Gen Z

The Superhero Generation

Regina Luttrell and Karen McGrath - Foreword by Deirdre Breakenridge

Explores how Gen Z is a generation to be admired and celebrated for their superhero qualities.

From the authors of The Millennial Mindset: Unraveling Fact from Fiction, comes this thought-provoking in-depth consideration of the next generation. In their book, Gen Z: The Superhero Generation, Regina Luttrell and Karen McGrath explain who this generation is, how they came to be, and the impact they will have on society.

Superheroes are often defined as courageous, powerful, virtuous, and strong. Equipped with unique superpowers, these individuals stand up for what is right, battling supervillains to ensure that good prevails and all is well in the world.

With a worldwide fascination surrounding superheroes, it should come as no surprise that the next generation, GenZ, display many of the characteristics found within the pages of the most popular hero-centric comic books. The Superhero Generation is making its mark and gaining recognition as the generation that is willing to once again assemble, march, speak, and defy in ways previous generations have not. In this book learn the characteristics of Gen-Zers to understand how to reach them in positive productive ways. Parents, educators, and employers will learn how to tap into the endless potential of this generation, preparing them for home, school, and workplace environments that will play to their strengths and impact the world for years to come.

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 208 • Trim: 6 x 9

978-1-5381-2798-8 • Hardback • May 2021 • $38.00 • (£30.00)

978-1-5381-2799-5 • eBook • May 2021 • $36.00 • (£30.00)

Subjects: Psychology / Social Psychology, Psychology / Interpersonal Relations, Family & Relationships / Parenting / General, Social Science / Demography

Gen Z

The Superhero Generation

Hardback

eBook

Summary

Explores how Gen Z is a generation to be admired and celebrated for their superhero qualities.
From the authors of The Millennial Mindset: Unraveling Fact from Fiction, comes this thought-provoking in-depth consideration of the next generation. In their book, Gen Z: The Superhero Generation, Regina Luttrell and Karen McGrath explain who this generation is, how they came to be, and the impact they will have on society.
Superheroes are often defined as courageous, powerful, virtuous, and strong. Equipped with unique superpowers, these individuals stand up for what is right, battling supervillains to ensure that good prevails and all is well in the world.
With a worldwide fascination surrounding superheroes, it should come as no surprise that the next generation, GenZ, display many of the characteristics found within the pages of the most popular hero-centric comic books. The Superhero Generation is making its mark and gaining recognition as the generation that is willing to once again assemble, march, speak, and defy in ways previous generations have not. In this book learn the characteristics of Gen-Zers to understand how to reach them in positive productive ways. Parents, educators, and employers will learn how to tap into the endless potential of this generation, preparing them for home, school, and workplace environments that will play to their strengths and impact the world for years to come.

Details

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 208 • Trim: 6 x 9

978-1-5381-2798-8 • Hardback • May 2021 • $38.00 • (£30.00)

978-1-5381-2799-5 • eBook • May 2021 • $36.00 • (£30.00)

Subjects: Psychology / Social Psychology, Psychology / Interpersonal Relations, Family & Relationships / Parenting / General, Social Science / Demography

Author

Regina Luttrell, PhD, is the associate dean of research and creative activities and assistant professor of public relations at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University where she researches, publishes, and discusses public relations, social media for strategic communication, Gen Alpha, GenZ and the Millennial generation, as well as the intersection of social media within society. Luttrell’s research has been published in academic journals and book chapters. She is the author of the following books: Social Media: How to Engage, Share, and Connect, The Millennial Mindset: Unraveling Fact from Fiction, Brew Your Business: The Ultimate Craft Beer Playbook, Public Relations Campaigns: An Integrated Approach, The PR Agency Handbook, and A Practical Guide to Ethics in Public Relations. Most recently she edited and contributed to the book Trump Tweets: The World Reacts; Understanding What is Relevant and Why? and American Democracy: Influence, Activism, and Misinformation in the Social Era. Superpower: Advocating for the equality and rights of all women.
Karen McGrath is a professor, author, scholar, and superhero wannabe who pursues tasks with verve, “pows,” and “bams” without a cape. She has co-authored two books, The Millennial Mindset: Unraveling Fact from Fiction (2015) and Brew Your Business: The Ultimate Craft BeerPlaybook (2017); published analyses of marginalized groups in pop culture, including Archie Comics, Marvel Comics, and The Big Bang Theory; and, her latest publication, “Leveraging Esports in Higher Education” in Ryan Rogers’ (Ed.) Understanding Esports: An Introduction to the Global Phenomenon (2019) demonstrates her interest in keeping up with higher education and generational trends. She sees much potential in Generation Z and hopes they continue to don their own capes to make a difference in a currently chaotic world.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Foreword by Deirdre Breakenridge
Preface
Part 1 Characterizing GenZ: The Superhero Generation
Chapter 1: American Generations: Traditionalists, Boomers, Gen-X, and Millennials
“I know how hard it is when everything we know to be true changes. But sometimes all we can do is just accept the way things are, and make the best of that.” – Supergirl
Chapter 2: Generation Z: Superheroes Introduced!
“Heroes are made by the path they choose, not the powers they are graced with.” – Iron Man
Chapter 3: Generation Z: Superheroes Rise!
“If anyone found out what we truly are and what we possess, it could destroy the world. It is my duty to protect it.” – Black Panther
Part 2 Masked Crusaders: Generation Z in Action
Chapter 4: Double Identity: Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, Independence
“It's Not Who I Am Underneath, But What I Do, That Defines Me.” – Batman
Chapter 5: Fighting for a Cause: Understanding GenZ’s Purpose
“It takes real character to admit one’s failures – and not a little of wisdom to remember, this man’s world of yours will never be without pain and suffering until it learns love, and respect for human rights. Keep your hands extended to all in friendliness but never holding the gun of persecution and intolerance!” – Wonder Woman
Chapter 6: Know Your Superheroes: Teaching and Learning in a Gen-Z Environment
“The greatest power on Earth is the magnificent power we all of us possess … the power of the human brain!” – Professor X
Part 3 Perceptions of Generation Z: Superheroes Unmasked
Chapter 7: Perceptions of these Super Beings
“We are capable of so much more than we think we are. All we have to do is reach for it. All we have to be is fearless.” Captain Marvel
Part 4 Preparing Superheroes: The Future
Chapter 8: Supreme Guidance: Interacting with Gen-Z
“The fate of your planet rests not in the hands of gods. It rests in the hands of mortals.” – Thor
Chapter 9: Here They Come: The Alpha Generation
“Forget everything you think you know.” – Dr. Strange
Bibliography
Notes
Index
Author Bios

Reviews

Luttrell and McGrath have collaborated again in a scholarly, sound, highly readable study of Gen Z. The theme of superheroes is masterfully woven into their description of the perceived and potential qualities of Gen Z—a very relevant theme in this age of superhero movies. Luttrell and McGrath portray Gen Z as tech-savvy and tech-dependent, with “supernatural” abilities to stand up to “supervillains” who would tear down or destroy society. They are also described as strong, powerful, and ready, willing, and anxious to fight for just causes. Gen Z is juxtaposed with previous generations, dating back to the “traditionalists” of the ’50s and ’60s, creating a sound historical and cultural perspective. Additionally, Luttrell and McGrath offer guidelines and warnings for those who will parent, educate, or employ members of Gen Z, as well as specific advice for Zoomers themselves. This well-presented study is worth an examination in all educational settings; it belongs in all academic libraries and many school libraries.

— Library Journal

Luttrell and McGrath, who previously co-authored The Millennial Mindset (2015), now offer insight into Generation Z (or Gen Z). The book focuses on understanding Gen Z through the lens of common superhero tropes, such as double identities and fighting for just causes…[T]he book is useful in helping readers easily grasp and remember some of the salient features of Gen Z that could be useful for educators, marketers, or Gen-Zers seeking self-reflection. Recommended. General readers, undergraduates, and professionals.

— Choice Reviews

Regina Luttrell and Karen McGrath offer a fascinating overview of the events and history that have defined each generation from the Silent generation to Generation-Z. Their thoughtful explanation details the unique values and societal conditions that shaped us since World War I but also examine the connective tissues and similarities between certain generations as well. Key issues like the difficulty of finding the truth, the lack of civil discourse, and the influence of technology are thoughtfully addressed. Gen-Z, The Superhero Generation is the most insightful book I have read on this generation yet.

— Andrea Coville, CEO Brodeur Partners and author of “Relevance: the Power to Change Minds and Behavior and Stay Ahead of the Competition”

Every new generation comes of age with its own set of ideas about how to live and work. And older cohorts often look down on their youthful counterparts and treat them with impatience and disdain. Instead, they should listen, understand, and learn from them. That's the approach recommended by Regina Luttrell and Karen McGrath in this timely new book on Gen-Z, the 'Superhero' generation. Through research, observation, and in-depth analysis, the authors delve into the differences between the generations and how the culture and times of Gen-Z is shaping their values, motivations, and view of the world. Their explanation of why Gen-Z has superhero-like qualities is both creative and insightful. An essential read if you want to get a handle on who the future leaders will be and how they will use their 'superpowers' to achieve their goals.

— Martin Waxmen, MCM, president Martin Waxman Communications, LinkedIn Learning Instructor