Here's a letter I sent to the Winnipeg Free Pressafter reading an article about the new generation of Yuppies (dubbed Yupsters by the ever astute Media). Read the original article by clicking on the title of this blog.
Yesterday’s article on Yupsters offended me to the core. As a an urban male in my middle 30’s I am deeply troubled that so many of my contemporaries have become such rampant and shameless consumers. I am sickened that they would carry their adolescence so deep into adulthood, and saddened that the freedoms and social justices our grandparents fought so hard for have led to yet another shallow and vain "Me Generation. "
Growing up I was always disgusted by the extravagant and hypocritical lifestyle of the original Yuppie set, and hoped my peers would see through the soulless lack of purpose that sort of existence represented. Unfortunately we seem to have chosen style and status over substance and sustainability once again.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
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2 comments:
Disclaimer, it seems you're a little harsh and off point from what I noted in the article...
Yes it appears these "Yupsters" can spend more to match their feelings regarding fashion and consumerism, but why is that a shameless "me generation" which takes away the freedoms and social justice which (presumably) was won during WWII. Here are people working and paying to allow society to function spending their extra money (after bills, taxes et all) on what they want? What is money if not to spend?
I think the interesting point about the article is the backlash against corporate ideology which the "Yupster" is trying to fight primarily due to what they saw in their childhood. This may be more about said social justice and freedoms!
They appear to be more willing to accept new music, dress and follow what ends up as "trends" more because they truly enjoy that portion of society rather than dressing in suits and becoming something they truly don't feel they are ie old and stodgy.
And if they take with them an ipod, who cares?
Frankly who are we if not some part of our childhood?
Thank you for your thoughtful and just rebuttal Doctor, you raise many valid points. It’s very possible that you have made a better reading of the original article than me. My harshness can be accounted in the fact that I am making a rhetorical argument, it is not my intention to offend anyone. Perhaps I can offer some clarification on some of your concerns.
I guess I shrouded my point in the whole with the “freedom and social justices” bit, that’s not what really gets me about “Me Generations.” What bugs me most is the suspended sense spiritual awareness and being-ness that seems to go along with the empty quest to belong to an elite club of with-it’s; idolizing people and things that give very little in return. This generalization does not pertain to everyone, of course, but I see a bunch of status sheep, milling around, being hip, not paying enough attention to what counts. What they’re missing is a connection to the real reasons they are here. The answers to life’s many mysteries can’t be found in a label, or behind the wheel of a nicer car, can they?
You may be correct in assuming that the point of money is buying a little happiness once in a while, it certainly seems to be a popular point of view. And I can’t deny that I enjoy a little happiness myself from time to time. I just wish people would spend more time appreciating what they do have, instead of what they might have…
I wasn’t as concerned about the fashion aspect of the article. If I was I was being a hypocrite. I happen to know a lot of the hot-up-and-comer type bands, and the only suit I own is a double-breasted, chocolate brown Pierre Cardin from the early ‘70’s (see photo). Also, I own my fair share of MEC brand clothes, and I own an iPod, so I’m guilty as sin.
As for the holding on to a happy bit of childhood, I see your point, there’s no harm in it. But I think you’d agree that the best (and maybe the healthiest) way to retain a bit of childhood is to have some of your own, and/or care for those of others.
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