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

might take the view of entitlement personally and could potentially be offended by it.

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

have statistics!” (Stein 28). People who support the idea of millennials as narcissistic and lazy are encouraged to read the rest of the article by the facts Stein claims he will present. Readers in generations other than the millennial generation may want to read an article in which their beliefs are proven to be correct. Because Stein takes such a strong stance in one direction, readers likely do not become tired while reading his article. Stein effectively uses pathos as a literary device, and he encourages readers to read the entire composition to see both perspectives.
Stein begins his article with a negative outlook on millennials, but he changes his perspective halfway through the article to an explanation of millennials traits and how the traits can be viewed positively.

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

reader.
Overall Stein’s argument is effective due to his use of pathos and a clear explanation of both sides of the millennial debate. Initially Stein appeals to the reader’s emotions which will encourage him or her to feel a connection to the article and finish reading Stein’s entire work. This article effectively explains the different perspectives of millennials and other generations, and it is useful to read in order to see the each side’s views.