I look forward to the day when this current fascination with generation gaps gives way to a new fad. Salt's views are by no means exclusive to Boomers, and Heinrichs's views are by no means exclusive to Gen Y. Furthermore, neither is universally accepted by a generation. As such, an inter-generational debate would be little more than an older man set in his views arguing with a younger woman, also set in her views. It might produce a short-term media circus, it might offer some controversial quotes for publication and misrepresentation in the media, then it will fade away.

I also feel for the Gen-X folks out there, who are lost in the aether between the Boomers and the Ys. If the BBs leave a mess behind, it will be the Xs who are in the positions of power when the mopping-up begins. And if the BBs leave wondrous treasures behind, the Xs will have first dibs when it comes to claiming them. Why does nobody care what they have to say?

It strikes me that Gen-Y isn't the first 'look at me, I'm so special' generation, and the Boomers aren't the first 'look at them, don't they think they're special' generation. And, in years to come, when I and my fellow Y-Gens are in a position to look down our noses at those younger than us, I suspect many will have forgotten their (our) outrage at being labelled, pigeonholed and ignored.

Aah, well. A little outrage adds a bit of spice to life.

Ludwig, the only gen y's I know well are my own 23 yo twins... who of course have been thoroughly brainwashed by yours truly. One is doing his second science degree at UQ, while his sister is a hard working public servant.

Neither have driving licenses, let alone cars. They have both decided to never have children. Though of course you can never say never, and in life, as I know too well, anything can happen, like having twins when you wanted to only have one child!! But my point is there are lots of these kids who are environmentally aware and have at least some understanding of sustainability (from where I sit, I can tell you almost no one understands the concept..). Many of their friends think like they do. In fact I recently read somewhere that an astonishing 30% (can't remember the actual figure) of gen y's don't have drivers' licenses.

Hopefully.... they may even comment here as I recommended they read Fiona's piece for inspiration...

Coorangreeny:"They have both decided to never have children. "

And the world heaved a great sigh of relief...

Maybe so, wallumi.

>>Pericles, scorn is a commonly accepted form to use in response to hypocrisy and disingenuous evasion.<<

Sadly, there is no evidence of "hypocrisy and disingenuous evasion" in the article. It seems to me that Ms Heinrich takes for granted that when someone has an opinion that differs from hers, a) it must be wrong and b) her own views are automatically shared by all.

Such sloppy writing may be the norm in universities these days, but doesn't actually inspire confidence that the writer has properly mustered her arguments.

>>Fiona has been relatively restrained in regard to Salt's display<<

"Display"? What display?

>>Also, why do you so certainly presume a deficient approach to Salt by Fiona? You have no evidence for this view yet have made it a foundation to your argument.<<

I made no such presumption. I merely offered alternative scenarios, that the writer had clearly not taken into consideration.

>>As such, the stridency of your assertion is no more than a baseless attack upon Fiona's credibility.<<

Credibility has to be earned. It cannot be taken for granted, simply because the author is "a 23 year old female university student". Apart from any other consideration, it is unfortunate that she makes the article all about herself, and how insulted she feels that someone isn't dancing to her tune. Not a good look, I would have thought, in anyone's language.

Antiseptic, I'm assuming that your seemingly nasty and hurtful comment is just 'sarcasm' and it as an acceptable way to interact with people who do not think the same way you do. Or do you really believe it is a good thing for left wing people to be choosing not to have children? (My children also say they are not going to have any children.)

Have you thought about this in respect to the idea (or fact?) that muslims will out-breed us?

And do you think that right wing parents always produce right wing children and vice versa?

Mollydukes, you may assume what you will and I'm certain you shall.

I'll assume your comment is a mishmash of racist hatemongering and some weird form of reverse elitism.

Sorted.