Let's talk about our generation

The Silent Generation. Baby Boomers. Generation X. The Millennials.

If you are between the ages of about 85 and 8, you are part of one of these generations.

Ever since I learned I was a member of a cohort called "Generation X," I've been fascinated by the concept of cultural generations. The ones that interest me the most are the Baby Boomers, because my parents are members of that generation; Generation X, because that is my cultural cohort; and the Millennials, because the students that I work with fall into that group.

What are the differences and similarities between these generations? Why do we often see things so differently from those older than us and those younger than us? Why are our concerns, interests and communication styles often so different? And why are we drawn to those our own age when we want to talk about the way the world was when we were growing up?

As a college instructor, I have the privilege of working with older colleagues who fall into the Baby Boomer generation or are at the older end of Generation X. And I get great pleasure from working with Millennial students. As I interact with these diverse age groups, it is interesting to see how they think, talk and act.

It is my intention with this blog to explore these generational issues. My purpose is to explore the similarities and differences between cultural generations with a certain intellectual curiosity. My purpose is not to blast any one generation as being better or worse than any other. And I am also not out to cry about how my generation got shafted. I'm sure we all feel like we've been shafted in some way.

I invite you to come along with me on my journey as I learn more about cultural generations and as I discuss the issues raised by reading about and interacting with them.