| Generation Zero | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Stephen K. Bannon |
| Produced by | David Bossie |
| Written by | Stephen K. Bannon |
| Music by | Michael Josephs |
| Editing by | Matthew A. Taylor |
| Studio | Citizens United |
| Country | USA |
Generation Zero: The Truth About the Financial Meltdown is a documentary film written and directed by Stephen K. Bannon and produced by David Bossie for Citizens United.
Contents |
The film examines the causes of the economic collapse of September 18, 2008. The film surmises that the Greatest Generation, in their effort to prevent their children from having to suffer the horrors of The Great Depression and World War II overly nurtured and protected them, unwittingly instilling in them an outlook of selfishness and irresponsibility. The Greatest Generation also put into place many institutional protections against the kind of financial recklessness that led to the Great Depression. After they all retired and died, the documentary alleges these protections and rules were gradually removed or ignored, and the financial crisis of 2008 happened as a result of the next generation's selfishness and irresponsibility. It suggests the generation that grew up as the hippies of the 1960s eventually came to power and promoted their outlook upon the financial markets, taking reckless risks -- because having enjoyed prosperity all their lives, they believed there could be no downside to their decisions.
The documentary is at least partially based on Generational Dynamics theory and the ideas developed in the book The Fourth Turning by Strauss and Howe. According to this theory, America is currently in an Unraveling period which will lead to a major Crisis period.
The film made its debut at the Tea Party Convention and was shown shortly after at the 2010 Conservative Political Action Conference. The film premiered in March 2010 in Washington, DC with additional screenings in New York and Los Angeles.
The documentary interviews many prominent and influential economic and political commentators, including Michael Barone, Bruce Bartlett, John Bolton, Charles Krauthammer, Newt Gingrich, Heather Mac Donald, David Frum, Dick Morris and Barry Ritholtz.