“In fact, not one teenager surveyed agrees with the statement that ‘society is fair and everyone has an equal chance.’ Instead, they believe that it’s the colour of their skin, their sex, their parents’ economic status and their social standing that will determine their future.” -Noreena Hertz, Think millennials have it tough? For 'Generation K', life is even harsher.
I think this point made in the article is very interesting because although it mentions it to support the fact that generation X is different from the other generations, I don’t think the older generations ever agreed to this statement either. My father always says this line that “life isn’t fair,” but he follows with a lesson how I have to fight for myself and for what I want and make it into what I deserve. I think this also plays a role in what literature sells. For example, as generation X there are many ideas and theories we have about inequality and fairness in society, but only a small amount of us will try to expose it further, subsequently acquiring some wealth on the way. (Just like Jordan Belfort). Most of us in generation X are aware of the problems in our society, but rather than solely exposing it, a lot of us live off of it and twist it to our advantage. If I were a writer who wanted to make a quick buck, it would be very easy for me to pick a topic because that a large population would be interested in. Back in the day writing was focused more on the writer but now its focused more on the reader. The author of the article makes this point by mentioning generation X in the first place. I thinks its also a bit or a paradox or irony that we are interested in literature that exposes a capitalist/ darwinist culture, yet through our consumption of that literature, we end up supporting the capitalist side. The article also mentions how we are aware of problems but do not take action. So those that action, live off of the inequality they see to better themselves. Again a cynical thought, but why really write?