Millennials Rising

September 4, 2000
The phrase "kids these days" is infused with new meaning in this look at the generation born between 1982 and 2000. Arguing against the conventional wisdom that junior high and high school kids are disrespectful, violent and alienated, Howe and Strauss (Generations; 13th Gen) demonstrate that the children of boomers and of older members of Generation X are actually harder workers and better community builders than any generation since the G.I.s'. "Millennials," the authors argue, are different from Gen-Xers: they have grown up in a multicultural country and have never known a recession; they are wanted children (as the increase in both birth control and fertility drugs demonstrate); and protected by an unprecedented number of child-centered laws. Since birth, they have been spurred to achievement in the home, by yuppie parents, and at school, by standardized tests and "zero tolerance" disciplinary measures. The authors show how easily Millennials have swallowed all the efforts on their behalf. School uniforms, as well as uniform-like Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch clothing, are popular. Teen sex is less frequent, and virginity seems to be a cool new trend. Howe and Strauss run into a bit of trouble when they insist that each generation corrects the mistakes of the previous one. They also attempt to link Millennials to the G.I. generation, suggesting that "hero generations" come in cycles. Despite these stabs at pop sociology, this well-substantiated demographic and cultural overview of the teen landscape is intriguing and highly amusing. Charts, graphs, cartoons.

September 1, 2000
The Millennials, the generation "born in or after 1982--the 'Babies on Board' of the early Reagan years"--will be a force to reckon with in the twenty-first century, according to the authors. More numerous and culturally diverse than their forefathers, this generation will also be better educated and more affluent. Using a wealth of marketing reports, statistics, graphs, and testimonials, the authors convincingly argue that the millennials are returning to conservative family values, emphasizing cooperation rather than creativity, and showing a new respect for rules. The book explores the roots of this turnaround generation, who they are now, and where they are headed. Although some of the statistics seem to be bent slightly to conform to the trends, the very readable narrative and thorough analysis of popular culture will prompt serious discussion among old and young.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2000, American Library Association.)