Blogcritics Comments on The Myth of the "Quarterlife Crisis"

Blogcritics Comments on The Myth of the "Quarterlife Crisis" http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Tue, 3 Jun 2008 19:58:36 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software Comment by SLS on The Myth of the "Quarterlife Crisis" http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/04/12/200401.php#comment-723324 A "quarter life crisis" is in some ways not unique. It seems that people from ages 20-30 in western society (and beyond) have been going through major life changes throughout human history (see "Logan's Run" or "30 something" or pick up a Joseph Campbell book). This phenomenon, or the language of the phenomenon, reflects not a unique set of circumstances but a specific thinking of our generation. The "quarter life crisis" dialog reflects a sense of entitlement shared by middle and lower middle class people of "our" generation in the United States. This idea of a "crisis", reflects dashed expectations and a sense that people our age who have been through school deserve more. I work 40 hrs. week have huge school debt and no health care too (pity party for me?). This attitude that we deserve more (or anything at all) is laughable. I believe this is a result of being individually and collectively coddled. We were raised by baby-boomers who believed they were special and that their children were exceedingly special as well. It takes a village to raise a generation that can't cook, clean their exceedingly large wardrobes, or complete their college level reading when they go away to school but expect to be rewarded for their "accomplishments" upon exit! To be fair, tacit promises were made. The future was supposed to be bright and full of wealth and promise. But whoever remains naive in the face of the obvious deserves depression. I would hope that we are in the process of learning a lesson. Working in the service industry however, I only see an increase in people wanting something for nothing and service with a smile for free. Good luck too us all! 723324@blogcritics.org Tue, 3 Jun 2008 19:58:36 EDT