The Baby Boomers: people born between 1945 and 1961.
Generation X: people born between 1962 and 1976.
Generation Y: people born between 1977 and 1989... and beyond
Why do we call the last one generation Y?
I did not know, but a caricaturist explains it eloquently below...
I think I've been pretty tolerant of youth and their trends, fads and fancies, but there are a few things that have always bothered me. One being the way boys wear their pants - just like the cartoon depicts. It's fashion now and most don't even know where it came from and don't care how it looks. If you want an explanation of where this fashion trend started, email me and I'll be happy to let you know. I just don't want to do that here on my blog [it is a family friendly blog after all].
Another is the way young kids think it's funny - cool - hip - whatever, to pretend to be gangsters. Again, it's a fad and it's commonplace. Most kids don't give it a second thought. They have the mentality of everyone does it so why not. If they only knew, or more importantly, understood how violent and deadly gangs in this country are. I don't understand why they would want to emulate a member of a gang. But they don't see it the same way an adult does.
And the last thing that bothers me is how commonplace swearing and profane language has become. Teenagers today hear this kind of language all day long (if they're in a public school) and don't think twice when the same words come out of their mouths. And how can we blame them for using such language when it's everywhere (except churches).
I am shocked when I hear this kind of language used on late night TV shows. Of course, it's bleeped out, but you know what they're saying. Students have told me they have teachers who use profane words. Of course, if a kid has parents talking this way, how would they not. I've heard it from store clerks, waiters, and even the Starbuck's barista.
If kids hear it everywhere, how can they keep from using the same kind of language? I honestly don't think some of them realize they even use certain words. The more you hear it or say it, the less you're aware of it coming out of your own mouth.
Don't get me wrong, I love teenagers and even some of their quirky ways. It's just that I wish some things were diferent for them. These are things I wish would change about this generation. I don't see it happening, though. Sad, but true.
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link of the day:
http://www.thedontquitpoem.com/
15 comments:
Being born in 1975 I really don't fit in with the Gen X'ers. Really I don't I'm lost in the middle somewhere. Definitely NOT a Gen Yer either.
well, I'm with you on these three for sure!
A) I didn't know where it came from till my coworkers were talking a couple days ago...prison. Too Sad. I always thought they were imitating Plumber's Syndrome. guess I'm naieve.
B) I was working with an agency nurse last night who had a gang member hold a gun to her head and demand to see the (rival) gang member that'd just come through ER as they followed him there to "finish the job" She sent them to an empty floor that was under renevation then told everyone to barricade themselves in rooms...and moved her pt. She's lucky to be alive. But Oh Yeah, I forgot...it's COOL to be a gangsta!
C) Now see here, I'm married to a Sailor and I can hold my own no prob. But I had this one coworker that I just hate to work with cuz every other word out of his mouth is F-this or F-that, or S.... I mean really, when you're at work you really should learn to turn that off. Geez.
Now, here's the deal....I'm talking about ADULTS....so what are our Children being taught???????????
Well said!
That cartoon cracked me up. Too funny!!
Having a teenage daughter, I know exactly what you are talking about.
its not just the teens though - you see it in the elementary school too.
Very sad...
That cartoon said it all. :-)
Hilarious!
It is sad when I have to worry about what Disney Cartoon characters are saying. Maybe they don't consider st*p*d to be a swear word, but I do.
Sad but true.
Good to see you again too.
Hugs, Lori
Great Post :)
The pants thing drives me crazy! I still don't understand why they think it's "cool". But then we did some funny things in generation x too! The mouths on kids these days is the worst though. Not just the swearing, but the lack of respect for themselves, anyone around them and elders. It really makes me mad when I hear it.
LOL!!!
Sarah said what Bill says(kind of)
Bill will go up to the young man and asked when he stops being an apprentice and becomes Full time...to which the boy will ask Full time what ? huh? Then Bill will say to becoming a plumber!
So disrespectful to the plumbers...but most of the boys don't get it!
I am so with you on the gansta junk...I know that the boys have no clue to the reality of gangster:(
I loved your previous post! Daughters are fantastic aren't they?:)
The worst thing I've seen in this generation of youth is the lack of forward-looking among those most "at risk". When I worked with youth in Alaska I got to know kids from all walks of life. From those whose parents did dope, to those whose parents were pastors. The main difference I saw in the ones who were resilient and looked like they were gonna make it were those who had a sense of future. A sense of their own personal future, that is.
That's why I was so glad when I was asked to direct a mentoring program which would connect kids of all ages with adult mentors. It was called Across Ages and was a rather unique take on mentoring. I saw kids grow into hopeful people as a result of having positive input from a grownup who "liked them".
Here's my hue and cry: Take every opportunity to approve, validate and enrich the life of every kid you see, even if it's only a five second greeting that makes them feel like you are really glad to see them.
Most grownups don't like teenagers and don't try to hide it. We need to change that message wherever we can.
Nancy
"I love teenagers and even some of their quirky ways. It's just that I wish some things were diferent for them."
Oh yeah. I also pray for my son's generation.
I post just today about Deborah in Judges. She arose a mother and fought for her generation.
May each of us fight for this generation in whatever way God might lead us.
I agree with you on both counts. I just don't get where it's ever ok to use profanity to and around perfect strangers. And not even minor profanity, but now it's ok to use the F bomb in just normal conversation!
what in the world?!
You always crack me up!! Too funny.
Deb
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