Thursday, January 02, 2014

BLOG POST- All Classes Due 1/10

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/01/opinion/anxious-youth-then-and-now.html?_r=0



1.  Read the article.  Consider the author's tone, structure of the article, validity of evidence, persuasive techniques, and your personal reaction.
2. Please add an intelligent comment (minimum 3 sentences) in response to the linked article from The New York Times.  Be sure to reference specifics from the article.
3. Optional: Comment on a classmates post in a second post (minimum 3 sentences)
*Use only your first name, last initial and class period.

65 comments:

  1. America is known as the melting pot of cultures but it has turned into a melting pot of many unsolved and/or unsolvable issues. As America grew over time, along with new sources of happiness came the worries and uncertainty. “The unstable careers, the confusion of technologies, the delayed romance, parenthood and maturity,” are some of the main concerns. Even though these two generations- 19th and 21st, have drastic differences in lifestyle, they are still very similar. The way the two generations view their lives are similar. Though the 21st generation has advanced, the struggle for success is still present. The 21st generation doesn’t feel accomplished enough and blame themselves for the failure. They doubt their own ability and potential. Both generations are lost and thrive for achievement. However, the 21st generation deals with more tension and pressure, which makes the situation even worse. This leads to more self-consciousness and self-blaming as they are not “settled,” and not happy. However, the New Year has brought a new chance to view and live lives more positively. All generation should take advantage of this new opportunity.
    ~ ShilpaR Period 3

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  2. Caroline M. 2
    The anxieties of people today compared to 100 years ago aren't limited to the millennial's. They're shared by many of us who didn't grow up learning any high-tech skills at all. Like those who fretted through the Industrial Revolution at the turn of the 20th century, employees of all ages, not just millennial's are "monitored like machines, with pressure to increase productivity replacing the slower pace" of previous forms of labor. Technology changes too rapidly today for anyone to keep pace, but at least the millenial's had a bit of a head start by comparison with us, having grown up with familiarity with computers. The issues of marriage and family are obviously different today than 100 years ago for cultural reasons because of different expectations and acceptance of different lifestyles, with a 50% divorce rate and more non marital cohabitation. The parental pressure to marry and produce grandchildren in an unstable economy without enough jobs are probably just as strong.

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  3. America was founded as the country of the opportunity. In today's world people don't take advantage of the opportunities provided for them. As the article states people in the middle 19th century were faced with some of the same issues that we see in todays world. I know that the world has changed a lot sine the 19th century, but they were provided with many different opportunities like we are today. Opportunites are far and few between, so take the opportunity and cherish it. You never know when you might get another chance, so make the most of it
    Ryan C.
    Period 2

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  4. Michael C. Period 6
    It is obviously inevitable that America's societal ideals are going to change over time. However, as the article implies, this does not mean that different time periods will not share similarities in how their specific communities were run. For instance, almost all time periods will undoubtedly undergo technological and/ or social change. Furthermore, each society will, no matter what, have to adapt to the advancement and changes that comes its way. Overall, the main point that I will take away from this article is that America's different generations of youth will always be different, but at the same time they will always have something in common.

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  5. Stephanie Durso Period:7
    This discussion about youth and success has been said throughout every generation. Each generation tries to out due each other. Trying to belittle the younger generation. Comparing them to their generation or say that their generation had accomplished more. When in reality every generation goes through the struggle of adulthood. Learning how to be in society by themselves and going through the ups and downs of life. These older generation only see this generation as a bystander and don't realize that at one point they were the younger generation being judged. They should understand that it takes time to establish your life and who you are. You cant achieve every life goal in a years time. You are meant to find who you are and do what you love that should ultimately help you achieve your goals. Many feeling like this quote says,"Each New Year’s, young men and women filled their diaries with worries that seem very familiar today: They found living with their parents “humiliating indeed” and felt “qualified for nothing.” Many feeling bad about having to say they need help and not be put on a schedule that society set about when they achieve certain life goals like marriage, children, jobs, and when to be stabile in their life. I think that the older generation need to think about when they were in these younger generation shoes and being critized for wanting to have a say in their life. To many older generations times have changed. People have changed and we discovered that we can take our time and not go along with a timeline set by society. Do the job you want, get married if you want, and you choose when it is right to have children. This topic needs to be handled with some empathy and compassion. The younger generation isn't doing anything that previous generation hadn't done before. Realize that our generation shouldn't define us. We are all just trying to find our way through this crazy thing we call life.

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  6. George H. P.7

    When you look at the big picture its a question of not just responsibility but monetary income as well. People starting to become young adults try to become more independent but at times people can not do what they desire until later in life once they can afford it or even mature enough to be able to handle the change. People of all cultures long to be more "grown up" but in many cases people are slowed either by maturity or even the economic troubles that await those who journey out into the world. Life may change for every generation but every generation faces somewhat the same problems that the next will and this is the main reason why it might become more of a norm to stay home rather then leave right away because just like the economic recession of the 1920's the newer generation continues to suffer from the economic crash of 2008 but just like the early 20th century we continue to better are selves. The world may change but the people will always stay the same. No matter how much we think we are different from are parents in a lot of cases we are just the same in that we suffered the same problems are parents suffered when they first left the house. I bet even when I have children they will have the same problems that will face me later in life. History always repeats itself.

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  7. America is known as being a country of freedom. The anxieties mentioned in the article are just an inevitable part of a free country. As time goes on and with all the freedom we get, there are just more people that want to break from tradition and be their own person and do their own thing. As a result, new customs arise and tradition changes from decade to decade. I believe that the anxiety is just a cause of the change in tradition and how in America there is no right or wrong way to go about something in this sense. Although our parents may have grown up in a society with different traditions, we are all still in America where our customs are constantly changing and where we all suffer the inevitable anxiety as a result.
    Jessica M. Period 6

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  8. Cassie Vaccaro P;7
    I think that no matter how much people in general think that they're different, they aren't. Everyone has different personalities that may not match the other persons, i also think that when i have children they will have to deal with similar problems i had/ or will have when i'm older. As mentioned in the article, "Marriage meant love and family, but in a society that discouraged ladies from working, young women were dependent on their husbands." I think that this statement is true because back then, women didn't have a lot of rights in America so they did have to depend on their husbands, also the anxiety mentioned in this article are just a thing we have to accept and something part of a free country, as a result, more customs arise and tradition changes from time to time. We are all still in America where things are changing and we can suffer from anxiety as a result to everything in America changing.

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  9. Ricky Pietruszka
    Period: 7

    I believe that everyone is the same, because no matter who you are, everyone can be a little different but not on the inside. In other cases, I think that i will eventually have kids when i grow up, and i will possibly have a personality that doesn't match my wife's and thats ok, but in the past women had to depend only on their husbands, but now in America, women, has wholes, have more rights, and don't have to depend on their husbands as much. Also mentioned in the article it says, "Each New Year’s, young men and women filled their diaries with worries that seem very familiar today: They found living with their parents “humiliating indeed” and felt “qualified for nothing.” I believe that this is false, because some people cannot get on their own right away and might have to try a little harder before the settle down and get married, and might need a little help from their parents, it doesn't have to do with the person at all, it has to do with if you're looking to settle down or not. So, America does change, and that causes people to suffer from anxiety, which is another problem in this society now a days, and even in the past it was a problem.

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  10. Emily Johnson, Period; 7
    I think that due to America's past, everyone thinks that since we are a developing country, and a changing one, many people look at the past, and see similar problems that we faced back then. I think that America is changing, and due to that it causes many people to face anxiety problems every now and then. With the wife and husband thing, as mentioned in the article; it states that; "but in a society that discouraged ladies from working, young women were dependent on their husbands." & this basically means that men were the one's working, and women were dependent on them to get things done, and help pay mortgage and other things for the house that were needed for them, and even their children to survive. I think that when i get older my children might have the same problems that i face/ will face as a grow older. America IS changing though, so we tend to blame things on the past, when it isn't going to help to blame the past on new things that are happening today.

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  11. Alyssa Taddei,
    Period: 8
    This article has many good points, and i believe that everyone thinks that since we are a well developing, and changing country, we often face anxiety. This is mentioned in the article and talks about the problems with this that people face on a daily basis. They're often worried about how come they aren't married and still living with their parents, but to me; that doesn't matter because everyone or someone in general can still live with their parents and not be ready to settle down yet, or maybe they can't find that RIGHT person for them quite yet, and to me; thats ok too. America as a whole is changing, and we have to be ready and prepared for that change, we can't blame the past for the present.

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  12. American culture is constantly changing as time goes on. A major topic that the article discusses is the constant feeling of instability, both financial and romantic, that young adults had felt at that time. I find this to be interesting because this feeling of instability is present very strongly today. This shows that although people are striving to have the perfect life that they may have thought past generations had, everyone throughout history has been trying their best to have the best life they can, even if it is a little different from what is considered normal.
    Period 8

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  13. This article points to many similarities between our generation and those of old. While the world has changed, teenagers and young adults still follow the same social cues and are pressured by social stigma to conform to people's idea of "normal". The world changes but ideas of love, success, and happiness flourish throughout the generations. Anxiety is a human trait, and will be found throughout history, especially in situations where a human is set free into the "real" world and has their own freedoms, so 19th century young adults and 21st century young adults have a lot in common, except, you know, you're more likely to live past 50 years old and you're doing this on the internet...
    Jared C.
    Period 2

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  14. I find it interesting how the New York Times articles parallels our Recession generation with the Industrial era. The article describes a parallel of the youth saying, "For young people this meant chronic instability." During these particularly challenging times, I think it's human nature to deal with insecurity and anxiety. Therefore, it is understandable that we face many of the same problems as the millennial. America will continue to grow and change, however in future times of depression I believe we will always share the same challenges.

    Eleanor Hall
    Period 3

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  15. The NY times article, "Anxious Youth, Then and Now" compares the Recession generation to the Industrial era. In every era, youths experience uncertainty, expectation and impatience. Due to the pressures that society imposes upon us, we are forced to follow the norms. This causes youth to feel anxiety and the feeling that we are not 'good enough."
    "The idea that millennials are uniquely “stuck” is nonsense. Young Victorians grasped for maturity as well, embarrassed by the distance between their lives and society’s expectations." In the 1800's, women were merely expected to get married at a young age and have children. No matter how much the morals and customs of generations change, the views of romance, successes, and failures still remain.
    Today, the life cycle of a human being starts from the birth of a child ignorant to the fact that his/ her fate has already been decided. We must go to college and maintain a stable job, otherwise we are considered 'failures.' This generic viewpoint to life, causes anxiety among youths because at times it seems that there are no other options.
    Perhaps, youth are most vulnerable to the pressures that society imposes upon us because we are the future of this nation.

    Reitsuma Panta
    Period 2

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  16. The past is the past, the present is the present, and right now, America is still changing. Everyday someone is born, someone dies, someone gets married, someone gets a divorced, someone goes bankrupt, and this is called life. What if you are a 20 year old who isn’t married? You just haven’t found a person worth settling down with. Why rush love? You simply can’t because it’ll only cause one thing, unhappiness. I’d say that I’d much rather be 30 and certain that I’m marrying the right person, than be 20 and marry a guy that I’m in love with, but sacrifice my future happiness. According to the article, “Remaining single meant economic and legal instability, and the perception of childishness.” I’d have to refute this and say a person who is single nowadays has a more flexible schedule, thus making them economically and legally stable with a sense of maturity to making a living on their own. These people who are still single might be the head of businesses, CEOs of companies, doctors, etc. The article simply can’t an assumption that all single men and women are within bounds to those qualities. Regarding jobs, America’s lack of jobs and continual increase of unemployment will only lead to one thing, a harder time for fresh out of graduate school students to settle down. With no job, it is only best for them to live with their parents. If the government opened up job openings and made this age easier to find jobs, perhaps this generation wouldn’t be so flustered and anxious when it comes to jobs. At this time, America’s worldwide competition and lacking education leads to unqualified employees and thus the job on the market is given to the better-qualified immigrant worker. At this time and in the near future, with America becoming more and more accepting of our melting pot culture, there is no doubt that there will be a challenge for jobs. What can we do? As Americans, nothing, except work harder, study harder. It is natural to face challenge and anxiety. Now times have changed, more jobs are available with the changing times, thus more job openings in technology, than say psychology, an age-old study. More people are unhappy because of their economic standpoint, but sitting around and sulking that “I can’t get a job and I can’t find a companion,” isn’t going to get a person anywhere. Get more job interviews; get yourself to be active and to calm your anxiety, by assuring that with the extra hard work, a positive future is sure to come. After all failure leads to success.
    Miranda S. Period 6

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  17. It's not surprising that we now have similar anxieties as Americans in the 1800s did. People back then "felt qualified for nothing" because of the Industrial Revolution. People now in present times feel qualified for nothing because this is the new age of technology and many jobs are now being replaced either by technology or with a person who is educated in technology. Society has pushed not only this new technological wave onto the world, but also the push for success and love. People are stressed if they haven't found the person they want to spend the rest of their life with or they're unsure what career they want to have. We have some idea in our minds that if this is not done or decided at a certain point in our life then we are failures, which is very untrue. A lot of the anxieties both generations suffered through wouldn't exist if society didn't have the expectations.
    Emma Salvatore
    Period 3

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  18. Everyday society is changing more and more and everyone is always wanting to do better than each other. For example, technology is always getting more complicated and advanced so of course most people are going to want the new "best thing." I personally think that there's so much more to worry about in the society today rather than just out-doing each other, or being better. As you get older there are more responsibilities to be concerned about such as just going to college. Also, as you get older you will be concentrated on more important things in life such as having a family of your own, getting a job to supply for you (and your family), and overall just finding you who really are as a person. Growing up is full of many ups and downs and I think that there will always be some pressures that people will face as they get older.
    Marissa G.
    Per. 8

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  19. It isnt difficult to understand that americas societial ideas are going to morph over time and evlove. but, as the article says this doesnt mean that different communities are going to share the same qualities. Every community will be different in their own ways.We will all share some sam e qualities and we will all have our differences as well.
    Quinn U. Period 8

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  20. Society as it goes on everyday changes more and more, sometimes more than we think. Everyone is trying to impress others so much that they buy or do things that they dont really need or want. Society is turning into something where everybody wants to be better than the person next to them. This causes many problems.Then, there are those people who just sit down and complain about things but dont do anything to fix them. There is a lazy side to society and a side where everyone is striving to be the best.

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  21. In today's era, things are more difficult because the workforce is being replaced by machines and more and more people are being put on the streets because they don't have a job and they can't pay for their house or car. In today's time people are pushing for a good job and to find love. Like the article said, "Remaining single meant economic and legal instability, and the perception of childishness." I don't think think that is true for everyone, and I don't agree with this statement. I am employed with two jobs, but I do have a love life. But I do know people that don't have a job(s) and they don't have much of a love life other than loving their cat. And they don't act immature when i t comes to the ecomony, accutually they are more aware about their situation.

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  22. I found this New York Times article very interesting because it could have a lot of controversy. In the article it said that Americans are being constantly rebuked for not following the life cycle from the 19th century. To overcome maturity you have to handle a lot of responsibilities. This is where the the controversy comes in because now a days Americans have become lazy due to distractions such as technology as in the 19th century, there was no such thing so people took their responsibilities more serious.
    Tatiana H
    Period 8

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  23. In my opinion change in America is unavoidable since it is truly out of our control. We as a country continue to technologically advance and socially change as well overtime. This changes how people act and what people do day by day. Today people are more competitive then ever. No one ever wants to be the loser, however being the best motivates people to do well in anything that they want to achieve. All this leads to the social change of society and I believe this will continue for a very long time.
    Owen K
    per 8

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  24. MaryColleen W. Period 2
    Growing up and out into the world is a big change. There is no denying that. And most people don't think about that it has been a big change for budding adults throughout history. What makes this transition even worse are the changes of the world around you at the time. Now the world and what it accepts is constantly changing. And many insecurities follow with change. The article talked about how the common age to get married at moved to 26, and how drastic this was and how a lot of people couldn't grasp this idea. And were disappointed in themselves for not finding someone yet, even if they weren't close to the average age. This stems from their insecurity. It's a scary thing to think you'll end up alone. And I'm sure the young adults had pressure from their parents to get married and get a job. And that can still be said for today. Most parents want their child to succeed. And in our society "succeeding" means going to college, getting a stable job, and settling down. More or less the same as years past. When things change like the economy, or the social "norms", everyone goes into a panic. That's why in the late 1800s, young adults just left because they believed something had to be out there that was better. Overall people just want to be accepting and unfortunately we don't live in a world where everyone is accepted for what they do,.. or don't do. And "breaking" the norms of society is a very scary thing especially when you're already so insecure "coming into yourself" and this seems to be a common thread for all the young adults throughout history. But we, as a society, need to stop trying to conform. That's the only way we can achieve happiness. Not that people can't be happy following the set structure of the rest of their lives from the rules of society, But some people would be a lot happier if they didn't have certain pressures and expectations of them.

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  25. This article gave perspective of the problems, adolescents of today have. When we look at the problems youth in the past had compared to now, we can see how similar they are. These problems consist of "unstable careers, the confusion of technologies, the delayed romance, parenthood and maturity." Although times have changed, the youth, through the decades, worry about the same things. What I took from this article is that as the new year begins, we, as a generation, should stop worrying so much. This has been going on for centuries, and in the end, it worked out for the past generations, and it will for us too.
    Claire Paterson
    Class 3

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  26. The author JON GRINSPAN compares our modern day society to the past, showing that how we think we have it rough, but in reality people have been having these problems for generations. People look back at their year and think, "Wow, i haven't done anything with my life in the past year, what am i doing?" But for most americans, it's hard to get by in this country because of how hard it is to really get a job and succeed. If someone can't support themselves then how are they going to be able to support a significant other? It's hard to be able to commit to someone and not be stable. This is why when people have no job or real income they find it that they are alone and not married. but hope shouldn't be lost because it happens to everyone. With this said, we are all alive today and therefore people will go on and eventually have a family and move on with their lives.

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  27. Before reading this article I felt as though it would be impertinent to compare present generations to those over a hundred years ago. The times were completely different and had barely any similarities. As I kept reading I felt that the two times aren't so different. We faced similar challenges such as "unstable careers, the confusion of technologies, the delayed romance, parenthood and maturity." What I took out of this article was that we need to stop worrying so much and live the life we want to live regardless of the circumstances.
    Jake Swanson
    Period 2

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  28. In my opinion, this article drew a nice parallel between adolescents today and adolescents years ago. Because things are so different today, people grow to assume that problems today are so unique and new and unsolvable, when in reality, they're just the same as they were a while ago, just in a different setting. In the article it said, "Each New Year’s, young men and women filled their diaries with worries that seem very familiar today: They found living with their parents “humiliating indeed” and felt “qualified for nothing.” Others moaned: “I am twenty-five and not in love yet.” Gathering over beer or cigars, they complained about how far they were from marriage, how often they switched jobs." You could look in the journal on my desk and find a lot of similar complaints as the ones that were listed here. Which means that my parents and my grandparents probably went through the issues I am facing now, and they conquered them, and that's a good way to think.
    Jennifer Giri Period 3

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  29. I really found this article interesting because it highlights the fact that todays young people have the same problems and struggles that young people in previous generations also had. Many of us complain that the older generations have no idea what it is like to be young but in reality they do because they went through the same problems and challenges. Many worried about finding a job which is something that we will all face and also finding love. In my opinion finding someone to spend the rest of your life with is beginning to not be a womans first priority anymore. Many women now compete for jobs instead of men which is somehting that is radically changing from the way previous generations were. An article like this reminds people our age that our parents, grandparents, and their grandparents all went through the same struggles that we will soon face. It sure makes me think that maybe they do understand me more than I think.
    Elena Muniz
    Period 3

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  30. America as a country has many problems, and its society is one of them. From the day we are born we are told to be the best that we can be in school and get good grades, go to a nice college, marry at 20 something, and start a family. But not all of us can live that way, or want to. Maybe we don't marry until our 40's, or maybe we don't go to college until later in adulthood. As you read those last 2 sentences, a spark probably went off in your brain, telling you that that is rather 'odd.But why should it be? In the land of the free, why can't we make our own choices and live our lives the way WE want to individually, without being told otherwise or told that it's wrong? In fact, why are we ever even raised being told how to live our lives?
    I believe that this article was well thought-out and that the author put a lot of (personal) heart into it, as the author could relate to some of the problems through experience and has a great, unbiased point of view on the subject. The author really tackled the challenges that some of us are going through currently or that we may face in the future.
    Megan Glynn Period 3

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  31. Although many like to believe society has progressed -and in many ways it has- it is still very much alike to the way it was only years ago. The article highlights the various issues adolescent Americans faced throughout prior decades, and compares them to those many adolescents face today. As I read through the article, I can’t say I was altogether surprised by the author, Jon Grinspan’s, points. In my opinion it’s ridiculous to believe that society now is extremely different from our society decades before; this is just simply not the case. As I read through the various themes and topics Grinspan brings up, I noticed a common theme: they all seem to center around human emotion, something that cannot be changed.
    Adolescents often find themselves today in times where they’re upset saying to a parent, or another adult, “You wouldn’t understand!” Contrary to that belief, that adult probably does understand, and quite well for that matter. Everyone has faced the pressures of society at one point in their lives (whether they realize it or not) no matter the time period. It could be something as simple as “needing” that new pair of shoes everyone has, trying to live up to this idealistic body image society has created, or even feeling negative about themselves because they’re, “twenty-five and not in love yet.” Everyone has gone through it, and eventually we all overcome it. Maybe we are more alike to our parents and past generations than we would like to think.

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  32. I enjoyed reading the article because I thought it had quality input about the stress that young adults feel and have felt in the past. We still experience the same obstacles that humans did in the 18 and 19 hundreds. Its come to a point where people as young as in their 20's are stressed about things such as finding the love of their life, having children, and starting a family. People in their 20's are just finishing up college and starting their lifestyle, there shouldn't be any pressure for someone to immediately make serious decisions. The period following college is meant for experimenting and trying different occupations, not loads of stress. Women especially currently have more opportunities in the job field too and so it has to become acceptable for all genders to take their time when it comes to constructing their lifestyle so that stress isn't such a large component. The article made it apparent that there is too much pressure in the world to become successful rather than allowing peoples decisions to be considered adequate the way they are.
    Alyssa Case
    period 3

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  33. I thought this article was very interesting and highlighted what It means to be human. The youth of today might argue that we are living in a totally different world that older generations can't possibly understand. I think that this is false because although certain circumstances and norms might have changed the fundamental struggles and goals are still present. All teenagers worry about being loved and being accepted by there peers. All teenagers no matter what the time period all struggle with the prospect of the future. Teenagers are all trying to find out who they are and what they want to do as as adults.
    Cassidy McCarns Period 3

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  34. Jackson M Period 6
    To live in our society today is not easy. This article shows the anxiety that young adults experience everyday. It is from the pressure that society puts on these teenagers and young adults. Jon Grinspan compared past youths in American society to current youths and found out that they are actually quite similar. He also suggested that young adults should "Stop worrying about how they appear from the skewed perspective of the mid-20th century and find a new home, a new stability and a new community in the new year." I think that is actually very smart and something to ponder for the future.

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  35. I really enjoyed reading this article and it brought a lot of light onto the subject of our generation's future. It has been said many times before that given the tough job market and the societal pressures and attitudes of our generation that we are not likely to follow the paths of previous generations. Not that we are any worse than them but just that times are different and circumstances have changed. Young adults are staying at home for a longer time and continue to be unemployed. This is seen to be a negative thing because it seems as if we are extending our childhoods but as the article says this is a perfect normal trend that has occurred all throughout American history. Only in the latter half of the 20th century was it that these unrealistic expectations of young adults came to fruition.It is actually perfectly normal for one to a young adult in their 20s to still be coming of age and we as a society shouldn't be trying to rush this rite of passage.
    Justin Campos Period 3

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  36. This article presents a really interesting idea by comparing the current generations to those from so long ago; and makes points by showing just how similar the two were. I find it really interesting how the author pointed out that young men and women would write in their diaries or complain to their friends about "I am twenty-five and not in love yet". And you can see this today from listening to groups of girls talk about how they want boyfriends, or even facebook statuses instead of diary entries commenting on how they wish they were with someone. There's also a lot of similarity in the way that then " Frustrated youths worried that their jobs did not reflect their age or ability" just as how today you see younger people eager to start working at younger and younger ages, some just to prove something. I think that we could learn a lot from the past about many things but these issues especially, that we can't always take our current standards from the past, just maybe use them as loose guidelines for today.
    Leah B period 6

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  37. I found this article to be a very interesting read. Never before had I given thought to the fact that way our parents generation grew up is in fact one that is not normal and is in fact very unusual. Because of the post WWII economic boom, the citizens of the US had stable, well paying jobs that caused great prosperity. However, with increasing inflation and the world economic market as a whole being as unsteady as it is, it is not surprising that we as a generation are so different than our predecessors'. This article did a very good job at shedding light on this fact and showing that we as a country are holding ourselves to standards that are only unfair to us.

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  38. This article provided a very interesting perspective on the youths of different eras, and where future generations may be heading. Its true that history dos repeat itself. The economy has faced hardships numerous times in our nations past, leaving people without jobs and sources of incomes. Today with the economy in the shape its in a lot of young Americans find themselves with no job right after college or even high school. As the article stated, this trend has occurred numerous times in our history. Society tends to place a huge pressure on young adults. There are all sorts of pressures as to whether or not attend college or to just go straight into the working force. Society tends to force young adults to grow up faster than they truly need to. Young adults have so much anxiety placed on them which is completely and utterly frivolous. Its really hard to live in this day and age. Society is one of the biggest critics. Young adults should follow the path of life that best suits them. No one should allow society to make major life decisions for them!

    Hailey N.
    English Per. 3

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  39. I find it interesting that the author compares the depression to the industrial revolution in terms of the upcoming youth. I think it is a bit ironic how comparable the difficulties of theses childhoods share, when one occurred during our greatest economic boom ever, and one happened at our lowest economic point. I do believe that they did experience similar situations, as both were huge turning points in our nation's way of life. We today may have more technology to help us get through each day, and many of older generations say we are blessed, but many of us still experience these problems today. In both situations back then, and in our situation today, it is all about making money. We all want to make as much money as possible, and we don't really care where it comes from, or how it is earned. I think we have moved away from the concept that this is America, home of the free. We should be looking to do what we want to do, not what signs the biggest paycheck. After all, a poor man with a joyful life is far more blessed than any rich man with a heart of stone Mike B Period 3

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  40. What I took from this article was that what we now consider the "norm" was once a radical idea, and will likely be one in the future, for society is progressive and ever-changing. Human beings have an instinctual need for wonder and discovery, so it's natural and arguably vital for the modern generations to exercise deviation from the behaviors and beliefs of past generations. After all, this allows the modern generations to determine what works best for the nation, as well as have a greater appreciation of individuality; the fundamental ideal which the United States was founded upon.
    Dan Lalor
    period 2

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  41. This article had some interesting points about the comparisons between different generations and where the author thinks future generations could be headed. The economy is always changing, and that affects whether or not the students that are just coming into the workforce can get a job. A huge amount of pressure is placed on young adults to get jobs as soon as possible, and if the economy doesn't allow that to happen, it can be a huge problem. It is tough to not be able to get a job when all students coming out of college have a huge debt to repay, and on top of that, they can't make any money. Everyone wants to become a big shot, as it is the "American dream", but it is difficult to do that when you enter the adult world with the odds stacked against you.
    Evan Seward P2

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  42. It may not be proven, but it is around us all the time and that is change. Generations in the United States have rapidly changed over time. One of the main causes of this is technology and social media. With that, communication is so much easier through Facebook, Email and Twitter instead of hand written emails. I liked this article because it pointed out main problems of the generations of today and compared them to those of previous generations. Society is the main contributor to the change of generations. Society impacts people to try to act like people they are not and trying to reach those expectations. As a kid you act like your own self but as you grow up you see yourself turn into a person that society expects from you. It happens in every generation, but it seems that our generation is notorious for it. While people look for a solution to this problem, the real idea is that there is no real solution, society will always change and so will people so we just need to learn to adapt to those changes and move on
    Dalton E period 2

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  43. During this time period America was a new and "experimental" society in which freedom and equality were valued. It is interesting however not surprising to read that America would face a social change of this magnitude. America was a society of new individuals who sought individual achievement and personal success. This personal ambition is what drives America even top this day causes social changes that shape our society and make us independent.
    Hannah Beatty pd.6

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  44. It's interesting to see how the anxieties of the old Americans compare so easily to the anxieties of the modern Americans. The insight from the article really makes one reevaluate whether or not most of our "concerns" deserve so much anxiety. Many would argue that having love, maturity, career stability, and so much more is essential to being successful as an adult. However, there arises the question of whether securing these things honestly give us satisfaction with our lives or whether we strive to obtain these things simply to appease social expectations. Is it really so horrible to be single at 30, or is it preferable to enslave oneself to a passionless relationship? Is living with ones parents at age 20 a sign of failure or a wise financial decision? The honest answers to these questions will vary person to person but the actions of those people will almost always be the same. It's sad really.
    Iana W. Period 2

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  45. America is known as the melting pot and land of opportunities, so why are there such anxieties about work? Then their work was getting replaced by new advancements such as simple machinery and animals. Now work today Is getting replaced my machines. Many factory workers are forced to leave there job due to a machine taking their place. As for social changes throughout the years, things were much different in the 1800's. Back then it wasn't really a choice to get married, you did at a young age because life expectancy wasn't around 70 like it is today. I think social media today has contributed to much more social anxiety then back then. Some people are always worried what others are posting and doing and the constant need to check you Facebook or Twitter, there is never time to relax. I think there are much more anxieties today than there was is the 19th century.

    Cayla F.

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  46. Jonathan B
    P7
    This article was very interesting. The youth of today and back then aren't so different. Back then the jobs were there but most of the jobs weren't great. "The good news was that there were more jobs; the bad news was that they were isolating and temporary." Having jobs like this made people somewhat go insane, some people can't handle isolation as well as others. In today's society it is more difficult to find the right job for yourself that pays good and doesn't make you go insane. Back then most people worked in factories, most of those factories weren't that great. In today's society most factories are made up of automated machines because they are more efficient. Those machines take jobs away from people making it harder for people to find jobs and make a living.

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  47. Its not possible to avoid change. As a country we are advancing in many ways and changing as a society. This causes people to act a different way. Its surprising to see how similar the problems the youth faces today is to the past. For example, both generations have the pressures of having to succeed, having a stable career and doing well. However, there are slight differences between what both generations went through and America will continue to change creating slightly different people.

    Harjot B. Per 7

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  48. This article was thoroughly interesting. When we look at our parents or grandparents, it is hard to imagine them as anything but. It is difficult to imagine them as teens and early 20s, going through similar experiences as we are today. In the 21st century, and because of the current state of the economy and the work force, the youth of today often must make the choice between following their passions or selling themselves short just for the sake of a pay check. I feel that I speak for all of us when I say we all at some point have felt this tug-o-war inside of us and felt the external pressure from parents, teachers, etc to succeed by the society's definition of success.
    Skylar S.
    Period 2

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  49. The connection made with old Americans to modern day Americans is interesting. Many people coming out of college are having a difficult finding a job. Its not as easy as it once was and competition is increasing.This brings up more anxiety and stress to peoples lives. Also more technology impacts ways of thinking and anxiety
    Rachel C
    period 6

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  50. What this article fails to mention is the cultural differences that may have affected the possible outcomes for todays youth. The article mentions the lack of stable jobs but nowhere does it mention the huge job problem we have today: outsourcing. We are constantly uprooting companies and moving them to different locations around the world, thus taking jobs away from American citizens. While we may have the same problems with job security the causes are by no means the same so I don't believe comparing the two time periods would be wise at this point. There was little statistical evidence to support these claims, only quotes from a diary and a few brief mentions of population that were mostly vague at best. Thus, at this time I wouldn't necessarily be persuaded to believe everything the author had to say due to the lack of explained variables mentioned in the article as well as reliable evidence to support his claim.
    Shoshanna L
    Period 6

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  51. This is honestly the first time I've ever read, or heard at all, that what our parents and grandparents expect of us may be the social norm in their vision of life, but is completely irregular relative to everyday culture of world civilizations of the past. To be honest, though, that doesn't mean I agree with the notion that we should suddenly accept certain old-age ideals (such as following in the direct footsteps of your parents and taking over where they leave off) The youth movements of the twentieth century were all part of a major step towards independence, and it's the reason why the standard of living is so much higher today than it was a hundred years ago. By independence, I mean that many Americans, since the mid twentieth century, are willing to completely abandon what society did or didn't expect of them to live the lives that they want. Obviously, this has many disadvantages of its own when compared to past lifestyles, but the pros still outweigh the cons.
    Cameron O.
    Period 6

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  52. I find it interesting that the youth today is going through the same difficulties as they did back then. I never thought that my grandparents and parents understood the stresses that we are going through now. They understand the struggles of finishing school, finding a job and starting a family, since they lived through it too. The article states, “19th-century young adults faced many of the anxieties that trouble 23 year-olds today.” Young adulthood is the most important time of life because it is where everything starts to come together.
    Holly P.
    Period 2

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  53. This article was interesting and eye opening. I look at my parents and grandparents and it is difficult to imagine them going through similar situations that young adults are going through today. This time in your life is the hardest but most important.. Your'e unsure what to do going forward and all you can do is hope that everything is going to work itself out. This time is crucial because it sets the foundation for your future and if you take the right steps during this period in your life, it opens up many opportunities in the upcoming years of your life.
    Joe R Period 2

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  54. After reading this article i felt that the author's tone was aggresive in the way of; stop complaining and deal with the circumstances of the times. The author clearly points out that every generation has obstacles they have to deal with. He also pointed out that other generations found oppertunities to make their own path in life, and that this gerneration needs to do the same thing. I enjoyed the way the author structured the article by engaging the audiance with a current issue and then supplying facts and evidence to prove his point. My personal reaction to this article is that i have a 23 year old brother who graduated from college last year and is having a hard time finding jobs in his field. He feels that after working so hard in college and earning this great degree it got him no where and will never find a job that he went to school for. The economy is changing every day and this generations just needs to learn how to change as it changes.
    Michaela S
    period 3

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  55. I feel that we should take a break from the society we live in today because of all the stress that is going on. I am not saying that we should all just stop, but there is a lot of pressure on our generation, which the article wants to say something about. Old people today look on this society as stressful, and it most certainly is. However, every day problems such as not finding a job that day or being sad over something stupid is something we do way to much. Give me a break is what the author wants to say, and he is being sort of aggressive in his way of writing. During life opportunities will come, and we got to adapt.

    Christian F.
    period 6

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  56. Through observation of this essay I get the immediate feeling of, "suck it up." All across time people and teenagers have suffered the worries of daily life. The key is that these worries have changed drastically over time. The worry of not getting a meal and being whipped for not doing chores and waiting for the cute boy/girl to respond to a text are two entirely different things. We have to take everything in stride and learn to grow from those experiences. Stress and pressure will always be looming over us, will we collaspe under it, or become diamonds?
    Sonny G.

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  57. It's interesting to read in the article that youths of America in the 1800's had the same worries that youths have today. Although it is interesting, it is a bit pointless to be anxious over not finding love when one is in his or her 20's. If someone is unhappy with his or her life then all that is needed to do is change it. For example, in the article, the author states that,"Young men and women were notoriously transient, heading out on “wander years” when life at home seemed stalled". If people 100 years ago can go out and travel in order to change their boring lives' with little opportunity that we have today, then why don't we go out and do something to make ourselves' happy?
    Gabby White
    Period 3

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  58. I think that it is important to note that the concerns of young adults has remained constant since the late 1800s. They have always worried about marriage, stability, and finding a job. I agree with the author that these shouldn't be a cause for worry. If you aren't married by the time you're 25 it's okay. Living with your parents out of high school instead of moving out immediately doesn't make you a failure. The economy and society are changing, so the youth of this generation may not be like their grandparents. But, like the young adults of the industrial revolution, they will find their way. Jessica L. Period 6

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  59. The anxiety of coming to age nearly affects every teen in every generation because it is normal in life. Too much anxiety causes nervous breakdowns, pill usage, etc. but having a normal level of anxiety is necessary to function because it allows the mind to focus on possible negative outcomes of an action. For an example, if you fail to complete your homework you will not pass the course. Homework causes anxiety because of a possible negative outcome. Same applies for the un-married women back in the 1900's, the only way to live life was with a husband who would fund her well-being if she had a child for him. This produced an adverse affect because women were frowned upon by society if they worked. The vicious cycle of anxiety caused women to be out of the working world for generations which suddenly changed when the anxiety of homelessness overcame the other anxieties.
    If there were a scale for how much pressure anxiety caused, the meter would read the same for any generation because humans are adaptable to their surroundings and don't let stress take control of their life.
    For further explanation, people living in the same generation who have 2 different levels of income, rich and poor, experience the same amount of anxiety because it is normal to stress about different things. The richer person may experience anxiety because they didn't get the right piece of jewelry from their husbands while the poor person experiences anxiety because they can't buy new shoes. These examples seem ridiculous but it shows how the level of anxiety is maintained within the two different types of people.
    I'm not saying every human has the same level of anxiety, I'm simply stating that the average level of anxiety is constant with humans because are brains are developed the same way.
    The author of the article doesn't say the same thing but talks about the different anxiety causes in different generations.
    Alec Carlson

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  60. This article was very interesting, it's strange thinking that young adults that lived during the industrial revolution had the same issues as the young adults of America do today. I had always assumed that life was not as stressful and simpler back then because many people had to drop out of college or even high school to find work, and when I look at my family members who had to do this, they turned out fine. I don't think that would be the case today, for example I have a 25 year old sister who has a degree in anthropology and his still struggling to find a job, even with a college degree. Even though the young adults of this time may have had the same worries as us I feel as if it still worked out pretty well for a lot of people and hopefully will for our generation.
    Aodhan Dunn
    Period 6

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  61. No matter what generation your from or how old you are, you'll always be under stress or have anxiety. There is always some type of problem or upcoming event to worry about. Although now days our worries are a lot different than a few decades ago, but that doesn't mean they aren't just as valid. We still have school and careers and families to think about. I think that no matter what time period, there will always be a cause for worry. Even our grand children and their children will have stress in their lives. There are so many life factors that can contribute to stress, and those factors are forever changing.

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  62. In my opinion the article correct in saying that instead of companies who are already giving jobs should not have to give out more. But just taxing the richer class just a bit more would help the lower class greatly. This would improve the economy because more people would be able to get a better education which in turn would help all the classes.
    Ahmad Zaidi
    Period 6

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  63. This article was very interesting and opened my eyes up to many of the troubles of the young Americans that lived during the industrial revolution. Its hard to believe it, but they faced the same problems many young adults do today. No matter what generation you are born in, you are bound to experience some form of anxiety or stress at sometime in your life, its just the way it goes. However, I trust our generation to overcome these problems, and I'm hopeful for the future,
    Aidan Deane
    Period 6

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  64. Ben G
    Period 6
    I think that the author portrays the fact well that no matter the generation, people are under stress. More precisely, a common trend seems to be employment as well as love. People of all ages, from many different time periods seem to worry about these things. I think ever since people have been social, they have been under stress, and stresses will continue long after into the future.

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  65. In my opinion Each New Year’s, young men and women filled their diaries with worries that seem very familiar today: They found living with their parents “humiliating indeed” and felt “qualified for nothing.” Others moaned: “I am twenty-five and not in love yet.” Gathering over beer or cigars, they complained about how far they were from marriage, how often they switched jobs.

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