The Greater Generation

Leonard Steinhorn presents a reexamination of the Baby Boomer generation, challenging the common narrative that they represent American decline. His book documents the social, cultural and political transformations driven by those born between 1946-1964. Through research and historical analysis, Steinhorn traces how Boomers reshaped American attitudes about civil rights, women's equality, environmentalism, and personal freedom. The text draws connections between Boomer-led movements and lasting changes in law, culture, and institutions. The book details specific campaigns, protests, and cultural shifts while highlighting key figures and watershed moments that defined the generation's impact. Steinhorn examines both the successes and incomplete objectives of Boomer-initiated reforms. At its core, this work makes the case that the Baby Boom generation's legacy includes expanding American democracy and creating a more inclusive society. The book invites readers to reconsider conventional wisdom about generational influence and social progress.

Readers appreciate Steinhorn's focused defense of Baby Boomers and his arguments challenging the "Greatest Generation" narrative. Many reviews cite the book's documentation of Boomer contributions to civil rights, environmentalism, and social progress. Readers note issues with repetitive writing and what some call "excessive" praise of Boomers. Multiple Amazon reviewers point out that Steinhorn minimizes the accomplishments of previous generations. One reader states, "He swings too far in the opposite direction by diminishing the WWII generation." Common criticism centers on perceived bias and cherry-picked examples. A Goodreads review states: "Makes valid points but reads like extended Boomer apologetics." Ratings: Amazon: 3.9/5 (37 reviews) Goodreads: 3.3/5 (28 ratings) Most reviews fall into two camps: Those who see it as a needed corrective to anti-Boomer sentiment, and those who view it as over-compensating generational advocacy.

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🔹 The author challenges Tom Brokaw's popular characterization of the WWII generation as "The Greatest Generation," arguing instead that the Baby Boomers made more significant social progress through civil rights, feminism, and environmentalism. 🔹 Leonard Steinhorn served as a political strategist and is a professor of communication at American University, where he teaches courses on politics, media, and modern American history. 🔹 The book documents how Baby Boomers transformed America's corporate culture from a rigid hierarchy to a more casual, creative, and collaborative environment that dominates today's workplaces. 🔹 Despite criticism of Boomers as self-centered, the book shows they pioneered movements like Earth Day, consumer protection, and disability rights that benefit all generations. 🔹 Many changes the book credits to Boomers were actually initiated by the Silent Generation (born 1925-1945), including early civil rights activists and feminist leaders like Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan.