Please remember that one speaks in such broad general terms, it is
almost always harmful. There are many, many people in the generation
before yours who certainly DO NOT fit your characterization of them,
just like calling the "Me Generation" certainly is inappropriate for many.
It seems to me that if there is going to be hope for communities we need
to get BEYOND name-calling and anger.
Helen Ingersoll, Director
The Indiana University School of Business
>>> Miriam Weinstein <sageworks@igc.apc.org> 03/01/96 01:58am >>>
I would like to take a moment to respond to the post about the
ME generation. I assume many others besides myself on the list fall into
this so-called category. I find the pejorative nature of this term most
interesting - since it does come from the generation before us - those
parents against whom we were rebelling in the 1960's for their shallow
self-centered realities.
That generation, and not ours, is the one which has opted out of interest
in the common and international good. That generation is the one which
concerns itself soley with their own security -everyone else be damned.
That generation moves to Florida, Arizona et al to go bowling and
boating, and leaving their children and communities to go it alone.
and that generation votes against funding for schools, and libraries -
whle wanting to live forever no matter what the expense. Those of us in
the so called ME generation - have been at the forefront of the fight for
social justice and the environment. And yeah - some of us realized you
have to nurture yourself if you want to have something to give.
So please, be more careful with your characterizations! We may not go
bowling, but we do belong to environmental groups - and I understand
what Putnam is saying about the lack of the face to face nature of these
groups - but engaged we are! It is our children who are doing community
service in record numbers! And are we ever glad!!! Now, if we could just
get the media to notice and stop portraying this generation the way they
do on Ricki Lake, Springer, Montel et al.
Let's also remember that no matter how civic minded we are as
individuals, and no matter how much community service we do, the
system is more insidious than ever. Clean up the communities around the
refinery! Sure, why would the refinery care? It's just less problems for
them. We need to make sure that with the engagement in service,
students see that the feel good experience is not enough - not to
denigrate what they are doing - it is good, valuable work - and I support it
wholeheartedly. It just should not become an excuse for complacency in
the larger picture.
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Miriam Weinstein Making A Difference College Guide
Internet: sageworks@igc.apc.org SageWorks Press
Phone: +1 (415) 258-9924 POB 150488
Fax: +1 (415) 258-9924 San Rafael, CA 94915-0488
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