Students Torn Between Dean Generation and Generation Pepsi

GRINNELL-- The Greatest Generation. The Baby Boomers. Generation X. These generations are all easily recognized. But what, many college students are asking, is their generation? Not only does this lack of a generational label leave many confused about how to define themselves, but it also makes it difficult for journalists to easily make generalizations about this large group of people. Clearly, a name must be settled upon. The Pepsi-Cola Corporation believes they have an answer to this dilemma. A spokesman said, "Clearly, we are living in the Pepsi Generation. Today's youth are refreshing and delicious, and they deserve a beverage that's just as remarkable as they are." Local student Tom Sinclair expressed ambivalence with regards to this title. "I guess I do like Pepsi," he admitted, "but I just don't think it's the defining characteristic of an entire generation."

Another alternative has been suggested by former Vermont governor and Presidential hopeful Howard Dean, whose campaign targets college students with "Generation Dean." Dean has said, "The young Americans across the country already involved with Generation Dean [...] proves that the youth in this country are concerned about the future and believe that they have the power to change America." Although Dean has reportedly been successful in inspiring young voters, some have wondered if he might be approaching hyperbole to label an entire group after such a partisan political figure. After all, he has frequently been accused of being a "divider". "Well, I voted for the guy, but I think it's a little presumptuous to label everyone 'Generation Dean'," said one student. "Not that I think we should be 'Generation Bush', or anything." When asked for a better suggestion, the student responded, "Uh, I don't know... maybe Generation Britney. She's hot."

Clearly, opinions are mixed on this controversial topic. Dr. Tara Clark, a cultural anthropologist, said, "What? Oh, I don't know. We'll probably just end up calling it the Internet Generation or something stupid like that. Now please, get out of my house."

Regardless of what you call them, one thing is for certain: the Internet Generation should be careful around hot cultural anthropologists, because they're probably frigid bitches.

renata at frowl org

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