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In a recent interview made available from the Casey Research Foundation, Neil Howe said the following about President Barack Obama, who many try to claim is a Baby Boomer and a few try to claim as a member of Generation Jones.
"Let me put it this way. The generation that is about to be in the driver's seat in terms of leadership is Generation X, the group born 1961 to 1981. In fact, we now have our first Gen-X President, Barack Obama, who was born in 1961 and who is in every way a Gen Xer, despite being born at the very early edge of his generation. His fragmented family upbringing, with his father leaving while he was young and his mother moving all over the world, is typical of the Gen X life story. A telling anecdote from his biography is that, when he arrived at Columbia University, he spent his first night in New York sleeping in an alley because no one had arranged to have an apartment open for him.
"His life story has a “dazed and confused” aspect. He made his own way against a background of adult neglect and lack of structure. It’s interesting that he is the first leader in America to call himself “post-Boomer.” As a matter of fact, he talks regularly about how he intends to put an end to everything dysfunctional about Boomer politics: the polarization, the culture wars, the scorched-earth rhetoric, the identity politics, all of that. I understand a lot of people do not believe he can actually do this, but it’s interesting that this is the rhetoric he chooses. That rhetoric is one reason why the vast majority of Millennials voted for him.
"Obama is the opening wedge of Gen Xers who will assume very high leadership posts. They are not yet the senior generals in control of the military, but they are taking over the reins of government and, of course, the top spots in American businesses."
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14 comments:
One small step for mankind, one big leap for Generation X! Congratulations and well-deserved!
WHAT has obama done to deserve the Nobel Peace Prize? This cheapens the award, and I am offended by the transparent attempt to steer this President, to influence his FUTURE decisions regarding foreign policy. The world runs this white house, not the american people. I am sickened by this whole debacle.
Jen, a great peace of reporting. It's too bad that some people in the US do not recognize what the rest of the world does. It seems to me that anyone who would begrudge Obama of this honor is probably someone who also goes to meetings wearing a white pointy hat. Rob
I agree with T.R. Obama getting award surprised me and the rest of the world but I think he deserves it. I am encouraged that the US is going to rejoin the world community.
We need Gen X to step and take the reins, and keep SS and Medicare fully funded so I can retire early.
I like Obama and it's nice that he got the award. But it seems like they could have waited a couple of years before awarding Obama the prize.
Rob --
Your concluding sentence is an entirely unwarranted slander and represents a rather ugly bigotry in itself.
As a proud conservative I was encouraged by the high road that John McCain opted to take when talking yesterday to CNN's John King. He said:
"I can't divine [the Nobel Committee's] intentions, but I think part of their decision-making was expectations. And I'm sure the president understands that he now has even more to live up to. But as Americans, we're proud when our president receives an award of that prestigious category."
On a separate note I'd like to add that I whole heartily agree with Daddy Forever's comment. I think the award bestowed upon Mr. Obama would have had a much greater impact had the committee waited two years before passing along such an amazing honor...
Beck
I'm with Daddy Forever. I support Obama, but he still has a lot to prove. Even my fellow pinko commie, lefty liberal feminazi friends were like, "What?"
And thanks to Beck for filling us in on Sen. McCain's classy words. I wish some other Repubs/Conservatives could have reacted in the same manner.
Okay, I do have to make one shallow comment. I do not like Michelle's hair flipped up like that. It looks too matronly. She looks much better with her usual bob.
@JENNIFER K - All this great dialogue in this post, and in true woman fashion, all I can respond to is Michelle's do. You made me laugh and lifted the edge of this post. I can't help it. I like to see what she wears. She should not wear prints. =/
Jennifer--I'm enjoying reading your insights into our generation, and look forward to following your blog.
Friar, I don't see you disagreeing with wildbillyelliott so, is it safe to say that your are sickened by Obama recieving such a prestigous award. Are you sickened by the white Presidents who have recieved the honor? Rob
Rob --
wildbillyelliot described his or her(very strong)reaction to something he or she disagreed with. My silence on that comment does not equal agreement with him or her -- I was also silent on whether or not the moon landing was real, if the designated hitter should be abolished and how long it has been since "Saturday Night Live" was funny, as neither these nor several other facts bear on the statement I wanted to make.
You presumed and impugned the motives of an entire group of people based not upon evidence but solely on their disagreement with you, just as you presumed my agreement with wildbillyelliot. If you choose not to see the difference there is no basis for a discussion.
Jen, you know me-always swimming in the shallow end of the pool. As for Michelle in prints, well, prints can be very difficult to wear, even when you're as tall as Michelle. But I think she looks quite fetching in rich, jewel tones.
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