The New Greatest Generation Rhetorical Analysis

In the article, “The New Greatest Generation—Why Millennials Will Save Us,” author Joel Stein argues the greatness of the millennial generation. Stein uses ample sources and multiple statistics to describe the positive and negative outlooks on the millennial generation. He explains that many people perceive millennials as being ignorant and entitled, yet he counters this opinion with an explanation of why millennials do not take action in their world. Stein uses pathos and clearly states both sides of his argument in order to create an effective analysis of millennials. Early in the article, Stein explains why some people feel millennials are entitled. He uses pathos as a literary device to appeal to the reader’s emotions. Many readers

Stein begins his article by saying, “I am about to do what old people have done throughout history: call those younger than me lazy, entitled, selfish, and shallow” (Stein 28). Millennials reading this may feel angry or as if they are being misrepresented. The anger likely encourages them to continue reading the article and develop an opinion about the article instead of losing interest. Some of Stein’s statements have a negative connotation and can possibly offend millennials. He writes, “To put it more simply for them” (Stein 28). This statement may lead readers to conclude that Stein believes millennials are inferior and uninformed. The opinion that millennials are ignorant is a common issue they face with other generations. Appealing to readers’ emotions enables them to feel a connection with the article. Other readers may feel a connection to the article because they strongly agree with its opening side. The article states, “But I have studies! I

He lists various statistics to prove why this generation is narcissistic and lazy with data to support both claims. An example of one of his statistics is, “The incidence of narcissistic personality disorder is nearly three times as high for people in their 20s as for the generation that’s now 65…” (Stein 28). After giving examples of millennials’ downfalls, he begins to defend these same faults. Stein states, “For example, millennials’ perceived entitlement isn’t a result of overprotection but an adaptation to a world of abundance” (Stein 31). Furthermore, Stein effectively explains the opposing side with the statement, “So, yes, we have all that data about narcissism and laziness and entitlement. But a generation’s greatness isn’t determined by data; it’s determined by how they react to the challenges that befall them” (Stein 34). Stein makes the point that millennials are only different; they are neither lazy nor ignorant. Because he clearly elaborates on both sides of his argument, the reader is capable of drawing his or her own conclusion. Stein appears to be unbiased and informed on both perspectives which appeals to the