MIDTERM REPORT: The Class of '65: Chronicles of an American Generation

A series of 28 lackluster monologues from the generic high-school class of '65, which, while attempting to point out the uniqueness of a generation, actually testifies to its many similarities to previously born groups of Americans. Many of the compelling and provocative issues that confronted this group and molded its character are discussed by two dozen plus graduates of the class of '65 who were lauded as outstanding spokespeople by their peers. What has become of the generation is far from surprising, though it seems to impress the author, who gives the class generally good overall grades. We find a group wracked by such ageless problems as high divorce rates and lack of meaningful dedication to values. Appropriately, there are heavy overtones of Vietnam evident throughout Midterm Report. Regrettably, the author seems to view this historical event as the only meaningful binding for his retrospective view. This being the case, many of the quasi-conclusions are obscured by the highly opionated commentary. While it is true that the class of '65 faced a newer, more contemporary set of challenges, Midterm Report addresses these issues in an oblique manner, forcing readers to derive their own conclusions only after wading through pages of highly peripheral testimony. If this is meant to be an accurate cross-section portrait of a generation, perhaps the wrong people were interviewed, or the wrong topics were discussed. Nevertheless, the readership is potentially large.