The word within it is "era" - genERAtion.
Does a generation define an era?
Or does an era define a generation?
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Keitharsis is a blog on creativity, roots and the portfolio life. It is written for creative writers and artists. New essays are published each Tuesday and Thursday. Creative exercises and challenges are offered on Wednesdays.
I'm definitely thinking that a generation defines an era. It's not about when you're born, but who you are when you're alive
Posted by: Adrian W. | January 25, 2012 at 08:55 AM
Nice, Adrian! Appreciate you jumping in!
You could also argue that the time, place & culture (i.e. the era) in which we're born shape who we are and limit the resources & knowledge we have to use.
So the era in which a generation grows up shapes that generation, then that generation shapes (or co-creates) the next era.
Maybe the generation/era relationship is cyclical?
Posted by: Keith Jennings | January 25, 2012 at 10:06 AM
I like both your answers. I read this post earlier today and came to the conclusion that it's both. I like the cyclical idea.
Posted by: Eileen | January 25, 2012 at 10:34 AM
Honestly, I think it's a bit of both. A generation definitely has the power to impact and change an era, but an era has the same power to impact and change a generation. People are born into the thoughts, culture and prevailing beliefs behind an era. I mean, I doubt a generation wil have the ability to bring back renaissance dress and travel by horses, no matter how hard they try. Who I am today is affected by the era I live in.
Posted by: Jason Vana | January 25, 2012 at 01:04 PM
Great hearing from you, Eileen!
Posted by: Keith Jennings | January 25, 2012 at 02:46 PM
Jason,
Well Renaissance festivals have given the Renaissance a sort of renaissance. Okay, I couldn't help myself!
I completely agree that it's both. My goal with nearly every post on Keitharsis is to reveal things that exist in tension. Because that tension is where creativity is ignited.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I always enjoy reading your comments!
Posted by: Keith Jennings | January 25, 2012 at 02:51 PM
I believe how a generation reacts to the era causes the definition.
Posted by: Larry Carter | January 25, 2012 at 07:38 PM
Nice Larry! I enjoy your comments!
Posted by: Keith Jennings | January 25, 2012 at 07:51 PM
I was pondering this one while I was shaping my meatballs for dinner. I watched each ball kerplunk into the pot and wondered what is it was about generations and eras that was floating in my mind like those meatballs bobbing in the pot. Here's what I came up with: Today, in our fast paced world, a generation may witness as much change as an era did years ago. Era is defined as a long period in history with distinct characteristics i.e. The Gilded Age. Generation is defined as a period of about 30 years and all people basically of the same age living about the same time are part of a single generation. Between ipods and ipads and other positive technology and the fight against terror and negative technology each generation witnesses tremendous change at least as much as the eras of yesteryear.
Posted by: Nissi | January 25, 2012 at 07:58 PM
Thank you for your comment, Nissi! That's a very interesting idea you're proposing.
I wonder if there are eras and Eras and generations and a Generation. Macro and micro movements at work.
Posted by: Keith Jennings | January 25, 2012 at 11:27 PM
Keith, that's surely a thought. Language is confusing enough though without eras and Eras! You may be on to something though.
Posted by: Nissi | January 26, 2012 at 09:34 AM
Nice! thanks for sharing this post. I really love it. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Thomp Bill | February 02, 2012 at 05:52 AM