A Lesson in Generational Dynamics: Gran Torino Style

Those who study Generational Dynamics undoubtedly have a name for the theory. Although I find the field interesting, I don't spend as much time as I should researching the concepts behind the cycle. But I do have thoughts. And I have heard the following generalization that goes something like this:

• The Greatest Generation sacrificed themselves for others
• The Baby Boomers sacrificed themselves for themselves
• The Gen Exers & Gen Y's sacrifice others for themselves

Gran Torino explores these themes in subtle threads; woven with precision, it's a tribute to a generational who -- for all their faults -- were ultimately less hypocritical than we're taught in our sociology classes...and far more deserving of the respect we often deny them.

Life is complex, it's true. But many times the answers are there if we look for them. Easy to find, but difficult to act on.

Those who study Generational Dynamics believe that those born in these years will be the next Great Generation of the United States*. That, if you're paying attention, doesn't bode well.

* Different countries are on different cycles. For my friends outside of the USA, your generational dynamics may be a generation ahead or behind in the cycle.