Please read the following article and develop your viewpoint on the main idea the author is making in the article. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations. Your post should be a min. of 250 words and should first be written as a word document and then cut and paste on to the blog. No lower case "i" or "you" "your". Reference needs to be made to the author and article and of course in your intro you need to introduce the interpretation of the main idea, supported by direct passages or quotes from the article. In addition, please state your viewpoint clearly in the intro.
Remember all writing should have an intro, middle, and end.
Sign your blog with your first name and initial of your last name and period.
And last but not least, include your word count.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/194640
See you Monday!
Ms. Ojeda
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
The article that was just read has a lot of meaning to it and it really does make me think about what the world is going threw right now. The main idea of this article is to explain to the reader that today everyone in this country is going threw a hard time financially and that people don’t have the money that they used to have to “throw sweet sixteen parties” And also she gives great examples of people that in today’s world are people that have everything such as Donald Trump.
ReplyDeleteShe also goes to explain that no matter what happens a person is still special without any of the possessions that he or she may have. So really what she is saying has great meaning to today’s world and how it works. A lot of people can relate to this issue that she is portraying and It was really important that she say what she said because this really could help people in the long run that think that having money or whatever possessions that say they have money makes them a better person well it doesn’t. That was a big point that she was trying to make and she did a good job doing
One last topic that’s this girl talked about in her article was about peoples appearance and that making yourself more beautiful doesn’t mean that they are a better person. For example, there may a beautiful girl that really is not nice to there people but then you will have20the girl that isn’t as pretty as the other girl and she may turn out to be the nicest girl a person has ever met. So when you think just cause you are better looking it doesn’t mean that you are a better person.
This is a great article that many teens today could definitely relate to and I think it was a great choice for us to read. Most of the people that read this will agree.
Corey Sax
Period 3
The article that I just read has to do with “Generation Me” and “narcissism” Which means that a person that is full of themselves in my opinion. The main idea of this article is that will the people of today I should say kids of today be able to handle what is going on in today’s world? And the article asked a similar question. The article gives great examples why kids wouldn’t be able to handle what is going on in today’s world. Also the girl that is the one who wrote this piece makes sense in what she says for example, You don’t need to be a narcissist to succeed in today’s world even thought there are some people that are very successful today that are narcissists doesn’t mean that a regular person cant be successful even if they are not.
ReplyDeleteAnother great lesson that I learned form this reading would be that thinking that the world has to revolve around you is wrong so people that think that and people that expect things to be done special for them they need to step into reality and realize that things don’t work that way. Also something that goes along with this paragraph would be the example given in the reading when she says “students expect to make up an exam because they where to hung over to come to class when it was test day so they think that when the teacher says know its wrong.” Well the teache
r is right and the student needs to realize what they did was not responsible.
So to end my response the last things that need to be said are what the headlines of this article say “YOUR NOT SO SPECIAL” so when a person thinks that everything revolves around them they are wrong and need to check back into reality. Also one last point would be that Everyone has a chance to succeed but people really just need to realize what is going on in the real world and everything is not so easy as it seems. This is what the article meant and I learned a lot.
Corey S.
Period 3
358 WORDS
I absolutely agree with the viewpoint that was made by Raina Kelley in the article “Generation Me.” Today’s generation is extremely narcissistic and it is becoming a problem. The definition of narcissism is an excessive self-love. More and more children are being taught by their parents that a narcissistic life is okay, but it will actually ruin their future. Kelley explains in the article that when surveyed, “nearly 10 percent of 20-somethings have already experienced symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder, compared with just over 3 percent of the 65-and-over set.” These statistics show the growing problem in today’s society. This problem of the increasing numbers of narcissistic children needs to be stopped. It will only be for the good of the children themselves.
ReplyDeleteI feel that I am surrounded my narcissistic teens everyday. They are extremely spoiled and always want what they ask for. This way of life causes problems with their education as well as their social life. I have seen many teens yell at their parents and cry because a teacher gave them the grade they didn’t want. The worst part about this whole idea is that the parents actually comply with their children and fight for a grade their child does not deserve. I feel that actions like these should not be supported and the only people that should be blamed are the parents. Parents should have the ability to control their children and the only solution to fix that is to be stricter with them. But we all know that it is too late to fix these children.
One statement that stuck out in the entire article was when Kelley wrote, “But no matter how you were raised, the handiest cure for narcissism used to be life.” I absolutely agree with this statement. I believe that one day the children of this generation will encounter a situation where, for example, they are out of money and their rent depends on a part-time job they’ve just been fired from. They can’t call their mom or dad, and they can’t complain to the business about being fired. They will soon figure out that the only solution to this crisis is to change the way they approach situations and the way they act in front of others. It’s all based on respect for you, your parents, and others that surround you.
Krystal T.
Period 4
WORD COUNT: 392
The article “Generation Me” by Raina Kelly is an eye opener for many people, especially today’s youth. The article has a subtitle that says, “A new book says we’re in a narcissism epidemic. Why you’re not so special.” The main idea the author is making in the article is that people today are narcissist and superficial. A narcissist is someone who is in inordinate fascination with oneself, one who is excessive in self-love.
ReplyDeleteBased on the article, Raina Kelley describes herself as “A strong-willed (and loud) child, I craved examples of unruly knuckleheads tethered to a loving family that encouraged us to be our best selves despite our natural inclinations. Precocious but naive, I thought of myself as an ugly duckling—misunderstood in my youth but destined for a beauty and stature completely impossible for my loved ones to comprehend. I shudder to think what a monster I would have become in the modern child-rearing era.” One can understand that Kelley was raised with good morals and values and knew what was important in life; however, one can also comprehend that Raina believes today’s children are the total opposite of herself. She said that today’s generation are too self confident, which gives them a cocky attitude.
In my opinion, the majority of the information in article is very accurate. Today’s generation is careless and dependent on others. For instance, several college students only care about partying and having a great time instead of worrying about the real reason they’re there, which is to get an education. Kelley said that students are “disregarding curfews, playing dance music until 3 a.m., demanding new room assignments at a moment's notice and failing to understand why professors won't let them make up an exam they were too hung over to take.” Personally, this article makes me think about the American Dream. It seems as if today’s American Dream is to be extremely rich and powerful in society, and that nothing else matters. Even though Raina has a point, I believe there are also other people who still have the same morals and values like the ones she learned when she was a kid, but since that is only a minority no one pays attention to them.
As mentioned before, “Generation Me” is an eye opener to those who are narcissistic because they need to realize that there is more out there in the world that just themselves. The last paragraph says, “Twenge recommends humility, evaluating yourself more accurately, mindfulness and putting others first. Such values may seem quaint, maybe even self-defeating, to those of us who think we're special, but trust me: it gets easier with practice.” These lines are truthful and helpful and they recommend following a good path to be successful in life.
Joanna B
Period 1
Word Count: 461
It seems as though the current generation is embracing ideals of self confidence, and now adults feel that want teenagers to do the opposite. With Fox News calling Mr. Rogers an “evil, evil man who ruined a generation of kids” and teachers citing harsh punishment as a remedy for the “Barney syndrome”, it seems that self confidence is becoming more of a sin rather than a virtue. Though many take their ego to unhealthy heights, self confidence is necessary to overcome America’s problems. Even President Obama remains “humbled by the task before us”, and as a nation, America needs self confidence to bring us out of this economic crisis. When Americans lose their self-confidence they lose their individuality and feel that others are more fit to lead. In the article, the writer blames self-esteem for Maddoff’s multi-billion dollar Ponzi scheme. On the contrary, the fact that Americans did not have enough self-esteem to invest on their own and trusted the so-called “expert” shows how the lack of self-esteem breeds vulnerability. If Americans do not believe in themselves to achieve their goals, the goals will go on unfulfilled. What’s even worse is the fact that someone else will most likely take advantage of that vulnerability. Although I do concede that the current generations of teenagers expect instant gratification that is not correlated with the rise in self-esteem. The reason teenagers want, expect and usually receive everything is because of the example which their predecessors left before them. What many adults fail to see that though teenagers today face many benefits unavailable to adults, teens also face several challenges adults did not face when they were younger. The current generation has been dubbed the “transition generation” for good reason. Today’s teenagers are the link between the analog and digital world and adults depend on teenagers to take them through this transition. The burden teenagers face is unparalleled in history, and if today’s teenagers need a little self-confidence to get themselves through it, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteSaif Hamideh
Period 1
Word count:337
Raina Kelley makes some interesting points in the article “Generation Me”. It is accurate when Kelley says, “Whether through fate, circumstances or moral imperative, our culture kept hubris in check,” because there existed situations where narcissism didn’t have chance of survival. But what is the complete definition of narcissism? According to dictionary.com narcissism is the,” inordinate fascination with oneself; excessive self-love.” However, couldn’t there be different levels of narcissism? Kelley mentions that now “we encourage it,” but in reality if narcissism is not at least one bit instilled in the mind of a child, then that child is not going to go very far. In addition, the first stage of narcissism (or pre-narcissism if you will) is simply believing in one’s self as our parents taught us and then one makes the conscience decision of whether or not to take to the next level of narcissism where one’s ego envelops one.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, although Kelley does not show the positive side of narcissism which is the believe in one’s self to accomplish one’s goals, she is correct in saying, “one day we will say that the recession saved us from a parenting ethos that churns out ego-addled spoiled brats.” This is because the people that have gone to the not so pleasing side of narcissism, which is where ego envelopes one’s self, this recession might put things into perspective because they do not have the money that is necessary for some luxuries that are considered necessities.
Kelley reiterates how narcissism is terrible thing by calling it a disorder when she says, “The fact that nearly 10 percent of 20-somethings [at Connecticut State University] have already experienced symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder.” She fails to mention though that believing in one’s self is still part of narcissism but not to the extent of what Kelley or the authors of The Narcissism Epidemic are trying to portray. Kelley also says that we encourage narcissism but it won’t be a problem much longer considering the economic problems that are being suffered by many in this recession.
Sebastian P.
P.1
Word Count: 347
The article, “Generation Me” by Raina Kelley is a detailed account of today’s generation. The main idea of this article is that today’s generation has become very narcissistic, or in love with themselves. This article is surprising to today’s youth because they have been raised to believe that narcissism is perfectly acceptable. One college student even goes on to say, “I don't think it's a problem, having most people love themselves. I love me." This new epidemic definitely raises concerns in the sense that today’s youth holds no positive regard for others; they only care about themselves and getting their specific task at hand accomplished. In doing this, they have eliminated any responsibility when something goes wrong and dropped what’s important-basic moral values.
ReplyDeleteA valid connection can be seen between this article and today’s generation. No one takes personal responsibility for their actions, everyone believes that they are right and everyone else is wrong, and they have become infatuated with themselves and disregarded any moral values. Advisors at the Southern Connecticut State University can agree with this. Advisors reported “students disregarding curfews, playing dance music until 3 a.m., demanding new room assignments at a moment's notice and failing to understand why professors won't let them make up an exam they were too hung over to take.” These accounts show that students hold no concern for those around them and expect to always get what they want.
Our economic down fall could potentially be “curing American of its sense of economic privilege.” The rough economy is making it harder to spoil kids with nonsense. “It has made it much harder to get the money together to give our kids six-figure sweet-16 parties and plastic surgery graduation presents, all in the name of ‘self esteem’.” Without these expensive, self esteem boosting luxuries, today’s youth may finally be slipping away from narcissism. Although it is too early to make a connection, one can only hope that today’s poor economy is contributing to better moral values amongst today’s youth.
Taylor C.
Period 1
Word Count: 335
“Generation Me” by Riana Kelly is a great article for teens to read. I completely agree with the main idea of the article which is for teens to stop being so self centered and it’s ok to love the outside world as well as themselves. As stated in the passage, “Treating the whole world as if it works for you doesn't suggest you're special, it means you're an ass.” Being Narcissism isn’t all that great of a world, people ridicule the “fake Barbie’s” that parents are raising as daughters. Riana Kelly’s childhood was completely different as ours is 2009, she states “I shudder to think what a monster I would have become in the modern child-rearing era.”
ReplyDeleteNot only does this affect students when in high school but also college students. Just like Sharise Tucker, a 21-year-old senior at Southern Connecticut State, a self-professed narcissist states, "At the end of the day I love me and I don't think that's wrong," and "I don't think it's a problem, having most people love themselves. I love me." Students are too caught up in the unrealistic world that they create for themselves and they end up forgetting the responsibilities that come with being an “Adult”.
Riana Kelly mentions a lot of the negative side of being self-centered but the positive side is creating communication for oneself. Like stated in the passage, “we've built up the confidence of our kids, but in that process, we've created a generation of hot-house flowers puffed with a disproportionate sense of self-worth (the definition of narcissism) and without the resiliency skills they need when Mommy and Daddy can't fix something.” Both good and bad come from being a narcissism child, it just depends how well you carry it on your shoulders.
Natasha Hamaoui
P.1
Word Count: 294
I agree with the article I just read “Generation Me” because it states out the points that every teenager should agree with. I suggest that every teen, no matter how old should read this article because it impacted me in such a way that I read it twice. The author of this article has a strong voice and very agreeable points. Unlike myself, I am not in love with myself and have erotic gratification derived from admiration of my own physical or mental attributes, a narcissist. The author is trying to make a reasonable point that is going on in our society as of today.
ReplyDeleteShe explains in much detail about the problems and statistics of narcissism that is being held in our society today. “The fact that nearly 10 percent of 20-somethings have already experienced symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder, compared with just over 3 percent of the 65-and-over set?” This quote refers to the passage about how many people in college are narcissistic. This quote is important is it blows up the point that the author is trying to get across the reader as the story comes along. The author believes that narcissism is capable of being recovered as time goes on and she thinks that it affects our society in a way that other people don’t see it as well.
As the story goes on, the reader develops a solution to today’s problems with the simple cure of “life”. The author uses examples like “Terrell Owens” and “Donald Trump” to further make her point about how to resolve narcissism. The author believes that “humility” is a simple suggestion to resolving narcissism. Also “maybe even self-defeating” and many practices of that could resolve a little of today’s problems with teenagers.
-Rudy Lavecchia
P.4 word count: 292
The article "Generation Me" can basically be summarized into two words "narcissism epidemic". This Newsweek article written by Raina Kelly consists of the main idea that today’s generation of narrasasitic children, who think very confidently of themselves. According to Raina, "we will say that the recession saved us from a parenting ethos that churns out ego-addled spoiled brats." Raina Kelly holds a very firm viewpoint on this matter and has even supported it with the recently released book "The Narcissism Epidemic", by Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell. Through out the different generations in American history we can defiantly define a line where the up-raising 21st century generations speaks out louder and says I believe in myself. In building up the confidence of today's adolescents we have created generation of narcissistic children, whom have a disproportionate sense of self-worth. All this doesn't really have to be taken in a negative aspect; being confident isn't wrong but being over-confident may be. The glass can always be looked at as half empty or half full, so why is it that in is issue we are only examining on side of the story.
ReplyDeleteAmerica has always been looked upon as "the land of opportunities". An American child has freedom and liberty which leads to his/her confidence in their life but it is up to the child to decipher for his/her self to use that to their benefit or not. According to a movie titled "2 Million Minutes", in world competition America doesn't rank in first position in math, English, literature, or even in science but it is number one in one definite position, Confidence. In a world where every country, especially China and India, are stepping up their game why hasn't America? Well, in India and China many students strive day and night to accomplish whatever goals they have set, but so does the American child. The competition in those countries may be greater, which seems to leave America behind, but it really only make us look good. Among all the students that may apply to a meticulous college of their preference, in America, China, or India, chances are that 95% of the time the adolescent from America will be accepted in to their college of choice. Now, you may call this confidence or narcissism but it most surely looks like an accomplishment on our behalf. To recapitulate this thought, even with such an issue to look over when it comes to world competition and that America isn't really gaining any points in much of anything; we should've given up, instead this narrasistic generation stands it's grounds and still holds the position where other countries till today look at America as the leading country of opportunity. The reason behind the fact is that the average American child's self-reliance or narcissism never allows him/her to look down upon him/her self, but to look ahead to what anticipates them.
Raina Kelly says that today’s child needs mommy and daddy to fix every little thing for them and teachers to award them for their most minute efforts. Now to see that same adolescent face the world when he or she leaves their homes to lead their independent life is as encouraging. It may be wrong that some children expect a little too much from their lives and see life as only giving but this isn't the majority of the children. This is like the old saying, "It is wrong to judge a book by its cover"; we can't generalize the matter and say that every 21st generation American child is a hot-headed narcissistic child. If this was the case we wouldn't be able to have advanced as quickly as we have in the past century compared to the other times in history. The narrissicism epidemic should be looked upon as a cover or mask which hides the truth of this generation. We will say that the recession was a great help but not in the sense that is saved us from a parenting fault but that it revived our children’s confidence, self-assurance and our unity to the point where we know that we can even face difficulties with full "narcissism", defined as confidence in self-worth and not as a "disproportionate self-worth".
Sahar J
Period #4
Word Count: 704
The article “Generation Me” by Raina Kelley is expressing her thought on our society’s values. The main idea of this article is that the American society is becoming a narcissist society. As Kelley clearly stated in her article from her observations at the Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, “That 30 percent of college students agree with the statement: “If I show up to every class, I deserve at least a B”? Didn’t get much of a rise either. When they’re faced with the straight-out question-do you agree with this research, that you guys are the most narcissist generation ever- there are uniform head nods and knowing grins to each other.” The point made and the ideas expressed in this article are extremely prevalent. It’s evident that our community is being morally diminished for the greedy love for ourselves. This is leading to the disintegration of striving for the best and working hard in life; instead, the vast majority of the community relies on others.
ReplyDeleteIn America, the recent generations are not very dependent nor can they be relied on. This is exemplified by the fact that walking around one may often hear a teenage child ask their parents for more of this and more of that without asking how this affects others. It has come to a point where kids don’t even know how to do a load of laundry nor cook a simple bowl of rice, yet find themselves driving around cars that took their parents all their lives to save up and buy. As Kelley said, “Treating the whole world as if it works for you doesn’t suggest your special…” Through her article she meant to say that recent generations and the ones to come don’t want to work for anything, everything must be handed down to them.
The tone of this article is disappointed. Kelley feels “let-down” by the fact that the morals of our society are slowly falling to pieces. The words “responsible” and “humble” have fallen out of content in the society and been replaced with “materialistic” and “selfish”. Kelley clearly stated, “Perhaps, one day, we will say that the recession saved us from a parenting ethos that churns out ego-addled spoiled brats.” With these words, she meant to say that she feels sorry for the recent generations and the futures ones because they wont get to experience the joy of being honest and true. To her, “Growing up, my literary heroines were those who, like me, struggled to be good.”
The article “Generation Me” describes how our society is only concentrated on itself and how material belonging are prevailing our society. It states, “Armed with a steady influx of trophies just for showing up, “I Am Special” coloring books and princess parties, it is hard for kids to understand why and abundance of ego might be bad for them.” However, the article does not do justice to all those people who do not fit the “narcissism” profile. Fortunately, there are still many children who do grow up to be humble, caring, and responsible. Finally, even though the article was about those narcissist people, good people still exist. Even though Kelley’s point was accurate, she missed out on those that still have common courtesy.
Carla Q.
P.1
Word Count: 541
In the article “Generation Me: A new book says we're in a narcissism epidemic. Why you're not so special,” writter Raina Kelley argues that in our generation, kids are becoming too narcissistic. A narcissistic person is someone that has an inordinate fascination with oneself.
ReplyDeleteRaina Kelley gives the reader various valid points that we are indeed becoming to narcissistic. She gives examples such as how Donald Trump names everything he owns after him, and that wide reciever Terrel Owens is fine if he is being labeled as selfish. These examples show us that narcissism is being well accepted in today’s society. It seems that people nowadays has forgoten their values of sharing and generosity, and has instead grown more values of selfishness and narcissism. Kelley further attacks how people are becoming more narcissitic by saying that “The fact that nearly 10 percent of 20-somethings have already experienced symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder, compared with just over 3 percent of the 65-and-over set.” This statistic really affirms that people are losing their trust and are beoming less cooperative with others. It also affirms that people are viewing that the world only revolves around themselves rather than everyone else.
Being a narcisssist is a tremendous problem because it only benefits one person instead of benifiting a large number of people. Kelley even comes to argue that one reasons that we are in this ressesion is because we have become to narcissistic. Instead of saving money that we don’t have, people are spending all their money on things that aren’t really necessary and only benifiting themselves. Leaving the rest of us in a bad economic status. One example of how narcissism is affecting all of us is from a video I watched last year in my American History class. In this video there was this drug addict that didn’t work and he always got a check from social security and he would later spend that check on more drugs. This person is affecting all of the people because we are paying taxes for social security. Therefore, we are giving money for the thousands of people that are narcissistic and get money from social security. In the end, I agree with Raina Kelley. We are becoming too narcissistic and it is becoming a problem.
Thomas Worthington
Period 1
Word count: 387
In the article Genaration Me: A new book says that we're in a narcissim epidemic. Why you're not so special. Writen by: Raina Kelley.
ReplyDeleteThis article explains how teens our age are going trough a narcissim which in my opinion it means that they dont care about ones self which also follows a great amount of disorder troughout life. Raina Kelley says that the fact that nearly 10 percent of 20- somethings have already experienced narcissistic personality disorder, compared to just 3 percent of the 65- and over set. Although the author of this aricle also addreses that students at Southern Connectitut State University a couple of weeks back, their genaration's of narcissim was taken by a given to her audience. This is do to the fact that many teenagers are not getting much of what they want from their parents, such as getting a surgery as one of their presents for their sweet 16 birthdays.
While reading this article it made me realize that what it was sayings its all true because teens and even kids aren't realizing whats going on in our world or better yet they are not getting informed because they are probably busy with other things that they believe are more important instead of whats going on right now. Not only does this article state desapointing things but it does quote '' At the end of the day I love me and I don't think that's wrong'', says Sharise Tucker, a 21 year old senior at Southern Conecticut State, this is a self preofessed narcissit, and i do agree loving your self is not a problem because most people love themselves and thats not a bad thing at all its more of a good thing because it brings you good aspects in life and things that you never expected to have. Althought we are becoming more narcistic which is a bad thing because it brings out negatives answers for ones self and even peoples parents. One last thing that this article says is that Perhaps one day, we will say that the recession saved us from a parenting ethos that churns out egoaddled brats. And though it its to soon to tell if our economic free fall will eventually cure America of its sense of economic priveledge, it has even made it much harder for parents to give their kids money for their sweet 16- parties and plastic surgeries for their graduation parents , all in the name of ''self esteem. Which bringing bad aspects to kids and teens of this world.
Stefania Berman
Period: 3
English: 3
“A new book says we’re in a narcissism epidemic. Why you’re not so special.” The harsh truth about this title is that we are in a narcissism epidemic and it might as well, could be the rudiments of the next generation if it is not stopped. It is important to notify that many young kids, who should not be focusing on their physical features, have begun to exploit the same actions that adolescents do. This is a demonstration of how everyone’s actions have affected the rest; it is human nature and uncontrollable because what they see is jammed in their brains such as “Sweet 16” and other sources. Now, this article is more of an ego-centric one instead of a self-conscious and self-esteem problem as Raina Kelly states, “Gorged on a diet of grade inflation, constant praise and materialistic entitlement, I probably would have succumbed to a life of heedless self- indulgence.”, this is a prominent example of the “ego maniac”; he or she who only thinks about himself and materialistic things which lead to the self-indulgence. Self-indulgence can be referred to many aspects such as: food, materialistic things, plastic surgery, and many more. But this is not the adolescents fault because it depends on their surroundings and parents who are the building blocks of their lives at that point. Some are just “ego-addled spoiled brats”, says Kelly and I agree. What I do not agree with is the second sentence of her title, “why you’re not so special”. I believe everyone is special but some just lack the strength to not be common and therefore deprive themselves from acknowledging it.
ReplyDelete“We've built up the confidence of our kids, but in that process, we've created a generation of hot-house flowers puffed with a disproportionate sense of self-worth (the definition of narcissism) and without the resiliency skills they need when Mommy and Daddy can't fix something.”, this is exactly what all kids should recognize. That life is not about depending on your parents and degrading yourself, life is about finding yourself, exploring, discovering, recognizing what it is you want from life and pursuing your dreams. In the process of doing that life will bring up’s and down’s but it is ultimately up to you to get through those steps to reach whatever it is you desire. In addition, I believe that compassion and humility should be taught to kids who are so self-centered. Understanding that it is not all about you; that the world is one and we are just part of it will help bring some consciousness to people. Nevertheless, I believe it is important to love yourself as Sharise Tucker said, "I don't think it's a problem, having most people love themselves. I love me.", what everyone must recognize is that just as much as you love yourself you must love others and the world because we are all humans. The reason I think someone must love themselves is because if you do not love yourself then it is harder to break through to the world and live life to the fullest. “Well, you may need a supersize ego to win "America's Next Top Model" or to justify your multimillion dollar bonus. But last I checked, most of our lives don't require all that attitude.”, this statement is speaking in a overly general sense. I disagree with Raina Kelly on this one because she is attacking people she doesn’t even know. You might need confidence, not much of a supersize ego, but confidence to win Americas Next Top Model. Nonetheless, confidence is not a bad attribute to obtain, confidence is essential in many aspects of life. Without confidence we would have no presidents, actresses, singers, theatre productions, all those who spoke what they believed such as Martin Luther King; amongst many. It is those who have compassion, humility, and an essence of the world, who do not surpass that confidence into becoming self-centered narcissists.
It would be nice to have the narcissism epidemic era disappear; to have a better understanding about the world. In many ways I believe that this is an act of human nature, but it is not impossible to overcome. “Of course, I still hate to be told what to do, dislike following rules and will waste hours trying to get out of the simplest household task; but hey, I'm a work in progress.”, many kids are like this, even I am guilty of not doing chores, following rules, etc. But as Kelly said, “I’m a work in progress”. This work in progress is life; overcoming obstacles will make us grow, not over indulging your kids and letting them find out things on their own will make them grow mentally, spiritually, and physically. When Kelly said, “Such values may seem quaint, maybe even self-defeating, to those of us who think we're special, but trust me: it gets easier with practice.”, it is true yet untrue. Even though I am contradicting myself I will stick to my thought. It is self-defeating if you let it be, your brain is much stronger and powerful than anything. It is okay to think your special; it is much more gratifying and knowledgeable to think that the person beside you is as special as you are. To those who are basically in love in an unhealthy manner with themselves and think about themselves only; these sets of values will defeat them because they are not strong enough for the very fact that they have been raised with everything given to them as spoiled brats. But at recognizing your fault and overcoming it; it is only relevant for you to grow.
Daniela P.
Period: 1
Word Count: 939
In the article “Generation Me” writer Raina Kelley argues that the recession might undo the damages prosperity has caused, such as narcissism. “Perhaps, one day, we will say that the recession saved us from a parenting ethos that churns out ego-addled spoiled brats.” Personally the article is hard to relate to since my family lived in the African side of town in Portugal and I have spent a major part of my rough childhood in third world countries. However, when I moved to the United States of America I did notice a colossal amount of narcissism, especially in Weston.
ReplyDeleteNumerous hardworking immigrants are able to steal jobs from Americans because of the narcissism present in the U.S.A. Many foreign immigrants already have the mentality to not expect rewards or bonuses for everything they do which is why they are able to replace a plethora of Americans. I find it quite frightening that numerous Americans, students and adults, feel that they should be rewarded for doing simple tasks that should be their responsibility. The Article provides the statistic: “30 percent of college students agree with the statement: "If I show up to every class, I deserve at least a B".” A girl in one of my classes (I will not mention her name) said that if she got somewhat decent grades her parents SHOULD buy her a car. This is a perfect example of narcissism in America, she was asking for a reward for what should be her responsibility. However, narcissism is not limited to America I have seen narcissism with my own eyes in several other countries including my own (Portugal).
Furthermore, I agree with Kelley that the best cure for narcissism is life. One who has been infected with narcissism will only find the cure when he is faced with the real world in which mommy and daddy aren’t there to help. Once they are put out in the real world the feeling of “I’m too good for everyone” will diminish as he notices how helpless, pitiful, and useless he is. Hopefully they will become hardworking individuals who don’t expect to be rewarded for everything they do or expect people to appreciate their hard work. Life has taught me this vital lesson; I hope it teaches them too.
Steven Erenst
Period 4
Word Count: 379
“Are we in a narcissism epidemic?” is definitively a rhetorical question formulated by Raina Kelley, in her Newsweek article “Generation Me”, deigned to raise awareness of the end result for having the new generations “ love themselves” too much. The main idea that Kelley tries to transmit through her article is that people today are extremely in love with themselves; consequently, reaching dangerous level of narcissism that produce superficial, undermined, and useless people.
ReplyDelete“Narcissism” describes the trait of excessive self-love, based on self-image or ego. Being excessively narcissistic has created a problem exposed by Raina Kelly, which is blatantly real, although not as dangerous to the extent described in the article. Kelley explains that “we've built up the confidence of our kids” which is the positive side of being narcissistic, “but in that process, we've created a generation of hot-house flowers puffed with a disproportionate sense of self-worth and without the resiliency skills they need when Mommy and Daddy can't fix something.” This quote explains the problem of narcissism, which produce people to become superficial and careless of their surroundings. Personally I agree with Sebastian Posada. Being narcissistic is not necessarily the cause of the problem, because in order to go far in life one must believe in oneself, and this is already considered being a narcissistic person; therefore, everyone must be narcissistic to a certain degree in order to succeed in life. The problem of becoming materialistic, superficial, and ultimately useless comes not from being narcissistic, but from the values that parents teach children.
Overall Raina Kelley does make a well supported point in explaining how “it is hard for kids to understand why “an abundance of ego might be bad for them”, because people see narcissism as a source of confidence that helps them overcome fears and achieve great goals, but as Kelley explains overconfidence can harm us by creating a lack of “generosity, compassion and humility” in a person’s characters.
Oscar B
Period 4
The article “Generation Me” by Raina Kelley is a reflection of modern society’s narcissism and how society has evolved into becoming selfish. Kelley’s view on society couldn’t be more accurate. But it seems that Kelley is blaming the parents rather than the children that have become spoiled “…we've created a generation of hot-house flowers puffed with a disproportionate sense of self-worth…” Basically society’s self-esteem has been established without a good enough reason.
ReplyDeleteParents have told their children that they are perfect and that they shouldn’t change for anyone. While that’s true in some aspects of life, like not giving into peer pressure, change in one’s self should always be encouraged because that’s how one become less ignorant, and more involved in what’s going on in today’s world, and by the world, it’s actually what goes on outside of Hollywood and a teens high school.
As a result, kids are thinking that they deserve everything even though they don’t work for it. One aspect of American culture that has resulted in this narcissism is the media. The reality TV shows, and magazines only purpose is suggesting ways of bettering one’s self. If it’s not about having a better physical appearance, than it makes the viewer feel self conscious. Since this is being thrown in young faces everyday, it’s no wonder why today’s young adults are completely indulgent. There is no one there to say that they way someone naturally is, is okay.
The materialism is so obvious and the center of attention that it’s common sense for people to be self- indulgent. According to the article “…nearly 10 percent of 20-somethings have already experienced symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder.”
The main issue with the selfishness in society is that unawareness that is occurring. Reading the “New York Times” and turning on MSNBC isn’t poison. If more young adults did this, then they would actually appreciate what they have and wouldn’t complain about how they hate their life because their boyfriend broke up with them. Parents should exploit these things to their kids to ensure that they won’t take everything in life for granted. In the article, a poll was taken at South Carolina State University. The result was that “30 percent of college students agree with the statement: "If I show up to every class, I deserve at least a B.” Those that feel this way should be thankful that they are even attending college because those that cant’ afford to go to college, would actually put the work into their classes to get a good grade.
Kelley’s hope to cure the narcissism is life experiences. No matter how highly one thinks of themselves, there is going to always be someone better. When failure is present, it’s going to be humbling and grounding, and hopefully it will change their perspective on life. But parents should be there from the beginning to build their child’s confidence, but not to the point that they are brats and only think of themselves. So instead of rewarding a kid for doing nothing, and buying a six-year-old a cell phone, make them work for it so they will appreciate it and pass it on to their kids.
Tiffany V.
Period 1
Word Count 531
"Everything in excess is bad”, this is something that my Mother used to tell a lot, and it is a very good way of thinking about activities that one is used to do. The article “Generation Me” By Raina Kelley talks about a “narcissism epidemic” and how it is manifesting in today’s teenager’s generation. Young kids are used to get what they want and parents say that they give them everything because it is good for their self-esteem. What they don’t realize is that their kids are becoming lazy, selfish, irresponsible people that only care about themselves and think that everything is a right and nothing is a privilege.
ReplyDeleteNaturally, it is wonderful to feel comfortable with oneself and to be happy with one’s personal aspect and actions, but the fact that it is becoming an obsession is what really messes up today’s teenagers. They are loving themselves in excess and this is distracting them from loving others. The Bible says “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”, but the problem here is that they are only loving themselves! Young kids are becoming selfish, thinking that everything is their right but nothing is their duty, which makes them extremely stupid and retarded, who will make the world run if no one has a duty? Unfortunately the world is not only parties and mirrors where they can see their “beautiful images”. Come on, be a little smarter; it is horrible to think that kids from the present generation are going to be a bunch of idiots that are not going to be able of taking care of their children and their obligation, the only task they may be able to do is cleaning the bathroom mirror. There is nothing wrong to feel good with one self at the end of each day, Sharise Tucker says, "At the end of the day I love me and I don't think that's wrong," that is perfectly fine, it gives her cheers to continue with her life, but how can people be so irresponsible and say, "If I show up to every class, I deserve at least a B"? What kind of future do they have?
The issue is clear as water, kids should love themselves and be in harmony with what they do to the point where they recognize their duties and love others as they love themselves, but they shall not become selfish creatures that care only about themselves and don’t have social responsibilities. A society can’t work with people that don’t have the capability of helping others and themselves because they are too worry “enjoying” their life. Poor narcissistic drama queens.
Luis Carducci
Period 1
Word Count: 440
The viewpoint made by Raina Kelley in her article “Generation Me” is that younger generations are becoming too narcissistic, extremely egotistical, and overly confident. Kelley suggests that this has occurred due to several reasons, one being an error in parenting as a result of America’s economic status prior to the current recession. In other words, Kelley states that the children of today have become spoiled brats. Kelley also makes a connection between narcissistic teens and their adult counterparts, as the ego accumulated in this generation ultimately affects the generation as it moves on into its adult phase; Kelley implies that due to the narcissistic generation, unethical behavior has find its way into the workforce.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, our generation has fallen into this trap of narcissism. The teens of this generation of egotistical maniacs have been sucked into this void of “Me-and me only”, where everything is about oneself. It’s almost as if everyone has detached from the world and lives inside themselves. The motto of this generation should be, “If it isn’t about me, it’s not worth it.” Kelley makes a point that the current recession may have pulled some families out of this black hole, though for how long is uncertain. Kelley also states that the world has changed into a narcissistic society, making references to people such as Terrel Owens and Donald Trump. She even says, “Pastors preach of a Jesus that wants us to be rich.” Of course, to each his own, but it is incredible of what this era has morphed into.
Even Kelley admits that she was the embodiment of this generation she dubs “narcissistic” during her childhood. However, in her conclusion, Kelley states, “Treating the whole world as if it works for you doesn’t suggest you’re special, it means you’re an ass.” She even writes that Jean Twenge, author of “The Narcissism Epidemic”, gives advice on how to better oneself. Kelley’s viewpoint of this generation as being narcissistic has merit to it, and one can only hope that it can reverse this condition.
Kayl K.
Period 4
338 words
The article “Generation Me” written by Raina Kelley harshly criticizes modern generations who selfishly expect everything to be done for them, and fed to them. It is obvious that as generations go society becomes more flexible and “open minded” about things that, even though the majority does, aren’t necessarily right. The writer refers to this lazy generation as a narcissism epidemic; narcissism is an inordinate fascination with oneself, excessive self-love, and vanity. Highly disappointed, it is only right to face reality and accept that present generations have grown to become, “hot-house flowers puffed with a disproportionate sense of self-worth and without the resiliency skills they need when Mommy and Daddy can’t fix something,” like Kelley states.
ReplyDeletePersonally, it is likely that one would agree with Raina Kelley, yet remembering that for every rule there is an exception, even as minorities there are responsible young adults humble and caring of others. This article can serve as a wake-up call to many teenagers and young adults that are on their way to becoming responsible adults. In this article one can see the dark side of society, Kelley remarks, “Pastors preach of a Jesus that wants us to be rich. The famously egocentric wide receiver Terrell Owens declares at a press conference that being labeled selfish is fine with him. Donald Trump names everything he owns after himself and calls his detractors “losers”,” this is evidence that day by day even in religion we see materialist people and how wealth is now the central idea.
After reading “Generation Me” one can conclude that extremes measure should be taken, forcing the modern narcissist to leave behind this bad habit because as Kelley remarks, “Twenge recommends humility, evaluating yourself more accurately, mindfulness and putting others first. Such values may seem quaint, maybe even self-defeating, to those of us who think we’re special, but trust me: it gets easier with practice.” The fact is that we were all made equally, and no one is special or deserves better treatment, “treating the whole world as if it works for you doesn’t suggest you’re special, it means you’re an ass.” In conclusion, being a humble hard worker is the road to success disregarding selfish unworthy people.
Alma R.
4th Period
Word Count: 368
According to Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell in their book entitled “The Narcissism Epidemic” narcissism is defined as “hot-house flowers puffed with a disproportionate sense of self worth”. The Newsweek article “Generation Me” is an incredibly fascinating look at the effects of the “spoils” our generation has received. It takes a look at the different points as to why our generation is narcissistic, as well as the support of this idea in many different ways. Some of these ideas presented in this source stuck out to me in one way or another.
ReplyDeleteThe initial item that stuck out to me in this piece was the tidbit regarding how little things like disregarding curfew and playing music until very late in the night are similar to failed marriages and abusive working environments, and both are directly caused by narcissism. These ridiculous allegations foolishly connect teenage idiocies to serious life altering events. This opinion and claim are ridiculous in nature and like comparing apples to oranges.
In spite of this, the ideas presented about the so-called “cures for narcissism”. In “Generation Me, it states, “no matter how you were raised, the handiest cure for narcissism used to be life.” This seems very compelling and realistic. This goes right along with the sentiment how when you live with your parent you are not in the real world, and only until you’re on your own, paying your own bills and being responsible for your own actions do you realize how real people function. Not having “mommy” and “daddy” to protect you any more gives you a good sense of how great you really are not, and clears you up of any narcissism. Life being the cure for narcissism is an exceedingly applicable thought.
The article “Generation Me” shows many different items regarding narcissism in this generation, and brings up interesting, but not always valid points.
Max Adamsky
Period 1
Dictionary.com defines narcissist as “inordinate fascination with oneself; excessive self-love; vanity.” In Raina Kelley’s article, “Generation Me” the main idea is how the young generation is more narcissistic then any generation before. She supports this claim by facts that many teenagers can relate to. For instance, in the first paragraph she writes, “Gorged on a diet of grade inflation, constant praise and materialistic entitlement” when referring to the ideology of this generation. This quote supports the main idea because she shows how teenagers nowadays are so narcissistic. They believe that they are entitled to receiving many of the things they have, and they should not have to earn them. I believe that Kelley is correct in what she states in this article.
ReplyDeleteOne outstanding statistic used in this article is “That 30 percent of college students agree with the statement: ‘If I show up to every class, I deserve at least a B’?” This statistic is mindboggling because this shows that students believe just because they show up to class that is an above average effort. Instead of believing that they should have to work for there grades college students now believe that just showing up to class is a good enough effort, when this is in fact what is expected of students.
After reading this article I began thinking of things that may make this new generation more narcissistic, and I believe that the YMCA sports may have a minor role in this. In the YMCA they say everyone wins no matter how hard you try. This may make the game more fun, but it doesn’t prepare children for the competitiveness of society. When a child is playing sports for the YMCA it doesn’t matter if the team wins 10 games or losses 10 games they get the exact same trophy. I do not believe this supports a positive growth in the mindset of children growing up.
Arash Afshar
Period 4
318 Words
I agree with the author of this article, Raina Kelley. Narcissism is a huge problem in today’s generation. Many people think it is perfectly ok to be in love with your elf, and it’s not a bad thing to love yourself, but it is bad to be obsessed with your self, which many people are. So many people become so in love with themselves that they don’t have enough love to spread to others. Therefore they are seen as selfish and rude.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people who feel like they are criticized by society and also feel like no one likes them because they brought it upon themselves. This brings about problems with Anorexia, Bulimia, and other insecurity problems. My belief is that this all starts from narcissism, what goes around comes around. In the 4th paragraph Raina basically says that students basically want everything done for them. College students want to be lazy and expect to be treated more special than the other students. This is because of students’ narcissist views of everything.
In the beginning of this article it is stated that the parents are what make kids “ego-addled spoiled brats.” This statement is so true. For example, one of my aunts is a lawyer, so she makes a lot of money. She has 2 kids. Both children get everything they want. Ever since they were little kids they have gotten everything they’ve ever asked for. My aunt is not strict, so they do anything their hearts desire. They have grown up to be some of those “ego-addled spoiled brats,” that were mentioned earlier. Whenever we have family gatherings or parties, they bring their latest boyfriends and new technologies, and go off by themselves. They seem to think that they are better than everyone else in their family, which is because their mom raised them to be brats. I agree with all that was mentioned in this article. Too many people think too highly of themselves, but they don’t think anything of it. This article gives you many good points to think about. There is probably a lot of people who this article could be about, but they don’t even know it.
Karina C.
period 1
364 words
The article “Generation Me” written by Riana Kelly, brings about an interesting topic most people notice yet fail to comment on. It has become blatantly obvious that indeed, today’s generation has become increasingly narcissistic and the level of self-worth has risen to an unhealthy height. It is a part of an individual’s nature to have some sort of self-esteem; however, there is a fine line between self-esteem and self-praise. As Kelly states in the article, the new generation “love themselves too much” and in return expects much more than they originally deserve. This is especially blatant in the example Kelly offers of Donald Trump involving his own name in all of his acquisitions; this shows the necessity Trump feels in exclaiming to the world his wealth and unreasonably high level of success. Another significant example of this “narcissistic generation” idea is evident in Kanye West’s character. A couple of years ago, in the Grammy’s, he failed to win the “album of the year” award; despite his name not being announced, he proceeded to rushing on stage and proclaiming to the millions of viewers that he in fact deserved the award. It is entirely professed for an individual to love themselves, care for themselves, and in return project a lively image onto others. However, self-obsession can become utterly destructive and overwhelming on decisions they openly make.
ReplyDeleteDaniela G.
Period 4
Words: 230
The article "Generation Me," was very well written, it really made me think, and realize how we have become. I definitely agree with this article, but everyone in this world is a little self conceded, if it’s being smart, or just something that a person feels makes them special, we are all conceded. Now don’t get me wrong, there are always those people that are just over conceded and so full of them selves that no one really likes them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carla and the article on the fact that kids these days have become very needy of there parents for materialistic things, and that they want more of this and more of that. Kids these days want the hottest things that they see other kids, or celebrities with, because they think it will make them hotter, and more popular. This has defiantly caused them to be more self abscessed, and wanting everything for them selves, and not really ever thinking about others. Sometimes the problem isn’t being cocky, or conceded, but it’s being self conscious, and to have very little confidence, everyone needs to have confidence in order to succeed in life. Loving yourself isn’t always bad as long as people don’t push it over the edge. We all need to love ourselves, just to an extant.
All in a nut shell, the article "Generation Me," should be looked at by everyone, because these days we are all becoming a little too cocky, and to full of ourselves. If everyone thought about others instead of just them selves, there wouldn’t be all of these problems that we have these days.
Period 3
Word Count: 273
In the article “Generation Me”, Raina Kelly develops her viewpoint on how our current generation of young adults have an ego-inflated narcissistic view on life and how this is detrimental for the moral values of America’s future. It seems that in our competitive society, we have learned to be more selfish and developed an outlook that we deserve more than we actually do.
ReplyDeleteIn the article Kelly states, “Armed with a steady influx of trophies for just showing up, “I am special” coloring books, and princess parties, it is hard for kids to understand why an abundance of ego might be bad for them.” What Kelly is saying is that our society is encouraging this narcissistic ego and the kids of this generation end up growing up with not knowing any better. The article quotes a common philosophy of current college students which says, “If I show up to every class, I deserve at least a B.” It seems that students have been sucked into the trend of high self-worth.
What the current generation lacks is a sense of humility and apathy. The article states, “As an antidote to a skyrocketing self-worth, Twenge recommends humility, evaluating yourself more accurately, mindfulness, and putting others first.” Our growing narcissists need to a reality check and need to develop some humility in their life. Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell say that, our kids lack the “resiliency skills they need when mommy and daddy can’t fix something.” It is imperative that we change our view we have on ourselves for the sake of the moral values of our future and for a friendlier environment in our country.
Michael R.
Period 1
(274 words)
The article, “Generation Me” by Raina Kelley, is about how kids and teenagers today are too into themselves, or narcissistic. This is an eye opener for whoever reads this. Our youth has been growing up thinking that being a narcissist is ok, but it isn’t. Kids are growing up and not learning to regard other people’s feelings because they only love themselves. A college student named Sharise Tucker said, “At the end of the day I love me and I don’t think that’s wrong. I don’t think it’s a problem, having most people love themselves. I love me.”
ReplyDeleteTherefore, people aren’t taking responsibility for their actions or words. “The fact that nearly 10 percent of 20-somethings have already experienced symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder, compared with just over 3 percent of the 65-and-over set? Not surprising. That 30 percent of college students agree with the statement: "If I show up to every class, I deserve at least a B.” This shows just how much people think they can get through life without caring or doing anything. The youth today, needs to realize what they are doing to themselves. “Treating the whole world as if it works for you doesn't suggest you're special, it means you're an ass.”
In the article, it states that if it wasn’t for the recession were in right now, many kids could go on being brats and being a narcissist. Perhaps, one day, we will say that the recession saved us from a parenting ethos that churns out ego-addled spoiled brats. And though it is too soon to tell if our economic free fall will cure America of its sense of economic privilege, it has made it much harder to get the money together to give our kids six-figure sweet-16 parties and plastic surgery for graduation presents, all in the name of "self esteem”… we've built up the confidence of our kids, but in that process, we've created a generation of hot-house flowers puffed with a disproportionate sense of self-worth (the definition of narcissism) and without the resiliency skills they need when Mommy and Daddy can't fix something.”
As you can see Raina Kelley made lots of good points on today’s youth and narcissism in “Generation Me”. If people follow what she says then our world might be better for our future. “Twenge recommends humility, evaluating yourself more accurately, mindfulness and putting others first. Such values may seem quaint, maybe even self-defeating, to those of us who think we're special, but trust me: it gets easier with practice.”
Danielle L
P-1
422 words
The definition of narcissism is an inordinate fascination with oneself. The article “Generation Me” written by Raina Kelly hits the idea that we now all live in a narcissistic society. Although it is true that a lot of the people in today’s world are extremely narcissistic, this is not true for everyone though.
ReplyDeleteIn the article the author agrees to with a quote from the book “A Narcissism Epidemic” which states, “we've built up the confidence of our kids, but in that process, we've created a generation of hot-house flowers puffed with a disproportionate sense of self-worth.” It can be said that most children today have an easier childhood and lifestyle than they’ve had in the past, but not everyone is the same, and not all children are brought up by the same parents and rules.
The truth is no one is the same. There will always be the people who don’t have to work for their earning and believe that they are the best thing that has happened to this earth. On the other hand there will always be the people who work hard for what they earn and enjoy every second of it without becoming to involved with themselves.
The author of this article seems to be taking things a bit to overboard. It is human nature to be a bit selfish, after all most people think about themselves before anyone else, but that does not mean that people can’t care about other people as well. She seems to think everyone is the same and is putting the American people into one big stereotype; creating a huge prejudice. No matter what happens in this life, including the state of our economy, there will always be people who think only about themselves, as well as the one who where put on this earth to help others.
Emanuela Verardi P-1
Word Count:307
“Are we in a Narcissism Epidemic?” yes we are. I completely agree with the author Riana Kelly that the kids and the teenagers in this generation are too into themselves. They are living in a world where everything has been given to them by their loving parents. They know how to manipulate them and make their parents dance like their own puppets. The unfortunate thing is that “Generation Me” is going to suffer in the future “when Mommy and Daddy” are not going to be there to fix it.
ReplyDeleteNo one is taught how to be the perfect parent. Unfortunately many parents think that the best way to educate their children is to o give them everything their heart desires. They want their kids to feel that they are the best and that they are special. Like Oscar said this is a positive way to look at narcissism because like Riana said, “We’ve built up the confidence of our kids”. In many ways that is true, but with everything parents should have a moderate balance with the teachings they apply to their kids. One of my friends works in a children’s store here in Weston. He tells me that every day the kids get brattier and brattier. It is interesting to hear how the little 5 to 10 year old answer to their parents as if they controlled them. Today’s parents need to examine the way they are teaching their kids if not in the future we are going to have underachievers because they don’t know how to solve their problems.
I agree that as parents, they need to provide all NECESSARY material things to their kids, but they should control their giving and teach their kids how to earn. That way “ Generation Me” would become a more productive one.
Carolina Celis
Period 4
Word Count 307
The article “Generation Me” states the viewpoint that America is in a narcissistic epidemic because of the financial freedom many have enjoyed previous to the country’s current recession. The article expresses that, in a sense, the recession is good for America because it might save parents from creating “ego-addled spoiled brats”. The idea that the United States is in a narcissistic epidemic seems to be completely true considering the privileges many young children take for granted.
ReplyDeleteParents spoiling their children, successful portrayals of narcissism in society and many other examples have encouraged a narcissistic way of life in much of America’s youth. Not only do the authors of “Generation Me” and “The Narcissism Epidemic” believe that this country is in a period of narcissism, but so does America’s youth themselves. The article “Generation Me” explains that ten percent of people in their twenties already have experienced narcissistic symptoms. Also, when faced with the question of whether or not today’s youth contains the most disproportionate sense of self-worth, the majority agree. It seems to be nearly unanimous that this generation is suffering from a “narcissistic epidemic”.
One of the main causes of this epidemic is undoubtedly the success achieved by many celebrities in society. People like Donald Trump and Terrell Owens are the epitome of narcissists. Because of their success, many people believe that a narcissistic lifestyle is almost necessary to achieving the same success that such celebrities have. Terrell Owens knows that he is egocentric, but he says that he is fine with it. The mentality of choosing to be egocentric has passed on to the majority of America’s youth. This mentality has blocked out the usage of “humility, evaluating yourself more accurately, mindfulness and putting others first”. Hopefully, America’s current recession will end the “narcissistic epidemic” and restore the noble qualities once admired.
Morgan Stewart
Period 4
Word Count - 310
I completely agree with Raina Kelly in her article “Generation Me.” Narcissism is one of many things we have to face in our daily lives, nevertheless, one of the most important and obnoxious defects of today’s society. Even though we have to comment and further explain our reasoning on the main idea and our opinion on the article, there are no other words to describe this article but as “simply perfect.” Throughout this article the author opened the eyes to many people that think they are the axis upon which the earth revolves. She clearly mentions our declining economy and how parents have given in to such egocentric children. According to the dictionary, narcissism is the inordinate fascination with oneself; excessive self-love; vanity. This rising concern with the world and how to make it work around one’s self was perfectly attacked in Raina Kelly’s article.
ReplyDeleteBy relating a personal experience with today’s egocentic generation she was able to create a very realistic imagery to support her position. “I didn't make it easy on them. I was the kind of kid who threatened to drink Drano if asked to load the dishwasher.” By this statement the author expresses her thought that everybody has or will be a little bit narcissist in his/her lifetime. This eye-opening article also gives statistics to prove how college students today have an increasing percentage of narcissism. “The fact that nearly 10 percent of 20-somethings have already experienced symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder, compared with just over 3 percent of the 65-and-over set? Not surprising,” and “When they're faced with the straight-out question—do you agree with this research, that you guys are the most narcissistic generation ever—there are uniform head nods and knowing grins to each other,” were just a couple examples the author used to develop her position.
Personally, I agree that everyone has a little bit of a narcissist inside. However, the fact that this number has been increasing over generations due to the facility of monetary satisfaction is quite concerning. Definitely, the article is an eye-opener to every spoiled brat who thinks that the world will do as they please. One of the quotes that proves exactly proves what’s been going on with America is “as Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell point out in their excellent book "The Narcissism Epidemic," released last week, we've built up the confidence of our kids, but in that process, we've created a generation of hot-house flowers puffed with a disproportionate sense of self-worth (the definition of narcissism) and without the resiliency skills they need when Mommy and Daddy can't fix something.” This definitely caught my attention and makes me realize how I might be what I hate; a self-proclaimed narcissist.
Word Count: 455
Lucas Baistrocchi
Period 4
Having a median point between parents and children of the “Generation Me”, better known as a “narcissism epidemic”, may not be facile. As the writer of the article “Generation Me”, Raina Kelly, “No matter how you were raised, the handiest cure for narcissism used to be life. Whether through fate, circumstances or moral imperative, our culture kept hubris in check. Now, we encourage it.” Making reference to the belief that cultural, moral, and educational belief that as generations transcend throughout time, the ultimate goals of those who are encouraged to perceive a dream tend to rely more on the “famous, cooler, more fabulous” side of a personal history and reputation than on the true meaning of an reluctant character. The narrator tells how she used to follow literary heroines who “struggled to be good” just like her; in the “generation Me”, Raina describes her mortification towards the “spoiled brats of the twenty first century”, using the term “spoiled brat” as a way to describe her perception of the teenage inclination towards role models and her constant contrast and comparisons to her view point of life.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to comprehend that the title itself, “Generation Me”, is only making an emphasis on the inclination of us, teenagers, to be selfish. By capitalizing the word “me”, Raina Kelly highlights the present generation to be self centered and egoist. The point of this blog is to show a personal perspective towards the subject of matureness and futuristic goals; in life there are those who admire super stars, prestigious “money makers”, supermodels, and other media celebrities; those people are successful in their own way, then, there are those of us who admire writers, teachers, speakers, tutors, and educators; we may not always be successful, but we assuredly build a stronger base.
Victoria H
Period 4.
Raina Kelley explains that in this article, it explains how teenagers in the present time are going trough a "narcissism" stage which basically means that they are only thoroughly involved in themselves, and refuse to see anything besides than what they may want, or others may expect from them. Within the article, it quotes that, "Perhaps, one day, we will say that the recession saved us from a parenting ethos that churns out ego-addled spoiled brats. And though it is too soon to tell if our economic free fall will cure America of its sense of economic privilege, it has made it much harder to get the money together to give our kids six-figure sweet-16 parties and plastic surgery for graduation presents, all in the name of "self esteem." Kelley is saying that young teenagers are so caught up into materialism, and involved in narcissism, that they would go out of their way to waste and spend money on themselves to bring their ego up that much higher. She states throughout the article that by being involved in such actions will bring a child to be “helpless,” and completely dependent on everyone else and the material luxuries around them. The narcissism brings kids to believe that their parents can get anything they want for them when they do not exceptionally always get their ways. Kids are convinced that “big egos” are the only way to get by, and take the easy way through their lives. They are convinced by marketing and merchandise, that from a very young age, that young girls should act and be treated like a “princess,” And that little boys should be looked at and respected as “kings.”
ReplyDeletePaulina G.
Period 1
Word Count-285
I agree with Raina Kelly, author of a Newsweek article “Generation Me”. She writes that the current generation is too narcissistic and selfish. Narcissism in today’s generation is becoming a problem, as the children don’t think what they’re doing is wrong. In my opinion, the main reason of children becoming this way is the way they are brought up by their parents, and the economy status before its current status. Even now with the recession in the economy, narcissism is still noticeable everywhere you go.
ReplyDeleteRaina Kelly starts off by explaining a bit of her childhood and then comparing the current generation to hers, and she did a great job doing so. The points she is trying to make are very clear and noticeably differences can be made from the different generations. Kelly used very accurate and interesting information to support her article, for example when she addresses some students at Southern Connecticut University. Raina Kelly does a great job saying things that not everyone notices or talks about.
An interesting part in the article was when Kelly writes that the world does not revolve around you. This is a very true statement that the current generation refuses to accept. Nothing is handed to you, you have to adapt to the world. Overall the article was great. I liked the way Kelly presented the article with the examples. This article really makes me think back and notice the current generation and how they behave. Hopefully more people will realize this and maybe bring a change.
Steven M.
Period 4
Word Count: 265
“Generation Me” by Raina Kelley is a venerable piece of work that explains from a late Generation X to an early Generation Y point of the increasing number of narcissism behavior found in society today. According to Merriam-Webster, Narcissism is the “love of or sexual desire for one's own body”, and through recent studies conducted by Psychology researchers and professors Jean Twenge and Dr. W. Keith Campbell, it has been suggested that the increased narcissism within the society may become a problem.
ReplyDeleteSharise Tucker, a 21-year-old senior at Southern Connecticut State, a self-professed narcissist stated “At the end of the day I love me and I don't think that's wrong." The following narcissist behavior shown above is exactly the type of behavior portrayed as negative within society. However, this problem is not necessarily stated within one form of expression, it can range from “the discourteous—residential advisers at Southern lament students disregarding curfews, playing dance music until 3 a.m., demanding new room assignments at a moment's notice and failing to understand why professors won't let them make up an exam they were too hung over to take—to the disastrous—failed marriages, abusive working environments and billion-dollar Ponzi schemes.”
This glorification of antisocial behavior has yet to be minimized, but yet allowed the ability to flourish like the Black Death. The cure for narcissism used to be the good ole’ life lesson; however, it seems our society accepts this nature of behavior and therefore encourages it. Although, with some humiliation, mindfulness and putting other first, one may just snap out of the wretched narcissism.
Brandon S.
Period 4
Word Count: 271
The article “Generation Me” was quite fascinating. It opened my eyes to reality, an actual problem happening around me. As the article stated, society today has more of an emphasis on one’s self rather than moral values. Why may this have occurred? There is possibility in which the past decades economical success which raised our standard of living, had some contribution to the obsession in ones appearance as well as possession of materialistic items. “Perhaps, one day, we will say that the recession saved us from a parenting ethos that churns out ego-addled spoiled brats,” as stated by the author. Her views are evident that she disapproves of society narcissistic ways, and I must have to agree that this is a growing problem.
ReplyDeleteAs stated previously, today, narcissism is a growing problem among the American society. Society and the media provoke young people to focus on looks as well as possessions. The author writes, “And though it is too soon to tell if our economic free fall will cure America of its sense of economic privilege, it has made it much harder to get the money together to give our kids six-figure sweet-16 parties and plastic surgery for graduation presents, all in the name of ‘self esteem.’” Her examples were quite accurate in portraying our growing need for plastic surgery and extravagant parties. There have been just shows on widely popularized networks, particularly viewed by our young adults, on the need for extravagant “sweet sixteen’s” as well as a large amount of advertisement on plastic surgery to make one beautiful. In the statement the author also sow that our recession could just be the solution to that problem. The money in the public’s pocket have become more scarce and not enable these individuals to fulfill there narcissistic wants. This is reality and surrounds us daily. I have visited other countries who are less fortunate than us, in Weston, yet I still see that civilians here seem to complain about there lifestyle. Just the other day, my mother witnessed something that exactly that demonstrates how selfish society here has become. A she went to service her car at the BMW dealership she saw a middle aged woman, who apparently needed a rental while her car was in the shop. The woman being to throw a fit because her rental the company had given to her was not a BMW. Her reasons were that she didn’t want to be seen in a garbage car that it had to be BMW. My mother chuckled as the grown woman was throwing a temper tantrum on what she had to drive. Other examples could be the few girls at Cypress Bay, whom have had plastic surgery to “boost” their self esteem. I find this absolutely ridiculous for girls at this age to be concerned of such thing at this age.
This is a growing problem that should be adhered to. The article should be shown to teenagers in our school, to show that this is a problem. Many may not realize how materialistic and narcissistic society has become, since that is how they grew up. “But last I checked, most of our lives don't require all that attitude,” written by Kelley.
~Kristian S.
Period 4
In the article, "Generation Me", Raina Kelly is explaining the extreme increase in narcissism, which is clearly evident in today's generation. When Kelly says, "We've built up the confidence of our kids, but in that process, we've created a generation of hot-house flowers puffed with a disproportionate sense of self-worth (the definition of narcissism) and without the resiliency skills they need when Mommy and Daddy can't fix something," she is stating that kids of this generation are at an extreme level of narcissism, and the parents can take some of the blame for this situation.
ReplyDeleteAs a high school student, I see examples of narcissism occur everyday, ranging from minor to extreme cases. Teenagers have become socially influenced to believe that they have to be over-the-top and stand out, in order to fit in and mean something. I find it sad really, how our generation has become so vain and brain washed into having to be and have the best that they can. A majority of the students put more effort into their social lives than their education.
I completely agree with Kelly when she says, "As an antidote to a skyrocketing self-worth, Twenge recommends humility, evaluating yourself more accurately, mindfulness and putting others first. Such values may seem quaint, maybe even self-defeating, to those of us who think we're special, but trust me: it gets easier with practice." I believe if we make an effort into changing our narcissistic ways, we will change. If we learn to put others before us and walk in their shoes, we can diminish the selfish qualities that we hold inside of us.
Ryan H.
Period 1
Word Count: 269
To go into great detail about the main concept of Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell’s book, “The Narcissism Epidemic,” Raina Kelley, a writer for Newsweek, wrote “Generation Me.” Her article goes into depth about how narcissism is a quality that is in fact not a good one to posses and how it is getting worse through the years. Stating in the article, “10 percent of 20 – somethings have already experience symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder, compared with just over 3 percent of the 65-and-over set.” By using these percentages give the readers a visual and idea of how bad the world is today. Personally agreeing with Raina Kelley, people have become so in love with themselves mostly due to the way their parents have spoiled and treated them throughout their lives; however, hopefully due to this recession the US is in will result in less people who are narcissism.
ReplyDeleteThe way people are now and the way we are truly living in a narcissism epidemic is a characteristic of today’s society that is bad. Like Kelley mentioned, have an abundant amount of self-love is not a great thing to have. For instance, many people with narcissism tend to possess qualities with it that makes them so unloved by others that they end up living a life where the only one who loves them is their life. Some of these appalling qualities include extreme cockiness and rudeness. Pointed out in “Generation Me,” there are two people that are narcissists, Terrell Owens and Donald Trump. These people are fine with the way they are, they love themselves, yet there attitudes are acceptable for they have some to show for themselves: one is an amazing wide receiver and the other is a millionaire.
Living in a world today that possesses many people with narcissism is horrible. There are few in the world that has the right to posses this quality, yet if just an ordinary person has it is something that makes them very unloved. In “Generation Me,” Raina Kelley changes people’s mind on how we live and truly shows us how society today revolves around self-love, narcissism.
Ashley F
Period 3
Word Count: 360
The article “Generation Me” by Raina Kelley does make a very valid point. It is clear that today’s generation is becoming more and more narcissistic. Kelley backs up her thoughts with very convincing arguments, for example the book "The Narcissism Epidemic”. In this book the authors, Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbel, make the point that America today is becoming a very self-loving society. They make a point to mention that the kids grew up with parents that gave them everything. This article does bring something to the attention of the reader that many people have not noticed, and that is that America’s recession is not all bad. This recession is grounding a lot of people, like Kelley says, “it has made it much harder to get the money together to give our kids six-figure sweet-16 parties and plastic surgery for graduation presents” proving that people cannot do things they used to be able to do. Although the point that Kelley make is pretty solid, many teens can understand why we are so narcissistic. Society is at fault here, it bombards teenagers with the idea that without money you are not worth anything, they are also bombarded with celebrities that are way into themselves (Terrell Owens and Donald Trump). The article makes very valid points, and brings very helpful insight into the conversation of how this generation is becoming way to selfish and self-loving, yet we cannot blame all of this on the way that kids are brought up. Some of this is a direct result of a poorly managed society.
ReplyDeleteFelipe Vidal
271 words
The main idea of this article, written by Raina Kelley is that the new generations of kids that are becoming adults in this day and age are lazy, irresponsible and very impressionable. My view point on this subject is that I agree with Raina but the article is written very bios and doesn’t show the other side of the argument at all. Although I will admit a good percent of the kids my age are extremely irresponsible and lack goals or values, I will over all have to disagree with the articles main idea.
ReplyDeleteRaina Kelley does give a very valid point in the article “Generation me” but did not tell us anything about the kids all over the country that are doing the right thing, and that don’t believe that if they show up they deserve a B. I am almost positive that there all plenty of kids at Southern Connecticut State University that don’t just think that they are “special”. Every generation has kids that don’t care about studying and rather socialize with their peers, its only human nature to want to do these things.
The one thing that Raina Kelley is right about is that young people are very impressionable. The world today is surrounded by entertainment from the TV, internet, and radio; we just cannot escape it. Kids are lead by all these forms of entertainment, and cannot help but be imprisoned by it. When a 10 year old kid looks up to T.O., who seeming lives a carefree lifestyle, he will try to be just like him, but the bottom line is not everyone can live like this.
So don’t put all the blame on to these young adults, but look at what the world is like now a days and put yourself in their shoes. Its not so easy to do the right thing any more. The world is filled with many bad influences people can be caught up in it sometimes.
As I read the article “Generation Me” by Raina Kelley a lot of ideas came to my mind. The author, without a doubt, makes the reader think and evaluate him or herself. At first I thought that she was extremely right. Every example she made I could relate to and her statistics further impressed me. However, as I thought about it, I found myself questioning its truth. Narcissism involves several aspects of a person’s live as well as several undeniable truths about human nature.
ReplyDeleteWhile the meaning of narcissism is excessive self-admiration and self-centeredness, I happen to believe that it emphasizes in a person’s looks and status. This type of narcissism, not so much of egocentrism but more with vanity, I do not agree with. One must not confuse narcissism with uselessness, as the author seems to do throughout the articles. She doesn’t only describe this generation as self-absorbed, but, also as helpless and lazy, incapable of solving a problem unless mommy and daddy do it. Furthermore, she points the finger mostly towards the parents, while it is society as a whole that has made this happen. It is not only the super parties that are thrown and the huge gifts, but the educational system of today makes me want to sit down and cry. I used to love, I wanted to study natural mathematics, however, it is so completely boring and annoying to take a math class that I gave it up. The educational system does not push kids to do their best; they just give them the formulas so they can plug them in and get an “A.” the thinking has been taken out of the equation, and it is no wonder seen as how much the United States needs a middle and lower class. Television and video games have caused a huge phenomenon I call mental masturbation. No one actually needs to know how to do anything because they believe they already can in those games. So yeah, society has become useless.
Uselessness, not able to do something properly. Egocentrism, interested only in personal needs and wants, and not caring about other people. Selfishness is human nature, it is something one cannot fight against, should not fight against. Raina Kelley criticizes this as if it were a fatal flaw of this generation, but in reality it has been in every generation. It is natural to be proud of one’s achievements, qualities, advantages, and way of life, whether a person agrees with them or not. Me, myself, and I is my philosophy, why should anyone else be more important. Generosity, compassion and humility are idiotic ideas. No one is equal, no one should be equal, so why should a person not be able to brag about what makes them different. I am very arrogant when it comes to my intelligence but very humble when it comes to my looks. I am more than capable to fend for myself, I am self reliant. So is it bad that I am also narcissistic? To celebrate individuality? I am self centered, but it is something I have earned as a human, and that I will always refuse to let go.
Quite frankly I found her opinions quite hypocritical, my heroes, my family, my values, my youth, my grades, my behavior, and my mantra; yeah I get it, she is perfect, except the article was supposed to be about whats wrong with this generation, not what is great about her. I put her as an example, as she did in her article, but to show that she is egocentric, self centered, and narcissistic, but there is nothing wrong with that. It is not narcissism what is wrong with society but what society emphasizes its narcissism in, making a person and unproductive, useless citizen.
Nicolas S
Per. 4
Word count: 638
The article Generation Me opens up a new dimension in society’s self centered lifestyle. As stated in the text, kids nowadays are raised with a continually growing ego and never really understand what the problems that lie with being narcissistic. The quote “Perhaps, one day, we will say that the recession saved us from a parenting ethos that churns out ego-addled spoiled brats,” completely appeals to me because for a while now, that has been one of the questions I have had concerning the effects and lasting products of the recession. I wonder whether the recession will reach a point in which the lifestyles that people are accustomed to will be forced to drastically change in a way that people are raised to be more humble and not so annoyingly demanding of material possessions.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I find this article to be astoundingly shocking in a way that is truthful. The issues that it discusses will hit people unexpectedly because the cocky narcissists know who they are and deep inside they recognize that it is not the most positive way to be. I also agree that everyone has an ego but the question is to control it to keep you from becoming narcissistic although having self-confidence is essential to achieving goals in life. To me, confidence is the drive of one’s purpose. Another issue that is discussed in the article is the reasons for the narcissist’s ego. I chuckled a bit after reading the sentence “Armed with a steady influx of trophies just for showing up, "I Am Special" coloring books and princess parties, it is hard for kids to understand why an abundance of ego might be bad for them.” These things just make the flow of ego easier and can very much spoil a child from the early years. Even through economic recessions and troubled times, I believe this will never disappear because of human nature. It might never be vanquished, but maybe diminished with time if humans work for it.
Jose Maldonado Period 1
The article “Generation me” by Raina Kelley is based in today’s account generation. The main idea of the articles is about how today’s generation has become so narcissism about themselves, this article mostly talk about youths, that only love themselves< they are narsiccistic. According to Raina, "we will say that the recession saved us from a parenting ethos that churns out ego-addled spoiled brats." Unlike myself, I am not in love with myself and have erotic gratification derived from admiration of my own physical or mental attributes, a narcissist. The author is trying to make a reasonable point that is going on in our society as of today.
ReplyDelete“Narcissism” describes excessive self-love. "At the end of the day I love me and I don't think that's wrong," says Sharise Tucker, a 21-year-old senior at Southern Connecticut State, a self-professed narcissist. "I don't think it's a problem, having most people love themselves. I love me." She dosent realized that people have a problem obbssesd with lovingthemself to much. They are loving themselves in excess and this is distracting them from loving others. The Bible says “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” People suppose to love and help eachother and their not doing it. The te ens of this generation of egotistical maniacs have been stock into this void of “Me-and me only”, where everything is about oneself. The generation should be, “If it isn’t about me, it’s not worth it.” Kelley makes a point that the current recession may have pulled some families out of this black hole, though for how long is uncertain. Also parent have to fallow and give them help but at the sametime restrict something that are not worth it for them.
I agree with Raina Kelley, because I blelieve that we should change the narcissism in are generation, “If we learn to put others before us and walk in their shoes, we can diminish the selfish qualities that we hold inside of us”. But no everyone havethe same point of view but that whats Kelley is trying lo do influence people so their notbecome like that. Reading this article bring me a lot of knowledge because now I know that I should help and love people more and not just think in only me.
Xavier Ramos
P.3
380
Mrs. Ojeda,
ReplyDeleteI am ashamed to admit that I have no idea how to delete my previous comment. I did make some corrections to it and so I am reposting it. Could you please delete my previous one and this one?
I would very much appreciate it.
Nicolas S
Per.4
As I read the article “Generation Me” by Raina Kelley a lot of ideas came to my mind. The author, without a doubt, makes the reader think and evaluate him or herself. At first I thought that she was extremely right. Every example she made I could relate to and her statistics further impressed me. However, as I thought about it, I found myself questioning its truth. Narcissism involves several aspects of a person’s live as well as several undeniable truths about human nature.
ReplyDeleteWhile the meaning of narcissism is excessive self-admiration and self-centeredness, I happen to believe that it emphasizes in a person’s looks and status. This type of narcissism, not so much of egocentrism but of vanity, I do not agree with. One must not confuse narcissism with uselessness, as the author seems to do throughout the articles. She doesn’t only describe this generation as self-absorbed, but, also as helpless and lazy, incapable of solving a problem unless mommy and daddy do it. Furthermore, she points the finger mostly towards the parents, while it is society as a whole that has made this happen. It is not only the super parties that are thrown and the huge gifts, but the educational system of today makes me want to sit down and cry. I used to love math, I wanted to study natural mathematics, however, it is so completely boring and annoying to take a math class that I gave it up. The educational system does not push kids to do their best; they just give them the formulas so they can plug them in and get an “A.” The thinking has been taken out of the equation, and it is no wonder seen as how much the United States needs a middle and lower class. Television and video games have caused a huge phenomenon I call mental masturbation. No one actually needs to know how to do anything because they believe they already can in those games. So yeah, society has become useless.
Uselessness, not able to do something properly. Egocentrism, interested only in personal needs and wants, and not caring about other people. Selfishness is human nature, it is something one cannot fight against, should not fight against. Raina Kelley criticizes this as if it were a fatal flaw of this generation, but in reality it has been in every generation. It is natural to be proud of one’s achievements, qualities, advantages, and way of life, whether a person agrees with them or not. Me, myself, and I is my philosophy, why should anyone else be more important. Generosity, compassion and humility are idiotic ideas. No one is equal, no one should be equal, so why should a person not be able to brag about what makes them different? I am very arrogant when it comes to my intelligence but very humble when it comes to my looks. I am more than capable to fend for myself, I am self reliant. So is it bad that I am also narcissistic? To celebrate individuality? I am self centered, but it is something I have earned as a human, and that I will always refuse to let go.
Quite frankly I found her opinions quite hypocritical, my heroes, my family, my values, my youth, my grades, my behavior, and my mantra; yeah I get it, she is perfect, except the article was supposed to be about whats wrong with this generation, not what is great about her. I put her as an example, as she did in herself in her article, but to show that she is egocentric, self centered, and narcissistic, but there is nothing wrong with that. It is not narcissism what is wrong with society but what society emphasizes its narcissism in, making a person an unproductive, useless citizen.
Nicolas S
Per. 4
Word count: 640
With “Generation Me”, Raina Kelley tells a story of today’s teenagers placing more importance on themselves compared to the world around them. Beginning her piece with a brief description of her, and more importantly, her generation, as teens, Kelley follows with a general contrast between her Generation and Generation Y.
ReplyDelete"The Narcissism Epidemic", by Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell, points out that while parents have instilled confidence into their progeny, they have “created a generation of hot-house flowers puffed with a disproportionate sense of self-worth” in the process. This reader can safely agree with that.
Throughout “Generation Me”, Kelley uses examples of her in her youth in order to have the reader evaluate and compare to themselves in their youth. But her examples vary in effect and do anything from keeping one from identifying with her, to conversely emphasizing that she isn’t exactly that different from the generation she’s citing to be anything from lazy to useless.
In Twenge’s interviews with Southern Connecticut State University students, it is clearly visible that the aforementioned narcissism is recognized, but there need be no attempts to correct them. SCSU student Sharise Tucker put her mantra ever so eloquently; “At the end of the day I love me and I don't think that's wrong.” I myself, reluctantly agree with the self -professed narcissist. One can deduce that this belief in one’s self is so ingrained in society that it’s not even really a problem anymore.
An interesting statement towards the end of this piece is “But no matter how you were raised, the handiest cure for narcissism used to be life.” Life, to a degree, continues to cure narcissism by convincing people that life does not revolve around you. Living in the real world defines the point that there are many other factors and things happening in the world and you’re not even the least bit more special than the next person.
Bryan M
Pd IV
Count: 319
After reading the article “Generation Me”, I think that the main idea of this article is that my generation has become very narcissistic, and that we have to stop being so self-centered, selfish and egoistic. To say the truth, I don’t think that is bad to love yourself, but I have to agree with Raina Kelley when she talks about Donald Trump calling his detractors "losers", and about people thinking only about themselves.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Steven when he says that “numerous hardworking immigrants are able to steal jobs from Americans because of the narcissism present in America.” Americans don’t want to do the “dirty” jobs because they love themselves too much to be doing it. Kids are starting to think that they deserve everything without working for it, without earning it and that thinking is going to cost them a lot. I personally think that some of the parents have the fault of this narcissism that is going on today. Parents should know that their job as guardians is to teach and educate their children, not to give them everything without a cause.
In conclusion I want to state that when I say that is not bad to love yourself, I am talking about self esteem. It’s not right for a kid to believe that other kids are better than him or her. It’s also not right for a kid of my age to believe that some other kid deserve what he just got. Kids should love themselves but there are limits, there are other people and no one should only think about himself or herself.
Andres Delia
3rd Period
The article by Raina Kelly “Generation Me” suggests that the current generation today is pampered, egotistical, and spoiled. I completely agree with this article. Today’s generation was brought up by their parents on the belief that they are “special.” Statistics show that “nearly 10 percent of 20-somethings have already experienced symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder, compared with just over 3 percent of the 65-and-over set.” This clearly demonstrates that narcissism has spread more and more throughout the years. I personally have had my fair share of experience with egotistical and narcissistic teens who thought they were better than everyone else even to the point of one of them saying, “I do what I want.” These “self-loving” teens were raised to be cocky, not confident, about themselves in which they “believed in their own bulls-t.” Kelly also speaks about how the economy can be a reality check for these kids who can no longer have their own “sweet sixteens” or plastic surgery implants as birthday presents in order to boost their egos. This sense of “ego-boosting” jades these naive teens to the point where they believe they can get through life and work at the bare minimum because they believe they are so fantastic they can excel with the least amount of effort, which will effectively destroy there lives.
ReplyDeleteThe only solution to such behavior is well said by Kelly, “But no matter how you were raised, the handiest cure for narcissism used to be life.” All it takes is a little dose of harsh reality to make egotists and narcissists to stop and change themselves. All it takes is a little realization that, “Treating the whole world as if it works for you doesn't suggest you're special, it means you're an a--.”
4/26/09
Martin P
P-4
296