Overheard while choosing TV programmes on iPlayer:
Hay: "I don't think you'll like this version of Troy - it's allegedly not historically accurate."
Chairman: "I think you'll find that Homer's version wasn't exactly a historical documentary either."
I was listening to something about Millennials on the radio the other day and their alleged sense of entitlement. Everyone is asking where this sense of entitlement comes from; I would suggest it comes from the aristocracy, certain sections of the political class who, after serving a term or two in government, sell large chunks of the family silver to their corporate paymasters at a huge discount and end up with the reward of a chairmanship, and the super-rich. You can't tell me that the old Duke of Beaufort, who died last year, didn't have a sense of entitlement, nor the majority of the Conservative Party.
Hay: "I don't think you'll like this version of Troy - it's allegedly not historically accurate."
Chairman: "I think you'll find that Homer's version wasn't exactly a historical documentary either."
I was listening to something about Millennials on the radio the other day and their alleged sense of entitlement. Everyone is asking where this sense of entitlement comes from; I would suggest it comes from the aristocracy, certain sections of the political class who, after serving a term or two in government, sell large chunks of the family silver to their corporate paymasters at a huge discount and end up with the reward of a chairmanship, and the super-rich. You can't tell me that the old Duke of Beaufort, who died last year, didn't have a sense of entitlement, nor the majority of the Conservative Party.
It can also be traced back to the neo-liberalism of the Thatcher years when everything that didn't move was privatised and it became cool to be filthy rich on the back of a deregulated financial system. It even became cool to be financially criminal.
Then there's the fact that our kids are the most educated of any generation - correction, the longest educated - meaning they have been institutionalised for far longer before having to face the realities of the workplace, becoming neotenised by society in the process. We've added between two and five years to adolescence in the last 20 years.
It's ironic that the parents of Millennials are members of the generation that 'had it all' for the least effort. Is it therefore any wonder that Millennials want the same as their parents had? Don't judge them too harshly - you're probably the cause and are a giant toddler yourself, seeing your kids as your best friends, rather than wild animals that need discipline and taming (and hankering for off-the-shelf lifestyles). However, revenge is a dish best served cold and their comeuppance will manifest itself when your kids become parents themselves.
Then there's the fact that our kids are the most educated of any generation - correction, the longest educated - meaning they have been institutionalised for far longer before having to face the realities of the workplace, becoming neotenised by society in the process. We've added between two and five years to adolescence in the last 20 years.
It's ironic that the parents of Millennials are members of the generation that 'had it all' for the least effort. Is it therefore any wonder that Millennials want the same as their parents had? Don't judge them too harshly - you're probably the cause and are a giant toddler yourself, seeing your kids as your best friends, rather than wild animals that need discipline and taming (and hankering for off-the-shelf lifestyles). However, revenge is a dish best served cold and their comeuppance will manifest itself when your kids become parents themselves.
7 comments:
Which generation had it all for the least effort?
Mine.
I am not sure that I agree entirely. I was born in 52 and trained as an engineer from 69 onwards doing my degree when I was 40. I married and had 2 children and we struggled. We got there in the end and in the last few years we have been able yo put a little away for when I retire. Never the less I have been lucky, I was made redundant 4 times but each time I came out of it ok.
Think I can beat you on redundancies, Roger.
6 and counting, but always managed to find a highly paid job. Built my own house, etc.
It's been a lot easier than my old man had it, and the mem-sahib's father.
And I never had to fight a war, suffer rationing or haha my country invaded.
I guess that you are right. My dad was born in 1907 and went through 2 wars, one of which he fought in. Then there was the 30's. My best paid job is the one that I am still in. A good salary came late in life for me but I am grateful for it.
And look where we went to school. Idyllic.
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