[x]

Strauss and Howe saw Generation X as a "nomadic" generation, like the Lost Generation of the 1920s or the Gilded Age generation of the 1870s, a generation that lived through a collapse of existing values, an age cohort that found it hard to build or maintain what was already built because the ground had shifted or was shifting so much under their feet.

In their scheme the Millenials or Gen Y were supposed to be another "heroic" generation like the GI or Greatest Generation that came into their own after WWII. Well, it looks like that didn't happen. There's a precedent for that in Strauss's and Howe's scheme, though. The Progressive Generation that followed the Gilded Generation also failed to fulfill their heroic potential according to S&H.

[ClearCase_guy]

I agree — I think the Millenials will skip over the Heroic behavior and fulfill the role of an Artistic generation.

[chajin]

In their scheme the Millenials or Gen Y were supposed to be another "heroic" generation like the GI or Greatest Generation that came into their own after WWII. Well, it looks like that didn't happen.

It would have, if the society had taught them the worth of American ideals, and then provided an opportunity to sacrifice for them. Our society failed at the former, and has sneered at those who have volunteered for the latter.