Customer Reviews

Generation We: How Millennial Youth are Taking Over America And Changing Our World Forever

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Generation We is a thorough look into the Millennial generation and its impact on America. The size of the generation alone, similar to the Baby Boomers, is a reason to learn more about their preferences and trends in all facets of society. Unlike other generational books, Generation We outlines not only the characteristics of the generation, but how they can potentially impact the American society. The unfortunate aspect of this book is it was written prior to the economic downturn and the impact that the economy has had on the generation is not addressed. That alone will certainly further impact society and ultimately the American workplace practices.

The qualitative commentary subtly dilutes the book's overall impact and leaves the reader curious about the realistic true impact versus the sensationalism tone. Overall, it is a good book for an introduction into the mind of a Millennial and throughout many aspects of the book I found myself cheering for the Millennials to continue impacting and influencing change in all aspects of American life.

After completing Generation We, I read the Pew Research study, Report: A Portrait of Generation Next, which was referenced throughout Greenberg's book. It was helpful to read both for a balance of quantitative research results from the study, with the significant qualitative tone in Generation We.

I don't know how the authors of this book can be taken seriously when they can't even get the dates for Generation Y right. I was born in 1981 and graduated in 1999 - the LAST of Generation X. The whole time I was a teenager, it was pointed out how we were the last of our generation, making the way for the Millennials/Generation Y. Those born in 1982 and graduated in 2000 are the oldest of Generation Y. I remember Ronald Reagan, grew up with George H.W. Bush as president, remember Challenger exploding, and was already a teenager when the Internet became popular. Plus, Generation Y are more into Civic Duty and more socially liberal as a whole than Generation X. Please read the better books by Williams Strauss and Neil Howe, such as Generations, The 13th Generation, and Millennial Rising: The Next Generation. These two authors are the most respected in their field as both researchers and historians. They also have a website for their company called Life Course Associates. In their books Generations (1991) and Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation (2000), William Strauss and Neil Howe use the start year as 1982 and end year of the generation as 2001. They believe that the coming of age of year 2000 high school graduates sharply contrasts with those born before them and after them due to the attention they received from the media and what influenced them politically. People still seem to get the Generation X and Generation Y mixed up with the MTV Generation (a sub-generation) made up of Generation X and early Generation Y members (approximately 1974/75-1983/84) who grew up when MTV was popular as a music video station (not mostly reality shows), and came of age during the late eighties and nineties.

It is hard to believe this promotion for "Gen-We" does nothing but blame the older generation for all the world's ills and then turns around and tells the youth to follow this doctrine and do what they are told in order to create a more progressive socialist society.

How is all of history the fault of the last generation? It has been the corruption of politicians past and most certainly present who are responsible for the massive debt and decline in the economy, but if all the youth do is follow a book geared at blaming their parents while discouraging thinking for themselves I see nothing good coming from this Gen "We".

This Generation, you call WE, is actually the worse that has come along in some time...if not, for all of mankind. They are more spoiled, more lazy, more likely to not want to work, and they can't handle not getting praised for every little thing they do. When I grew up and you didn't take first, second or third in a race, you got nothing. Nowadays, everyone wins a metal...and their parents hover over them with constant praise. Some parents even show up with them during first time job interviews. When all that praise and support goes away, they fall apart. I run a small business and this is a generation that I will not hire. Anyone under 30....not likely. Too many video games, too many safe guards, not enough reasons to be motivated. They just can't think for themselves and sure as hell don't care about what is happening with the country and debt and such. I mean, just take a look at reality TV if you want an idea as to who their leaders and role models are. Lastly, one of the biggest problems we have right now is college, because this generation thinks they deserve something handed to them because they went to college. So not true...suckers. College is a play ground but it is not the real world, and no one owes you anything just because you have some fancy piece of paper. What I really worry about is a generation of kids that always wants to be taken care of...that can't leave the home and deal with reality..and will most likely expect some level of support for the rest of their lives. China, a country full of kids that want something from their lives, will take over. For us, in America, this will be the generation of "ME". Me...me...me. Good luck with the book.

This book tries to convince the young they are smarter than the old - you know those old people that have been around a few decades instead of 1 or 2. It claims they are tried of political partisanship while this rubbish preached progressive liberal trash in a partisan manner. Generation We should be more aptly titled generation whiner.
How about we teach our kids personal responsibility and stop trying to indoctrination of them in some progressive brain washed entitlement agenda. Let me tell you something generation we - you are not entitled to anything other life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and that's it! Life it not fair get use to it.

This book sickens me and it's not worth wiping my backside with.

This is a book for people who believe that kids know/understand more than their parents/elders. I'm sure Mao and Hitler would have agreed. If you are a hardcore socialist, you might enjoy it.

Generation We imparts an objective understanding of the Millenials, the 95M Americans born between 1978 and 2000. It gives us a reason to be optimistic about our future, as the book explains how the generation is driven by the greater good and a strong sense of mission and urgency to fix the world they are inheriting.

The book outlines with great sobriety and candor the world which has been left for the youth to inherit, but it also outlines a suggested agenda from which the youth can reclaim the American dream. It talks of the unification of the youth with the legacy bearers, caring parents, justice seekers, and concerned citizens to begin a path of reparation. The book chronicles several times in history where great changes have been achieved, such as the enlightenment, industrial revolution, abolition of slavery, American independance, and the civil rights movement. It inspires by letting people know how they can make change happen as part of their lives.

The book culminates with a rousing epilogue modeled after the Declaration of Independance that provides the basis for making changes happen and specific items that society should address to restore the American birthright.

What is most heartening about the book is the notion that this generation is post-partisan, and they are thinking alike, as political independants, in a way that makes the ideal of working together a real possibility.

The coming together of the youth is further enhanced by examples of young leaders that are living the example. The book is supported by an immense amount of data and research with beautiful graphics. In fact, the entire book is in color, with stunning photography, infographics, and inspiring quotations and iconography.

A true work of art that not only eloquently presents its data and message, but please the visual senses.

Bravo!

Van Jones is a self-proclaimed communist. He endorses this book. He also works closely with President Obama.

The book was okay. Interesting. It takes a very positive view of the millennials. Reminiscent of Howe & Strauss.

As a "member" of Generation We, I was able to see a lot of my own opinions and feelings reflected in the research of this book. I liked that the book included a lot of good research and that it wasn't dry because the researched was backed up with engaging summaries and inspiring plans of action.

The book encourages Generation We to act now. It doesn't look at this generation as a group of kids or young adults in preparation for involvement in the coming years. It looks at this generation as a powerful force now that can begin to make changes now.

The book presents some challenging ideas and does a great job at synthesizing current social ills in a way that shows how they are all connected. Then it gives concrete ideas on Generation We can begin to solve these social ills.

This is a call to action. If our generation ignores the points that Greenberg and Weber bring up, we will follow the mistake of our parents and leave the planet in worse shape for our own children.