I don't know Doc. What is "normal" generational evolution? Is it really any different than what people are complaining about?

If you look at the last four generations (I think the convention is to call them the greatest generation, baby boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y), It certainly seems the level of personal sacrafice, hard work and independance has deminished. Just because grampa complained about how tough it was when he was a kid doesn't mean he was lying about it. Maybe this is "normal," but it doesn't mean it is good or even ok.

I do think humans are the most productive when they face a real challenge. Mike posted in the Broken America thread about a turning point in this country when we stopped expanding. I agree with that point and the general proposition that people who have everything handed to them are not likely to become productive.

 

I don't know the details, but it was nice to read that LEONA Helmsley did not leave ANY $$ to two of her grandchildren.....while leaving $12MM in a trust for her faithful pooch (produces $480k/ year before trustee fees )

I assume that these two kids did not have any relationship with her, so she gave them a

Relating to Val's situation, it sounds like her dtr is a good kid....not a slacker. I think that's where the difference comes in. If the adult child has no ambition or drive , then the 'room and board' drill will serve to help move 'em out ASAP.....for their OWN future benefit

 

I agree with that, Rob.

Hard work that benefits me is one thing, but hard work that pays the CEO's bonus is another.

I don't work long hours, but I do work smart and get things done faster than most. I'd rather get home to see my daughter than sit here working for a possible extra 0.01% raise after putting in 50 or 60 hour weeks all year. There's no ROI

I'll put in the hours for my own business, because I'm working for myself and will benefit from it.

 

I have to agree. I'm around the critters all day and I don't see any fundamental differences between them and me when I was that age. The vocabulary, clothing, music, and culture may be different, but not much else.

 

Doc and Dean, what about the outrageous reports of grade grubbing by both students and their parents? Have you encountered that?

 

[QUOTE=Legal Bill,Nov 14 2007, 04:22 PM] Doc and Dean, what about the outrageous reports of grade grubbing by both students and their parents?

 

Never, excluding the occasional brown-nosing that some of my students attempt, which keeps me entertained and sometimes fed. I don't deal with parents.

 

I would contact the local High School's DECA group. They can tell you what fair wages are, and may be able to supply you with some students needing work to pass the class.

 

My own experience is that the daughters of many of our friends are driven, disciplined, hard working, intelligent, success-oriented (their definition of success - not necessarily society's definition of success). The sons are live-with-mommy slackers.

I am amazed by this phenomenon. It seems that in one or two generations, young women in America have discovered they can spread their wings, while young men in America seem to have folded up their wings and crawled back into the nest.

 

Not trying to get this bumped to the politics, but is this an example of "they work the jobs Americans won't do?"