Courtesy St. Martin's Press
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Web-Exclusive. . .
The Greater Generation Discussion Guide
By Lindsay Mergens, January 2006, January 2006
Read about The Greater Generation, check out an excerpt from the book and our Web-exclusive author Q&A, then discuss the question "Have Boomers gotten a bad rap?" with your book club
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About the Book
While their parents have been hailed as the Greatest Generation, the
children of the post-World War II baby boom have been much maligned since they
came of age in the '60s, characterized as self-centered war protesters,
materialistic yuppies, overindulgent parents, and aging hippies. Author Leonard
Steinhorn strongly disagrees with this portrayal, and in
The Greater Generation: In Defense of the Baby Boom Legacy he
asserts that Boomers have contributed far more to this country than their
parents have. Through extensive research and sound examples, Steinhorn,
professor of communications at American University, writer, and media
commentator, explains how Boomers have singularly transformed America into the
free, accepting, and democratic society that exists today.
Steinhorn's provocative contention: as heroically as the Greatest
Generation fought for tolerance and freedom overseas, they did not incorporate
these principles into their lives at home, and as a result the smoldering
embers of bigotry, corruption, and power imbalance were fanned, and the turmoil
of the '60s and '70s was ignited. Beginning with a detailed assessment
of the Greatest Generation years, Steinhorn outlines how Boomers have embraced
values forgotten by their parents and reversed course. By advancing civil
rights, improving the status of women, democratizing the workplace, protecting
the environment, advocating for political and social change, and fostering
acceptance of lesbians and gays, Steinhorn maintains, Boomers have made America
a far better nation than it was.
Controversial and full of insight, The Greater Generation is sure to spur
conversation and debate.
Read an excerpt
from the book
Read Our Q&A With Leonard Steinhorn
Discuss With Your Book Club
With the first of the postwar Boomers turning 60 this year, the country is
focused on their generation and legacy. Consider these questions and share your
thoughts on our message board:
Do you agree with the author that Boomers have gotten a bad rap and deserve
more credit for their achievements than they've received?
What do your Greatest Generation parents or family members think of the
legacy of Boomers?
Do you think any of the Greatest Generation's contributions to society
might be glorified or overvalued? Do they deserve the acclaim they've
received?
Additional
Questions for Reading Groups
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