Joel Stein's Essay 'The New Greatest Generation'

In Joel Stein’s article The New Greatest Generation, he gives his opinion on the millennial generation. Those born between the years of 1980s and 2000s are considered millennials. Stein argues that the millennial generation is lazy. An example of Stein argument on the laziness of millennials can be shown when he mentions how they would rather be an assistant instead of becoming a CEO of a company. In my opinion his statement focuses on the lack of work ethic, of the given generation, because it notes the desire for the millennial generation to take the easy way out rather than working towards being some bigger and better. Another example in his article would be the references to the use of technology. I agree technology plays a major role on the millennial’s laziness because it’s addicting, and it appeals to their wants of instant satisfaction with the countless resources available through the internet- which in result causes more use and technological dependability. Stein also examines the relationship between a child and a parent; he states that their role can be portrayed as more of a friend than a disciplinarian. This can also be a reason one within the millennial lacks work ethic. The previous generations were not as lazy as the millennials are today because of the advancement in technology. Previous generations were forced to seek jobs that will provide for their families due to their few distractions that will make them lose focus on their goal of becoming American leaders within workforces. First, I would have to say the opinion writer of the article Where Ae All the Young Voters. Rampbell’s opinion coincides with that of Stein; they collectively believe that the current millennial has a noticeable amount of laziness. She shows her point of view on millennials being lazy by discussing the millennials lack of interest in politics which has been proven in the amount of voting turnout within the age group. She quotes, “young people feel abandoned by the organizations that once claimed to represent their interest”. Her argument gives more reasons behind their laziness by stating many people are unable to thoroughly express their views on politics outside of social platforms, unlike previous millennials who voiced their opinion in societal assemblies and rallies. It is certain that Stein and Rampbell both agree on technology being a negative influence towards the laziness of millennials. I cannot further reiterate that the laziness of the millennial is affected by the access to countless information through the internet. This amount of resources can be overwhelming and cause many people to lose interest in working to achieve goals on their own. I would have to disagree, but also agree with Stein and Rampbell on millennials laziness because of technology. I agree that technology is making my generation lazy because we’re too focused on what’s going around on the internet than we are being leaders of a job force. I would have to disagree also to because not every millennial is lazy there are some that are not necessarily addicted to the internet. Second, I personally believe a reason millennials are lazy is because of parents. As a millennial I know that parents in my generation have spoon fed their children. Most of the parents in my generation haven’t let their children correct their mistakes instead they correct their problems for them. The way parents have raised their children plays a major role of millennials being lazy. Some parents aren’t …show more content…
He discusses how parents play a large role in my generation’s laziness. It also supports Stein’s quote on how we would rather be assistants that plays a role in our laziness. Marley gives a strong viewpoint on millennials being too lazy because they think everything is supposed to be handed to them because of how their parents have raised them. I believe if Safer and Stein met they would agree that not only does technology cause the generations laziness, but parents do also. If some of our millennial parents didn’t baby their children, then some of them wouldn’t be as lazy as they are today. The previous generation didn’t have to worry about their generation being called lazy because instead of their parents doing everything for them they had to go out, and get it in order for them to be successful with their