Unit 3 Generation X. What is your ideals, ambitions and puzzles today? Do you have any idea about the youth in the United States today? What are their.

Unit 3

Generation X

What is your ideals, ambitions and puzzles today?

Do you have any idea about the youth in the United States today? What are their ideals, ambitions and puzzles?

What are the qualifications for being a good youth today?

The qualifications for a good youth today:

Health. Good virtue and high moral standards. The ability to work with others. Patriotism.

Why is this generation called Generation X?

In the U.S. Gen X was originally referred as the "baby bust" generation because of the small number of births following the baby boom.

Introduction to the Author

Bob Losyk, M.B.A., C.S.P., is an international speaker, author, management consultant, and trainer, who speaks at conferences and leads corporate seminars throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. He holds the Certified Speaking Professional Designation awarded by the National Speakers Association. This is the highest earned award given by N.S.A., and only 7% of its members hold this designation.

Bob Losyk’s creative presentations bristle with enthusiasm, information, motivation, and excitement. Hundreds of associations, corporations, franchisees, and thousands of participants have benefited from Losyk’s keynotes and seminar.

Bob Losyk focuses his twenty years of service, sales, and top level management experience, on creating useable techniques and strategies that get immediate and long term-results. He has written over 150 articles on managing the future workforce, Generation X, recruiting, hiring and preventing turnovers. Losyk is the author of the best-selling book, Managing A Changing Workforce: Achieving Outstanding Service With Today’s Employees, which won the National Independent Publishers Association award for Best Book Content.

Bob Losyk has appeared on national TV shows and on nationally syndicated radio shows. His opinion has been sought for The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and many other newspaper and magazine interview.

In addition to being founder and President of Innovative Training Solution, Inc., Bob Losyk is an active member of the National Speakers Association, the American Society of Training & Development, and the World Future Society.

The origin of “Generation X” In the UK the term was first used in a 1964

study of British youth by Jane Deverson. Deverson was asked by Woman's Own magazine to conduct a series of interviews with teenagers of the time. The study revealed a generation of teenagers who "sleep together before they are married, don't believe in God, dislike the Queen, and don't respect parents," which was deemed unsuitable for the magazine because it was a new phenomenon. Deverson, in an attempt to save her research, worked with Hollywood correspondent Charles Hamblett to create a book about the study. Hamblett decided to name it Generation X.

About Generation X

A. Some factors that influence Generation X’ers (by Bob Losyk ):– 1.They had to take care of themselves as latchkey

kids, so they don’t buy into being bossed around.– 2. They saw company-loyal parents put out of work

in downsizings, so they’re more interested in their own personal career gains, instead of the employer’s.

– 3. They were raised on TV, MTV, and in a culture of immediacy, so they like entertainment but don’t stay in one place too long.

B. Generation X is also known by “twenty something” or other labels. The following is more information about this generation.

Twenty Somethings: Managing the New Breed of Employee

Who are we talking about when we say “Generation X”? This generation is known by a variety of labels: twenty somethings, baby-busters, post-boomers, the 13th generation or thirteeners (the 13th generation since the ratification（正式批准） of the Constitution), and slackers (referring to their alleged lack of a work ethic).

Depending on who you ask, Generation X includes people born between 1965 and 1985, or those born between 1960 and 1980– nobody is quite sure where to draw the demographic（人口的，人口统计的） boundaries. But it is commonly agreed that people in this generation were shaped by significant social trends and cultural events that occurred during their first 20 years. An economic roller-coaster（忽好忽坏） during the 1970, outdated and overcrowded schools,

the downfall of national heroes, the Challenger disaster and workaholic parents all contributed to the psychological temperament of this generation. Sky high divorce rates and being latchkey children are two social trends that molded this generation into the self-reliant, pragmatic individuals. These experiences imbued（使充满，灌输） Generation X with an entirely different set of goals and values than their baby-boomer managers.

C. What do these twenty somethings want?

FAMILY Principles address the specific needs of Generation X.

Fun: Generation X wants to have fun while their work gets done.

Applaud your people: Recognize or reward people for a job well done.

Model: We’re telling our managers to walk their talk.

Involve: Involve your people in the decision-making process. Ask for and use their ideas whenever possible, and when you can’t use them explain why.

Lead: Lead and develop your people. Whether you continuously train or cross-train your employees, work with them to develop those transferable skills.

Yield: Be flexible. Accommodate people’s requests when possible, particularly with scheduling.

Douglas Coupland

The writer who coined the term “Generation X”, was born on a West German air base and raised in Vancouver where he still resides. His first novel, Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture (1991), was an overnight success, particularly with Canada’s post-baby-boomer generation. A second novel, Shampoo Planet (1992), and collection of stories, Life after God (1994), quickly followed to equal acclaim. 1995 brings his readers a third and much-awaited novel from

Haper Collins: Microserfs. Coupland’s characters, often witty, honest, and introspective, capture the thoughts of an entire generation struggling with the complexity and emptiness of life in the 1990s. When an excerpt of Microserfs appeared in both the print and electronic January 1994 issue of Wired, the electronic version was so popular it was “mirrored” on sites all over the Internet. Coupland has established an international reputation: translations of his fiction are now available in twenty-four languages.

Persian Gulf War

Conflict beginning in August 1990, when Iraqi forces invaded and occupied Kuwait. The conflict culminated in fighting in January and February 1991 between Iraq and an international coalition of forces headed by the United States. By the end of the war, the coalition had driven the Iraqis from Kuwait.

AIDS

The Red ribbon is a symbol for solidarity with HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a human viral disease that ravages the immune system, undermining the body’s ability to defend itself from infection and disease. Caused by the human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV), AIDS leaves an infected person vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Such infections are harmless in healthy people, but in those whose immune systems have been greatly weakened, they can prove fatal. While there is no cure for AIDS, new drugs have prolonged the life spans and improved the quality of life of many infected people.

Soap Opera

The Procter and Gamble company (P&G) began in 1837 when James Gamble, a soap maker, and William Procter, a candle maker, formed a partnership to manufacture and sell their products. In the 1930s P&G gave teams within the company responsibility for promoting and managing particular brands of products. This practice of managing product brands became common among corporations.

P&G also heavily advertised its soap on the radio in the 1930s, sponsoring daytime dramas that became known as soap operas. Now a soap opera means a serial on television or radio that deals with the lives of a group of characters, especially in a melodramatic or sentimental way, such as Dallas and Dynasty, which is about daily life and problems of a regular cast of rich, handsome and prestigious characters.

Para. 1

What does the word “institutions” in the last sentence of this paragraph mean?

Customs.

Para. 2

What does the word “numbers” mean in this paragraph?

It means the relatively small number of people competing for a given job.

Why does the author say that the numbers are on the side of the X’ers?

The author thinks that due to the lower birth rate, there are fewer workers available in the job market and therefore more job opportunities are available to young people today.

Para. 3

How does Generation X view the present world?

They have a gloomy view of the present world.

Para. 4 What does “making it” mean here?

Becoming successful socially and financially or moving into the upper social echelon （阶层） .

Para. 8 What is implied in the statement : “Thirty

or more years of loyalty sometimes ended with a security guard helping them clean out their desks and escorting them out the door?

It is implied that their thirty years’ dedication to their company was not acknowledged and cherished. In fact, they were dismissed without anything.

Para. 11

In their childhood Generation X’ers didn’t receive much care and love from their parents. Do they tend to leave their family as early as possible? Why?

No. Because they want to save their money

so that they can live better when they do leave.

Para. 12

Why do Generation X’ers “seek that attention in the workplace”?

Because they were neglected in their families and classrooms.

Para. 13

Why are X’ers so interested in soap operas?

Because they would like their world to be filled with good-looking people, dressed in the latest fashions, with lots of money and prestige, and who don’t have to work too hard. They desire instant gratification and expect a whole lot for nothing.

Para. 14

Why does the author mention “Mcjobs”?

Because “Mcjobs” are poorly-paid entry level jobs which have no power. Generation X’ers would not want to do this kind of jobs.

Paras. 3-15 Why do Generation X’ers have a gloomy

view of the present world?

1) They have been exposed to murder and other types of violence and some other negative events on TV.

2) Many have been brought up in Single-parent families and the emotional upheaval and conflict have had a negative effect on their value and self-worth.

3) Many feel their chances of finding the job and salary they want are bleak (not hopeful or encouraging).

Para. 17

What is a no-nonsense way to generation X’ers according to this passage?

Be able to solve the problem themselves without dealing with bureaucracy（官僚作风） .

Para. 18

Generation X’ers are resentful at the way they were brought up by their parents. How do they think they will bring up their own children?

They will spend more time with their kids and care more about them.

Para. 19

The author says that X’ers will create a shorter workweek when they are in power. Will productivity decrease with such a policy? Why?

No. Because technology will enable people to

be more productive. In addition, X’ers’ dislike of bureaucracy and a desire to solve problems will quickly improve productivity.

Para. 20

Why does the writer assume that many Generation X’ers are perfect consultants?

Because many of them have an independent, individualistic nature and like to be left alone to solve problems.

Para. 20 & Para. 21

What does the author intend to tell us in these two paragraphs?

He intends to tell us about X’ers’ potential entrepreneurship.

Para. 21

What does entrepreneurial spirit mean?

It means fostering innovation and being creative.

Para. 23

What does the word “do” mean in the statement “the future will be a better place if we do”?

If we listen to what Generation X’ers will say, we may understand them better, and also find they have some very beneficial things to offer.

Which sentence in the passage can best sum up the characters of Generation X of the United States?

A paradox exists between how they view life and what they think they need from it. (para. 15)

Find out the descriptions in the article that can best describe the different attitudes between young people and their parents.

The parents’ attitude: loyalty and commitment to the

workplace slave away and show their dedication to

the company

The attitude of the youth:

They don’t want to wait around and pay their dues when there is no long-term commitment from the top.

There is life after work. They will often leave a job at the hint of

a better position.

What lesson do Generation X’ers think they have learned from their elders in terms of job devotion?

They watched their grandparents work hard only to receive a gold watch and pension upon retirement. Their parents’ dedication to the company has been repaid with downsizing and layoffs.

What are Generation X’ers’ attitudes towards a job?

They feel there is no such thing as job security. They don’t want to commit themselves to their work when there is no long-term commitment from the top. There is more to life than work.

The characters and emotions of Generation X’ers:

negative view of the world less loyalty and commitment keep options open stay at home longer eager to get noticed unrealistic and materialistic views getting things done fast better family values shorter workweek greater entrepreneurship

In what ways does the author believe that Generation X may change society better?

They will have better family values, get things done quickly, shorten the workweek, create systems that will allow “intrapreneurs” and create virtual business.

What’s the author’s attitude towards Generation X? Why?

Hopeful. Because Generation X has evolved in

dramatically different ways from previous generations and may have dramatically different ways to improve society.

Language points

1. What makes them tick? (line 4, para. 1)

What (beliefs, wishes, and feelings) makes them behave in the way that they do?

2. What impact will they have on us and our institutions as we move into the future? (lines 4-5, para. 1)

What effect will they have on us an dour customs, beliefs, values, etc. in the future?

Institution means a custom, belief, or way of doing something that has become established and accepted as part of normal life among a particular group of people.

3. Just like a box of tissues, there was always another candidate that would pop right up. (lines 2-3, para. 2)

Just like a box of tissues there was always another applicant who would show up (turn up) or appear.

pop up (informal) appear or occur, esp. when

not expected He seems to pop up in the most unlikely

places.

4. This means the smallest pool of entry-level workers since the 1930s. (lines 6-7, para. 2)

This means the number of people who are available for employment is the smallest number since the 1930s.

Entry-level workers means workers with little previous experience or training.

5. dub: v. (line 8, para. 2) An informal word that means give

character to someone by means of a title or descriptive expression, or simply a nickname.

He was dubbed “Father of the year”. Charles was dubbed “Shorty” when he

was a child and he has never outgrown the nickname.

6. …realize the numbers are on their side. (lines 8-9, para. 2)

…there are fewer candidates for each job so they have a better chance of being hired.

The numbers refers to the number of entry-level workers (competitors).

7. gloomy: adj. (line 3, para. 3)

1) pessimistic, sad and depressed

a gloomy outlook / prospect

2) dimly lit, unpleasant places

He hated the gloomy hallways where he had to grope his way around.

There were only three gloomy narrow rooms without a stick of furniture anywhere.

8. … were highly concerned about “making it” financially. (lines 1-2, para. 4)

(they were avoiding a family with birth control and abortion, so they regard) being successful financially as something very important.

Making it means becoming successful socially and financially or moving into the upper class echelon.

9. The emotional upheaval and conflict this causes helped shape their view of the family and the world. (lines 4-5, para. 4)

The turmoil they faced in their family formed the foundation of their opinions about the family and the world.

10. It seems to have sent out a negative message to X’ers about their value and worth. (lines 5-6, para. 4)

This turmoil impacted the X’ers by causing them not to be certain of their usefulness and importance.

11. Many feel their chances of finding the job and salary they want are bleak. (lines 5-6, para. 5)

Many young people feel hopeless when they think of their chances to find well-paid, secure jobs.

12. Couple the high divorce rate with the fact that many were latchkey children and you get … (lines1-2, para. 6)

If you combine the high divorce rate with the fact that many were latchkey children, you get …

Latchkey children are the children whose parents work during the day and who have a key to the house so that they can get into the house after school.

couple sb/sth with sb/sth link or associate sb/sth with sb/sth

The name of Mozart is coupled with the city of Salzburg （萨尔茨堡） .

The bad light, coupled with the wet ground, made the match very difficult.

13. day care (line 4, para. 6) Care that is provided for small children

during the day while their parents are at work.

14. help out (line 7, para. 6) come to sb’s aid / assistance; support

If he was in trouble, his sister would always try to help him out.

No need to thank me. I was just glad to help out a friend.

15. All this has helped them become very freedom-minded, individualistic and self-absorbed. (lines 7-8, para. 6)

What has been discussed has caused X’ers to expect few restraints and individuality, and focus on their own concerns above all else.

16. commitment n. (line 1, para. 8)

1) state of being dedicated or devoted (to sth)

We will pay you well and in return we will expect your loyalty and full commitment (to the company).

2) sth one has promised to do Make / take / undertake a commitment

commit v. devote (to a cause, one’s job, etc.)

Everyone must be committed to the job or the project will fail.

He was thoroughly committed to achieving equal rights for women workers.

Words and expressions associated with working hard.

1) to work hard put a lot of effort into; be hard at (it); work

at; push yourself; labor

2) toil: work long or hard toil all day/ in a cotton field

3) slave away: work very hard at sth you don’t enjoy

and don’t want to do

Downstairs, the two tailors were still slaving away in the shop.

Look, I’ve been slaving away all week and I’ve had enough of it.

4) work your fingers to the bone (infml.)

work extremely hard for a long time

Your mother worked her fingers to the bone to get you a good education.

5) workaholic someone who wants to work all the time

and is unable to relax when not working

Selling is a career that seems to attract workaholics.

Some adjectives for describing someone who works hard.

hardworking industrious diligent dedicated studious committed

17. Generation X’ers watched their grandparents slave away only to receive a gold watch and pension upon retirement. (lines 2-3, para. 8)

They saw their grandparents work extremely hard all their lives only to get a gold watch and pension when they retired as a reward.

18. They feel they don’t want to wait around and pay their dues when there is no long-term commitment from the top. (lines 1-3, para. 9)

They, X’ers, don’t want to work hard and wait for a promotion when nothing is certain from their bosses, such as job security, opportunities for training, and increase in salary, and so on.

Pay one’s dues literally means pay one’s membership fees; figuratively means put in the work that deserves a reward (this is the meaning in this context).

From the top means from the top management.

19. keep one’s options open (line 3, para. 10)

(or leave one’s options open)

avoid making an immediate decision that would eliminate other opportunities

20. They are always looking to jump ship … (line 3, para. 10)

They are always ready to quit the present job for a new one …

21. They will often leave a job at the hint of a better position. (lines 4-5, para. 10)

They will often quit a job as soon as they get a clue of a better job opportunity.

22. the baby boomers (line 6, para. 11) those who were born during the period of

the post World War baby boom (1946-Ⅱ1964) in America

23. …and too tired to have any quality time with their children at night. (line 2, para. 12)

and too tired to spend the evening together with their children and do some activities that will strengthen their relationship

24. …so as adults they have a need to be noticed. (line 4, para. 12)

…therefore when they become adults they desire recognition

25. …guilt-ridden, seldom-home parents or grandparents, X’ers have come to expect a whole lot for nothing. (lines 1-3, para. 13)

…parents and grandparents who feel guilty because they don’t spend much time at home with their children. They desire a great deal (from someone else) without doing anything to earn it because they are spoiled by their parents or grandparents who feel guilty as they fail to spend much time at home with their children or because of watching TV.

26. They have a strong propensity for instant gratification, wanting it all and wanting it fast. (lines 3-4, para. 13)

They have a strong desire for immediate satisfaction, and all the satisfaction, from life. (or. They don’t want to work at life; however, they expect life to fulfill them as soon as possible.)

27. high-paying position (lines 3-4, para. 14)

jobs and positions with good pay

28. They have little patience for working their way up. (lines 4-5, para. 14)

They don’t want to work hard for many years before being promoted to a higher position.

29. The first boomers are only 10 or 12 years away from retiring– and finally out of the way of the next generation. (lines 1-2, para. 17)

The first generation of people born during the postwar period will retire in 10 or 12 years – and the X’ers will soon be able to take over their jobs and positions of leaderships.

30. … as they hate political maneuvering and want to get to solutions in a fast, no-nonsense way. (lines 5-6, para. 17)

…as / for they hate political games and want to discuss issues in a straightforward way.

31. … being more accessible and providing a more stable home life. (lines 2-3, para. 18)

… spending more time with family members and keeping a set routine of family activities.

32. accessible adj. (line 2, para. 18)

documents not accessible to the public Computers are cheap enough to be accessible

to virtually everyone.

33. Office polities (line 5, para. 19)

Colleagues’ interaction in a competitive often two-faced way to gain advantages.

34. If organizations do not manage their human resources better, X’ers will leave to find or create a more humane workplace. (lines 6-7, para. 19)

If organizations do not treat X’ers in a kind, sympathetic and compassionate way, they will quit their jobs in order to find or create a more ideal human working atmosphere.

35. … as already evidenced by so many venturing out on their own. (lines 3-4, para. 20)

… as seen as many leave organizations to work independently

36. Outside entrepreneurs of this generation will team up with these “intrapreneurs” to create joint ventures. (lines 5-7, para. 21)

People outside the company will work with the X’ers to form new partnerships and create new businesses.

Intrapreneurs means those who can organize or manage a small business within an enterprise.

team up (with sb) work together, especially for a

common purpose

The two companies have teamed up to develop a new racing car.

37. They have been quick to take advantage of the lower overhead and quick start-ups that the Internet provides. (lines 3-4, para. 22)

They have acted quickly to make good use of the Internet to start businesses on the Internet that need smaller initial investments and have fewer expenses than traditional companies.

Overheard refers to regular and essential expenses of a business such as rent, cost of telephones, supplies, etc.