The Millennial Generation

Running head: The Millennial Generation

The Millennial Generation and Politics In APA Style Lisa Kleber Dover Business College

The Millennial Generation

Abstract The Millennial Generation has the ability to make a difference in our society. They are adamant about their ideologies and beliefs. We can see their influence in government with this past presidential election. Peter Leyden and James Burns have written two interesting articles that support and integrate with the definition and my opinion of the Millennial Generation .

The Millennial Generation

The Millennial Generation will someday be known as The Greatest Generation Yet (Leyden, 2006) for their contributions in the economy, medicine, technology and particularly in politics. This generation not only has the political potential but the resources and the ability to do amazing thing for this wonderful world and our society. Interestingly, I found this article online A New Survey Comparing Political Attitudes Between Generations by James Burns that defines my opinion of the Millennial Generation and politics. He discusses a survey that was done in 2006 by the New Politics Institute on the up-and-coming Millennial Generation, the Generation xers and the Baby Boomers. (Burns, 2006) James Burns (2006) stated This survey examined in detail the attitudes and the behavior of three American Generations- the Millennials, Gen-Xers, and Baby Boomers- and within the Millenials, three sub generations, Teen Millenials (13-17 year olds), Transitional Millennial (18-22 year olds) and Cusp Millennial (23-28 year olds). Of present importance, the generations began tocome of age and mature politically in decisively different periods ranging from the mid-1960 to present. Our research suggest that, as in other areas of individual and societal life, the social and political environment into which each generation emerged influenced the political beliefs and perceptions of that generation. While it is true that generational variations in political attitudes, perceptions, and behavior are not as sharp as those based on strictly political variables such as self-perceived party identification and political ideology, generational political differences do exist. These generational political differences have the potential to influence election results, the style and tone of political discussion, and public policy direction as each succeeding generation emerges to shape and even dominate the political process as voters and policy holders. I believe this Millennial Generation made it possible for our new President Mr. Obama to be elected. Not because of his culture or race but for what he represents- a change. Our world-society as we know it today has yet to see the impact of this new confident and powerful generation.

The Millennial Generation

Peter Leyden who is the New Politics Institute Network Director and fellow expresses a similar concept of the Millennials as does James Burns. Peter Leyden states Todays younger generation seem to have many of the characteristics of that older cohort that came of age in the progressive turbulence of the 1930s and later led the country through the liberal heyday of the post-war boom. They are the kind of civil minded, teambuilding, high achievers who historically have been destined for greatness. The Millennials are the first generation to grow up completely immersed in the new digital tools and the new media of the internet. They live and breathe these new technologies and media and so are best positioned to fully exploit their powerful political potential. (Leyden, 2006) He defines the Millennials as I see them today as being completely immersed in technology and the internet. They have strong political opinions and are voicing them. The resources available are overwhelming and they are taking advantage of them. We need more educated, articulate and well technologically informed leaders in schools, hospitals, government, and at home to prepare the generation to follow. These Millennials are conquering the world and I praise them for it. We need to continually encourage our children to DREAM BIG, BELIEVE, and CONQUER. I will end with a final excerpt from Peter Leyden: Up until now, the Millennial Generation has largely been preparing to make an impact on American society and politics. Theyve been growing up, getting educated, learning how to use the new tools, and forming their basic values and beliefs. Now they are starting to break out as young adults. Watch out. If there is one single set of actors who could fundamentally shake up the political landscape in the coming decade, its the Millennials. They have all the ingredients to make a huge impact, to become a truly great generation-perhaps the greatest weve seen yet. (Leyden, 2006)

The Millennial Generation

References: James Burns (Released March 22, 2006) A New Survey Comparing Political Attitudes Between Generations; http://www.Newpolitics.net/node/89?full_report=1

Peter Leyden (Released March 22, 2006) A New Survey Comparing Political Attitudes Between Generations; http://www.Newpolitics.net/node/89?full_report=1