Blog #1: Generation Me

In undertaking Generation Me, Dr. Jean M. Twenge may have bitten off more than she can chew. Spanning three decades and practically the entire western world, one could argue that “GenMe” stands for “Generalize,” since that is the only method with which a population so expansive could be crammed into two hundred and fifty pages. Using statistics and personal narratives, Twenge discusses complex topics such as marriage, sexuality, and worldview with the intent of giving the most accurate description of this generation’s ideology. It’s a risky endeavor, and the only way Twenge could have made it riskier would have been to devote a chapter on religion.

While reading Generation Me I often felt a twinge of indignation, specifically over the chapters discussing marriage. GenMe marriages are less happy than those of the past because statistics show an increased divorce rate? Couldn’t the lower rate of divorce be attributed to the negative social stigma attached to the practice until it became more common (i.e. our day and age)? I wanted to turn to Dr. Twenge and explain how she was wrong, but there was no way to relieve my frustration. I can only imagine how someone would react to the slightest criticism of their dearly held beliefs, even if the criticism was unintentional on Twenge’s part and simply a result of the reader’s misinterpretation.

Religion is a sensitive topic. At this very moment human beings are either killing or being killed somewhere in the world for a religious belief. With convictions this strong it is only natural that one would be apprehensive about taking an angle on religion, specifically when one is already making blunt, risky statements that are likely to leave some uncomfortable and riled.

When an author gives their text to the world it’s because they hope the world will interact with it in some way. Interaction leads to reaction, and not all reactions are positive. If Twenge were to embark on a controversial topic like religion she could receive a lot of negative feedback, and its only understandable that she would want to avoid it.

Another possible reason for the absence of religion in Generation Me could be the fact that it’s just not as meaningful to this generation as it was to those in the past. I am aware that on the surface this contradicts what I have just said, that religion is so important to some that they would be hurling verbal stones at Twenge for taking an angle on it. At the same time, it is undeniable that this generation has lived through the strongest wave of secularization yet. A clear example of this has been the removal of religious influence in public schools. Christmas parties are no longer allowed, not to mention Christmas carols, and prayer of any kind is frowned upon. This is not to say that our generation lacks morality or isn’t interested in spirituality, just that the role it plays in our lives is different than our predecessors.

For instance, when introducing myself to someone I would never identify myself with a religion, whereas I might mention my hobbies, interests, or occupation. I have rarely been asked by an acquaintance if I prescribe to a particular faith and would be very unlikely to pose such a question to someone I do not know at a personal level. Religion to us has become something very private and altogether incidental. A person as an individual is more important than the god that individual worships.

So by not directly addressing religion, Twenge emphasizes the individualism and open-mindedness of this generation, while at the same time reducing the criticism she is most likely to face after writing such an analytical book.