Quote:
Originally Posted by worth
have people really changed that much over the past while? maybe these people are more self confident, but i don't think much has changed. I mean, it seems as though we're believeing that everything was hunky dory before hand, and now all of a sudden people are only interested in themselves.
I think it's pretty much been that way throughout human history.
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We're cetainly the same species we've been throughout history, but I don't think you can deny that cultural differences occur from region to region as well as time to time. Those cultural differences are the relevant ones, and they are real.
I don't think Generation Me would have '
higher self-esteem, assertiveness and narcissistic tendencies, but also report higher anxiety levels and are more likely to suffer depression' without the current cultural situation of North America. These things seems to fit very well with a culture in which personal freedom and independence is valued over commitment to the community, and where there is an enormous and growing gap between the middle class, lower class and the rarefied upper class. There is an enormous amount of media attention given to icons in pop culture, sports, business etc. and the belief is promoted that in America (and by virtue of this Canada as well) anybody can make it to the top.