A different 'China Dream' for post-1980s generation (2)

The book reflects the younger generation's worries about the future, as they are uncertain of how things will turn out here. Although they tend to live more affluently and are more exposed to globalization than their parents, many young Chinese are anxious, unhappy and angry with the hand life has dealt them.

Guo, born in 1983, is one of China's richest writers.

Han Han, one of China's most famous writers and bloggers, said many young Chinese are frustrated with the reality of their situation.

"A friend of mine earns 2,000 yuan a month. He needs to work for 25 years without eating and drinking in order to afford a simple house for his family," Han Han wrote.

"This is why a number of workers at Foxconn jumped from the company's building and killed themselves. Working like a machine, having a hopeless future and low salary...plus skyrocketing prices. All you can do is care for your stomach and body without doing anything else."

"When I was 18 years old, I was convinced by my high school teacher to take an exam and enter Peking University. But now I want to flee away from Beijing, as it is boring, crowded and badly polluted. However, I find there is no way to run," Chen said.

Although Han Han and Chen may sound pessimistic, their concerns are very real and shared by many.

The economic fruits enjoyed by the country's elite are still on a branch too high for many young Chinese to reach -- it is this, among other problems, that will slow China's future development.

Although many other great difficulties loom ahead for China, the malaise that is now so prevalent among younger generations is just as pressing.

Members of the post-1980s generation are becoming leading players in all walks of life in China. In the next 20 years, they will be a pillar of society and China's top leaders will likely be among them.

It is not yet known how they will handle and govern the country. But the anxiety and frustration they face now will have to be sincerely discussed and solved before then.

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