Generation shock

[word_geek]

I mentioned to my gaming group last night that I was thinking of joining the Scott Pilgrim backlash movement. It's a logical fit -- for those who don't know, Scott Pilgrim, the graphic novel, is the current darling of the indy-comics set, those who believe that comics are an art form that can tell more stories than just guys in tights punching

Comments

[hells_satans]

Of course we're 'The Man' to Gen Y. We're older, often better educated [for now] and make more than them [see points 1 and 2]. And we are less apt with technology, ceteris paribus.

Also, we occasionally throw in Latin phrases, instead of Perl ones...

[word_geek]

Pfft! Find me a member of Gen-Y that knows Perl. I believe I've read that one of the defining differences between Gen-X and Gen-Y is that while both groups are comfortable with technology (so I sort of disagree with your assertion), we're much more accustomed to having to take it apart, reprogram it, or otherwise jigger with it to get it to work. Whereas Gen-Y regards technology as something that should "just work," because they're used to it just being there all the time. Which is not to say that all Gen-X'ers are able to program, nor is it to say that no Gen-Y's can do it; it's simply a matter of expectations.

[hells_satans]

At least half my friends in the Vegas circle use Perl.[Or Python, perhaps that's where I'm mixing them up, I must admit!] Shiny and Malabranca and BahLaw have all met them.

Many commentators regard Gen Y as starting in 1974-5 or so, I don't think most of them regard technology as something that always works perfectly all the time.

I also think Gen Y is significantly more comfortable with technology, however, our career circles may have significantly altered both of our expectations and experiences there. So it's possible *I'm* the outlier, but I doubt it -- my sister is a member of Gen X and is probably as tech-illiterate as they come for example [and that was true prior to having a big family]. JMHO.

[word_geek]

I think our point of disagreement is the beginning of "Gen Y." I always assumed it was people born in the mid-80s and forward. That is, we're smack in the middle of Gen X, my two next siblings are late Gen X, and my youngest sister is Gen Y. Or, to put it another way, Gen Y is "people who are just entering the workforce now." I can't say who's right, but taken from that perspective, my comments make a lot more sense. If you're counting people 2-3 years younger than us as Gen Y, then I can see where you're coming from.