generation Y are primarily the offspring of the Baby Boom Generation and Generation X was originally referred to as the "baby bust" generation because of the drop in the birth rate following the baby boom.
HENCE GENERATION X and GENERATION Y ARE SIMILAR.
thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the U.S. Generation X was originally referred to as the "baby bust" generation because of the drop in the birth rate following the baby boom.
In the UK the term was first used in a 1964 study of British youth by Jane Deverson. Deverson was asked by Woman's Own magazine to interview teenagers of the time. The study revealed a generation of teenagers who "sleep together before they are married, were not taught to believe in God as 'much', dislike the Queen, and don't respect parents," which was deemed unsuitable for the magazine because it was a new phenomenon. Deverson, in an attempt to save her research, worked with Hollywood correspondent Charles Hamblett to create a book about the study. Hamblett decided to name it Generation X.
Generation Y, also known as The Millennial Generation or as Generation Next, is a term used to describe the demographic cohort following Generation X. Its members are often referred to as "Millennials or "Echo Boomers. There are no precise dates for when Generation Y starts and ends. Most commentators use birth dates ranging somewhere from the late 1970s to mid 1990s. Until Generation Z began to come of age in the late 2000s, Gen Y was often ended around 2000 for convenience, but it is now more common to end Y and begin Z somewhere in the middle of the 1990s, such as August 1996.
Members of Generation Y are primarily the offspring of the Baby Boom Generation and Generation X was originally referred to as the "baby bust" generation because of the drop in the birth rate following the baby boom.
HENCE GENERATION X and GENERATION Y ARE SIMILAR.
thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
voted helpful: mahaloking29
voted unhelpful: mysterygirl89, lesszoa
I noticed a lot of plagiarism. Please do not use plagiarism, it is illegal. Please quote sources. Thank you.
Don't forget to talk about what each Generation has protested about, there is two parts to the question. (^_^)V
Don't forget to talk about what each Generation has protested about, there is two parts to the question. (^_^)V
One thing I find interesting is the new emo culture and how similar it is to the old Depeche Mode goth types that I remember from school, the type that wore chains on their black military-looking pants, those big boots I can't remember the name of, and the quiet, mysteriously melancholy nature, when I first saw the definition of an emo, I thought, OMG, it's come back! We'll be seeing a lot more 1980's stuff coming back.
voted helpful: mysterygirl89
voted unhelpful: mahaloking29
Don't forget to talk about what each Generation has protested about, there is two parts to the question. (^_^)V
I did notice one similarity both generations. If they had anything to do with the naming of their generation they both expressed little to no creativity in doing so.
Both generations are designated with letters of the alphabet and with X coming before Y, I would say although only very minimally, Generation Y has used a bit less creativity in the naming of their generation as they sort of piggy backed onto the name of the previous generation failing to come up with their own unique name and just resorting to using the next letter in the alphabet.
Where is the previous generation to both Generation W ? Will Generation Z be the last generation? What will the generation after generation Z call itself if this trend in naming generations after consecutive letters in the alphabet continues? ; p
Both generations are designated with letters of the alphabet and with X coming before Y, I would say although only very minimally, Generation Y has used a bit less creativity in the naming of their generation as they sort of piggy backed onto the name of the previous generation failing to come up with their own unique name and just resorting to using the next letter in the alphabet.
Where is the previous generation to both Generation W ? Will Generation Z be the last generation? What will the generation after generation Z call itself if this trend in naming generations after consecutive letters in the alphabet continues? ; p
voted helpful: mysterygirl89
I thought your answer was interesting but that is all a given, I still gave you a helpful vote, I think you tired. But I am talking about Characteristic similarities. I would love to see what you have to say about the Characteristics, I have always noticed you have very nice answers and would love to hear what you have to say about that.
Yes there is a Generation W, they are just not so commonly refered to as it. Here is an article. http://ezinearticles.com/?Are-You-a-Member-of-Generation-W?&id=2567183
Anyways again, I hope to hear what you have to say about the Characteristic traits that are similar.
Don't forget to talk about what each Generation has protested about, there is two parts to the question.
Yes there is a Generation W, they are just not so commonly refered to as it. Here is an article. http://ezinearticles.com/?Are-You-a-Member-of-Generation-W?&id=2567183
Anyways again, I hope to hear what you have to say about the Characteristic traits that are similar.
Don't forget to talk about what each Generation has protested about, there is two parts to the question.
I am part of Generation X and cannot speak for the whole generation but I can say that I have never protested anything. I have expressed my distaste for law and policy by voting at every opportunity and level possible and being active within my community at the micro level, meaning in my neighborhood and on my street specifically.
More and more through court mandates or genuine altruism I have seen the younger of the two generations becoming active in community service as well. Mostly from court orders but that is a beginning from which to grow an overall attitude of helpfulness and community respect.
So I would say that since most of the active volunteers I work with are members of either Gen-X or Gen-Y that a common bond of community self-improvement is in the works and from an ideological perspective that is all most of us truly active community volunteers need to keep building a better place to live one street at a time. One person at a time.
More and more through court mandates or genuine altruism I have seen the younger of the two generations becoming active in community service as well. Mostly from court orders but that is a beginning from which to grow an overall attitude of helpfulness and community respect.
So I would say that since most of the active volunteers I work with are members of either Gen-X or Gen-Y that a common bond of community self-improvement is in the works and from an ideological perspective that is all most of us truly active community volunteers need to keep building a better place to live one street at a time. One person at a time.
Thanks. (^_^)V Keep up all your good work.
How do both generations volunteer (did/do they volunteer for the same kinds of things). You almost have done exactly what I would like to be done, to be honest you are the closest person to getting best answer, I would love to read a little bit more about what you have to say. Keep up the great work! (^_^)V
To start with I had to do some reading to find out about what Gen-Y was volunteering for nationally and it seems that Gen-Y has been quite liberal with their time and actually sought and seek out employment in companies that provide volunteer opportunities. Time Magazine Article Merrill Associates drew similar conclusions Merrill Associates Article
I would have to say overall my generation (Gen-X) although interested in non-conformity and volunteerism like Gen-Y did not apply our energy as responsibility as Gen-Y as we were more anti-corporate and Gen-Y has focused their non-conformity into a successful mix of economic responsibility in conjunction with volunteerism and corporate life.
Here is an important part of the Merrill Associates article.
I would have to say overall my generation (Gen-X) although interested in non-conformity and volunteerism like Gen-Y did not apply our energy as responsibility as Gen-Y as we were more anti-corporate and Gen-Y has focused their non-conformity into a successful mix of economic responsibility in conjunction with volunteerism and corporate life.
Here is an important part of the Merrill Associates article.
I tipped you. I still thought you did a great job and you did as I asked.
Thanks @mysterygirl I did not expect to be tipped that was very nice of you. I have to give it up to @lesszoa she really gave a great answer.
Thanks again; :)
Thanks again; :)
Well, I thought it was only fair, plus my original Tip for this answer was how much I gave you, everything else ways other peoples Tips. You did a great job following what I asked you to do. Keep up all your great work! (^_^)V
The similarittes between both generations are
1.Both generations have "been shaped by the events, leaders, developments and trends of its time.22" (quoted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Y)
2. Both are insular generations.
3. Both generations where willing to fight wars for the country.
4. Both were patriotic
1.Both generations have "been shaped by the events, leaders, developments and trends of its time.22" (quoted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Y)
2. Both are insular generations.
3. Both generations where willing to fight wars for the country.
4. Both were patriotic
voted helpful: mysterygirl89
Patriotic? Are you talking about the amount of Gen Xers & Ys that joined the military voluntarily?
Hmm... I think I'll contribute to this one...
Hmm... I think I'll contribute to this one...
Yes both generations were and are willing to fight but also many are willing to protest against the wars. It is all mixed up, many people have their own beliefs.
Patriotism as a whole is supporting the majority with almost fanatical fervor out of devotion and dare I say it, "love for one's country".
As a Gen-Xer, I don't see that. Gen X is very cynical. We've been through many down turns not just in the US, but world wide. We grew up wondering about nuclear holocaust amid cries of global warming. Gen X is not a politically motivated generation.
Gen Y is a little bit more patriotic, but they do so for the betterment of their own living standards - not the entirety. If they can get one better, they will do it for themselves - even if the means do indeed support the wole - Gen Y does it for selfish reasons - not patriotic.
Why are so many joining the military then as volunteers? You have to look at the economy for that answer.
Before the Gulf War, military recruitment was way down. When the Gulf War started in the early 90's, it was speculated that the government spurred it on to help bolster the military. As the Cold War ended and military disarmament started, the economy started to waver... how about researching the effect of the economy on military enrollment..... That should show something there.
Today, you ask any kid why he or she is joining the military - a good percentage are joining for they have no financial prospects. My own sons are living with me (19 & 20) and will soon be shipping out with the Army... they just cannot find jobs elsewhere.
Selfish, yes... My "later" Gen Y sons are not patriotic in the least, and they are from from being devoted to their country. Several of their friends are in the same spot. As it is right now for those who are coming out of high school, if you do not have the money for college... join the military. You best be smart though....
As a Gen-Xer, I don't see that. Gen X is very cynical. We've been through many down turns not just in the US, but world wide. We grew up wondering about nuclear holocaust amid cries of global warming. Gen X is not a politically motivated generation.
Gen Y is a little bit more patriotic, but they do so for the betterment of their own living standards - not the entirety. If they can get one better, they will do it for themselves - even if the means do indeed support the wole - Gen Y does it for selfish reasons - not patriotic.
Why are so many joining the military then as volunteers? You have to look at the economy for that answer.
Before the Gulf War, military recruitment was way down. When the Gulf War started in the early 90's, it was speculated that the government spurred it on to help bolster the military. As the Cold War ended and military disarmament started, the economy started to waver... how about researching the effect of the economy on military enrollment..... That should show something there.
Today, you ask any kid why he or she is joining the military - a good percentage are joining for they have no financial prospects. My own sons are living with me (19 & 20) and will soon be shipping out with the Army... they just cannot find jobs elsewhere.
Selfish, yes... My "later" Gen Y sons are not patriotic in the least, and they are from from being devoted to their country. Several of their friends are in the same spot. As it is right now for those who are coming out of high school, if you do not have the money for college... join the military. You best be smart though....
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You have provided so much information! I really appreciate you putting so much time into your answer.
See further down this page where I talk about patriotism. It kinda fleshes things out.
I'm nominating your answer for:
August 28 Answer of the Day Contest *Weekend Edition*!
Stop by and give your answer a "Helpful" vote so that everyone can see what you did.