Comments on: Is Gen-Y Really Any Different?

By: Kate Thome

Kate Thome — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:30:41 +0000

Actually, they did and still do. Most would argue that the family-flexible work environment (still working on that), healthcare and a shift gender equality in the home was their cause. Furthermore, the gay-rights movement is/was very much lead by Gen Xers. The changing attitudes about homosexuality that rose out of our generation’s response to AIDS is a game changer. If generational researchers are unable to see the national movement for LGBT equality, they just aren’t looking very hard.

By: Editor

Editor — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:24:24 +0000

Kate, it was more of a joke than a serious point about Gen-X. Generational researchers and experts love to suggest Gen-X is self-centered and lack the “idealism gene.” Please note that we aren’t talking about Gen-X’s accomplishments or amibitions. We’re talking about whether or not they had a generalized sense of concern about issues greater than themselves — selflessness, to counter the conclusions of generational researchers. Did they have protest marches like in the 60s? Did they have a cause to rally around like the environment? Did they volunteer at shelters or join the Peace Corp en masse?

Also note: I am squarely Gen-X.

By: Kate Thome

Kate Thome — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:17:18 +0000

Moreover, according to the original Time magazine definition of Generation X, Barack Obama, belongs to Gen X. While people may not agree with him, I believe that most would be hard pressed to state that he doesn’t stand for anything. He seems to stand for the empowerment of youth and the populace (as evidenced by the enormous success of his campaign), health care for all people and racial equality. His wife is an advocate for children and healthy living. Please reconsider your stance. Perhaps you should also apologize to the cohort that created the medium that you use to communicate your message.

By: Kate Thome

Kate Thome — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:09:29 +0000

“(Gen-X, it would seem, was never really concerned about anything more than Pearl Jam or Kurt Cobain.) ”
Unacceptable, incomplete, derisive and dismissive.
Gen Xers are the first bloggers. They created rap music.
They CREATED Silicon Valley. They are the FIRST Internet generation. They founded Google, Wikipedia, MySpace, Ebay, YouTube, LinkedIn. They are Jeff Bezos of Amzon, Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson (heaven help us), Bobby Jindal, Ryan White (AIDS activist), Snoop Dogg, Parker Posey, Tina Fey, Johnny Depp, Michael Jordan, and Lance Armstrong (right, he doesn’t stand for anything…Livestrong, anyone?).
Anyone who doesn’t think that Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park, John Stewart or Steven Colbert who have exposed the irony and general dumbing down of American culture stand for anything really has a lot to answer for if they are attempting to build credibility.

By: Editor

Editor — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:06:42 +0000

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Michel, Steven and Mark.

By: Mark Arnold

Mark Arnold — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:29:21 +0000

Jeff: Thanks for your thoughts on this timely subject. Gen Y is the current “sexy” thing in marketing, just like Gen. X was 10 years ago or Baby Boomers 25 years ago. The generatinoal markers change with each new demographic. But people are people. And young people are young people. Brands still must build an emotional connection with the consumer group they are targeting: no matter which generation it is.

By: Steven de Blois

Steven de Blois — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:43:27 +0000

Financial Institutions recognize they have no choice but to invest in ways to better engage younger generations. Historically, these generations were deemed “low” focus because of their fragmented voice & minimal revenue opportunity.

Today – thanks to the social web – this voice has been amplified and has found a powerful medium. As a result, the power is beginning to shift – once held exclusively by brands – is finding balance within the online community.

FI’s recognize the risk of doing nothing – low engagement will lead to low appeal which will lead to poor relationships. Developing relationships with the upcoming generations will not only help convert these prospects into clients but also limit the transfer-out of assets as they inherit the Boomer’s wealth. The stakes are high.

By: Michel Savoie

Michel Savoie — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:42:25 +0000

The thing is… Being young hasn’t actually changed. What has changed is the business recognition of their potential value.

Because this demographic has traditionally been ignored by financial institutions, these institutions are struggling to find a place in their marketing mix for the demographic, but are struggling to be relevant due their values being counter to the banking business model.

Also, there’s an institutional fear that this demographic will carry forward their values much further than older demographics due to the heightened expectations of transparency and authenticity that have been created by internet permeation. Good enough for a financial brand used to work once people came into adulthood, however, there’s concern that “good enough” won’t suffice for this demographic.