I AM NOT ALONE!
This is confession time. I confess that when I was a kid I used to think my parents were old. 30 seemed so…well…ancient. 35 digging for bones. 40 way over the hill. 45 half way in the grave. 50 sayonara. Now I are one and more. 🙂 (For the record, kicking and screaming toward 60).
All that to say, I never really gave two bits for generational stuff. I couldn’t have told you what generation I was in or any others. Until now. I am reading a really, really informative book that is giving me a whole new light to shine on some of the people I work with. The book is called The Millennials. I saw it and wrote this young leader about it. He recommended it without reservation. I usually am turned off by “survey” books, but this one is really giving me an understanding of today’s generation. For the record, here are the generations as listed in the book:
G.I. Generation (1904-1924)
Silent Generation (1925-1945)
Boomer Generation (1946-1964)
Gen X (1965-1979)
Millennial Generation (1980-2000)
Each generation has had its unique markers. I remember well spending time with my grandfather-a welder for US Steel-a company no longer around. A college education was not necessary to make a decent living. My parents were part of the Silent Generation, aka Swing Generation because they were between the G.I. and Boomers. The Cleavers we weren’t, but we stayed a working father/stay-at-home mom family. Then there’s me-a Boomer. My two girls are Gen X-ers, although one barely made it. The Millennials have overtaken the Boomers in sheer size, but there are a lot of parallels. There are also some glaring differences. As the book shows there are some major themes that run through this generation:
They are Hopeful
They are Relational
They are Learners
Like I said, they have their good and bad points (every other generation did also except the Boomers…I kid). 🙂 I realize no formula fits any one group of people. But this book has really given me a better “eye” toward this generation. I certainly am understanding the thoughts I run into a little bit better. I may not always agree (although they do have some good points if one listens), but I am finding myself saying, “Oh, so that is why.” Or “Oh, now it makes more sense that…”
Most important of all, I am gaining insight into their religious (or is it lack of) thought. I have no intention of skirting the spiritual issue, nor of compromising my belief in Jesus. But it is giving me a platform to understand. And, in many way, it is giving me
H……….O……….P……….E
that this current generation might become one that might “redeem” the time we have left. To know more about this do one of three things. Read the book. Check out Jonathan’s blog. Or check out this blog.
Your turn. Which generation do you fall into? Your thoughts on the current crop? Have you read the book or checked out Jonathan’s blog?
Actually I think all modern generations are valued based on the gaming platforms that existed at the time. I lived through pong and I remember staring agog at my neighbor’s console T.V.. There were actually playing a game on it! If you were around before video game platforms, you are likely mentioned in the Old Testament somewhere, probably in either 1 of 2 Chronicles.
Thanks for the encouraging words Daniel. I did play stop a car with my feet and say Yaba-daba-doo at the end of the workday. 🙂
I’m a GenX kid. One of the greatest joys I’ve had is to sit in a table with people from different generations. The young… they think they know it all. The old, they think they understand. I think there’s a gift when you listen to all generations and squeeze every juice of wisdom from them. Both, old and young.
Learning from the older gen is one of the characteristics of the Millennials. I think it is wise no matter who and what gen you are. Squeeze away.
I’m a Gen-X’er. I have read the book, but follow “it”ol on Twitter.
What did you think about the book larry? Give you any insight? Lost me on the “it” ol on Twitter. Are you saying “follow it all on Twitter?” Help out an old man and non-tweeter. 😛
niiiiice…
I a Millinail…born 1982…although…i feel more like a gen. X in my opinion…
lol…
u spil lak one. 🙂
I’m a Gen X-er. I haven’t read the book, but it seems that this newest generation isn’t in as much of a hurry to grow-up and have all the answers as quickly as previous generations. Many seem to be more into experiencing various things than settling down. Not saying this is a bad thing or a good thing; it’s just the way it seems to me.
That actually is one of the characteristics of this group Matt. They are slowing getting married and even slower having kids. I think it is good to be mature. 🙂 Isn’t saying much for someone who married at 20.
I’m on the tail end of the boomer generation. It certainly seems that the next generation has more intellect, which doesn’t mean more wisdom, but they have the capacity for both. I pray for our country regularly. This opened my aging eyes to the fact that I need to pray specifically for the next generation, not just my kids and the ones in my world.
That is a great thought Floyd! Praying not just for your kids but the ones in your world. What a difference we could make.
I’m a Millennial, and have to say the above analysis seems to be accurate. The idea of being “relational” is one that seems to be everywhere these days- I can personally attest to it, and see the craving for relational encounters in my peers.
The irony of this is how “un-relational” today’s environment has become, with impersonal and detached interactions via social media replacing face-to-face dialogue. I think it’s interesting, anyways. Perhaps a discussion for another day! 🙂 Thanks for the book recommendation, will have to check it out.
You hit on what seems a dichotomy Stephen. The relational aspect but living in a world of un-relational options. Your generation has the potential for a ton of good. Please do check out the book.
You sound like me growing up.
You might be interested in this book, “ye shall be as gods” by Larry Johnson. In it he describes in great detail how the secular world view and the Christian world view have been battle since the dawn of time. But he also takes you generation by generation and explains who each generation viewed life and their role in it. It was very eye opening for me- though it is a bit dry at times. Still worth the read. You will be amazed at how far the church as come and also fallen back.
Thanks for the book recommendation TC. I will check it out. Also appreciate you coming by.
I’m part of the Millenial group. I can definitely attest to those themes. I think Stephen really hit the nail on the head about the relational theme. Really interesting stuff…adding the boo to my list!
I have noticed that a lot in your comments Jon. You are into the heart and relationships. Think it will be a good read for you.
This is a subject that I have been interested in for a long time. Social philosophy is facinating to me. I think each generation has improved upon the previous in many ways. From the traetment of Indians, to women, to African Americans, to religious diversity, to todays evelving treatment of diverse sexual orientations, I think the church has almost always lagged in leading to a better understanding of each persons rights, liberty and dignity. Eventually they will fall in line as the secularists and promoters of social justice demand what is right over what is habit or traditional.
I can see falling in line, but only so far. For me, I will not compromise what I believe is right and biblical. But you are right in some way by saying the church has lagged behind.
I don’t think most people in the past would admit to having compromised what they think is right or biblical in some cases. They just redefine what is right or biblical. All of the above changes required this redefinition of beliefs and misconceptions. Justice will prevail in the long run and beliefs and old habits will die slow or be made illegal by the common sense of good people.
I’m a Boomer(whatever that means) and my kids are Millenials….I know my youngest(20) struggles with why things aren’t personal anymore, he was just talking to me about interviews & applying for jobs, you do it online, they don’t want to meet with you, talk to you in person, they want to see your answers on a questionnaire before they want to see your face. He doesn’t like that at all & feels it’s a big disadvantage in getting to see a person’s real job potential. Stephen said it perfectly. Some, not all, in that generation don’t want to work for things, they want what they want now. I always tell Caleb to trust in God, He has the plan for his life & knows when & what is best for him. Very interesting blog Bill.
That means your voice Booms. J/k 🙂 Caleb struggles with the impersonal wanting the personal. Stephen’s comment above pretty much states how that is a conflict for the Millennials. They want the personal but live in a very impersonal culture with FB, Twitter, etc. You have a “job” on your hands Jan. 🙂
I am from the Silent Generation, will be 69 in December. I have hopes for the new generation kids, they have the smarts but lack motivation. I have concerns about the future of the church and our country and the fact the Gen X group really doesn’t seem to care. The Millennial are stay back and wait + they need to step forward and take a position of responsibility.
For what it is worth, we do have some knowledge to share.
Walk daily with God at your side!
Ed
I have hope for them as well Ed. They seem to want to listen & learn so lets hope it is true. On some things they stay back but let’s hope when it comes to leadership and change they step forward. Thanks.
Hi Bill,
Speaking of polls, we just had a provincial election for Premier of Alberta. The polls said the Wild Rose Party was going to win the election by a landslide over the Progressive Conservatives. The TV hosts were already decalaring the victory for the WR Party.
The outcome of the election was the opposite. The PC’s won by a landslide. So much for the accuracy of polls.
My kids are Millenials.
At 26 years of age my son has been on several international vacations. He’s been to Europe, Tailand, India, and will be going to the Carribbian on his honeymoon. I haven’t been outside of Canada during my whole lifetime.
My daughter-in-law (soon) just got out of the University of Alberta 3 years ago and is already on a fast track for upper management at the Brick. She and my son have access to a personal VIP booth at the Edmonton Oilers NHL hockey games and parking right outside the arena door!
They bought a house 2 years ago and have renovated the whole main floor of the house already. Fully paid for renos.
They do want things now and they are getting them.
I agree that their thinking is not as sterotypical as past generations have been. They’re willing to switch things up. Roles in the marriage,etc. My kids keep all their finances separate. His and hers so to speak.
My daughter is more traditional in her thinking and lifestyle. She’s the stay at home mom and homemaker. And loves it. She was born in 1984.
the 2 neighbor families that I have the most contact with are Millenial. They just seem to want me to be around. They have young kids. They’re quite willing to do things with me. Especially everyday stuff. If I wanted, I could probably have a whole block of grandchildren and kids!
Sounds like your kids fit the Millennial grouping. Nothing wrong with being seen as a grandma. 🙂
I’m a late boomer (hmmm, something doesn’t sound right) anyways 1956 puts me in the later part of the Boomers. I always thougt my kids would be world changers…at least that is how I’m trying to raise them. They bring me hope for sure.
I have this sneaking suspicion they will be world changers Jay. Seem to be on that track already.