Birth of a Generation

Posted by Ann Fishman on Apr 1, 2020 in Baby Boomers, G.I. Generation, Gen A, Generation A, Generation X, Millennials, Silent Generation | 0 comments

Our young people are experiencing an unexpected jolt from today’s historic events. Who among them will turn out to be our heroes?

In the past, the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and WWII forged the great men and women of the G.I. Generation. Today, such a trifecta is forming Generation America, aka Gen A, born from 2020 to an unknown date in the future.

In 2020, COVID 19 is causing unexpected changes for everybody. Parents are working from home. Children are being home-schooled. Wall Street AND Main Street are taking hits.

The one major result of these changes is the birth of a new generation — Gen A. Gen A’s will never know a world where the corona virus does not exist.

For the next 20 years (which is the average lifespan of a generation), children will be taught to wash their hands regularly, to fist bump instead of handshake, and to interact with mom and dad in person, not digitally.

These days, a TV commentator is playing the board game Candy Land with his kids. A stockbroker is eating breakfast with his daughter, and a writer is learning how to bake bread. Family togetherness has found a new home.

Three things are happening.

1. Parents, not teachers, are setting the values for their children.
2. Parents will become a more important part of their children’s education.
3. Parents and children are talking face-to-face.

But there’s more to this … Families without jobs have to watch what they spend very carefully. For most people, luxury is dead. Millennials are selling their $200 sneakers to raise money.

And surprisingly, then there’s this: ageism is out … and what’s in is “Let’s check on Granny”. A young woman visits her grandfather’s nursing home in lockdown. She taps at the window of his room and holds up her hand to show him her engagement ring. Children suddenly see parents phoning to check on older relatives. Our Nation is at war against the corona virus to protect a valued asset — older Americans.

Most importantly, America is trying to become a unified country again. President Trump and Governor Newsom are solving problems together. The White House and the press communicate face-to-face daily. Governor Cuomo gives fireside chats to New Yorkers. The American people are watching and listening, and their children finally see people working together.

Gen A’s will be better raised, better educated, and more aware of the needs of other people. They may see adults fighting over toilet paper, but they also see them bringing food and medicine to those who cannot get out.

America is back. We haven’t lost our roots. The corona virus is forcing all of us to be a more caring people. And our youngest Americans — Gen A — are blossoming in a most promising way.