Generation Next: Stand Up, Be Heard

Summary by: Megan Mallory

Journalist Judy Woodruff traveled around America hoping to uncover the heart of “Generation Next”. She interviewed hundreds of young people from numerous backgrounds asking their opinions on pressing issues such as racial diversity, growing debt, and the war in Iraq, work, and the Baby Boomer Generation. Considering the currently available technology and the demand for a fast paced, no-nonsense lifestyle, Woodruff pinpointed what she saw as the root of the generation’s greatest need (the need for instant gratification): entitlement. This idea held by young people manifests itself in many forms: the inability to hold a job long term, dramatically increased materialism and debt, relative political apathy, etc. But despite these shortcomings, Woodruff presents a fairly positive outlook on the generation as a whole because of the obvious passion and potential. “Generation Next” currently faces vast global and local problems, and many have begun to take action both on an individual as well as community level. Their widespread acceptance of diversity and difference goes hand in hand with any and all social or political action they take. And although it is nearly impossible to define an entire generation, Woodruff manages to encompass many characteristics and ideals believed to be prevalent throughout.