Chapter Overview

Chapter 2 encourages you to explore the concept of generations, a term that denotes change—that is, new growth, new values, new life, and new ways of living. In this chapter, you have been asked to read, write, and think about how you have been shaped by growing up at a particular moment in a particular historical generation, as well as how the characteristics of your generation distinguish itself from generations of the past.

On the assumption that every generation is "in part a media event," this Companion Website provides an opportunity for you to further explore the ways in which the media have represented your generation and how these media representations have become imbedded in the way your generation views itself. The three Web Exercises are designed to help you conduct in-depth analysis of generation gap issues. The Wired Culture activity explores the use of technology and its effects on communication. The Film Clip activity explores film and contemporary culture. Visual Culture Online offers sites to explore youth culture and advertising, and Mining the Web investigates the media portrayal of generations.