The Me Generation vs. Generation Me. Not really on topic for the bigger picture of healing, but on my path to forgive and forgiveness, this is a huge challenge for me. I am a Baby Boomer, aka a member of the Me Generation. The Me Generation has spawned Generation Me, and because I do not have children of my own, I am struggling to understand how and why my generation has created this new generation. I have been reading a book about this new era of humanity, and the author describes his peers as people who take it for granted that the self comes first. Always. Generation Me has never known a world that put duty before self, and believes that the needs of the individual should and must come first, no matter what the cost may be to others.
This generation has also been described as the ‘ENTITLED” generation. And/or the “TROPHY” generation. All you have to do is show up and you get a trophy. You don’t even have to play, let alone excel. Gawd forbid you ever criticize any of their work product, no matter how constructive the comment may be. Praise and recognition are expected as a matter of right, not earned.
This philosophy is so antithetical to everything that I was raised to believe and cherish. Trust, integrity, passion for a cause outside of self, generosity of spirit and self-sacrifice have taken such a back seat in today’s world that I fear they are virtues in peril of extinction. My greatest wish at this point is that the progeny of Generation Me rebel en masse and evolve into a kinder, gentler, less selfish population with a higher code of morality and conduct that includes the welfare of others as well as of the self. I probably won’t be around to witness this, but thank heavens the pendulum of humanity always seems to swing. Back and forth then back again.
So with that positive thought and prayer, I bless all of Generation Me. With extra special prayers to the exceptions to the ever-growing rule of self-obsession (DJH, et al, rock on!) Sorry for the sermon, but it is Sunday, after all. Love and light.
Aug. 11, 2013
Judy Richter 