Whoopi Goldberg, a renowned EGOT-winning actress and co-host on The View, recently addressed the shifting perspectives of millennials towards work and homeownership during a Hot Topics discussion.
The 67-year-old entertainer expressed her opinions on the challenges millennials might face in achieving the traditional American Dream if they are not willing to put in the necessary hard work.
“I’m sorry, you know, listen, every generation comes and wants to do better than their parents did. But, I’m sorry, if you only want to work four hours, it’s going to be harder for you to get a house,” Goldberg remarked, emphasizing the correlation between work ethic and the ability to attain homeownership. Goldberg, known for her straightforward approach, spoke directly to the camera, addressing what she perceives as a trend among younger generations to prioritize shorter work hours.
In response to Goldberg’s comments, Alyssa Farah Griffin, aged 34, interjected, pointing out that Goldberg’s generation was responsible for the housing crisis. Goldberg countered this argument, asserting that every generation faces challenges and is often told that they will fare worse than their parents. Undeterred, she reminded the audience of the hard work her generation had to put in, driven by necessity and a lack of alternative options.
“You know what, people pick it up, and they do what they do and they raise themselves,” Goldberg asserted, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and personal responsibility. According to her, this is a fundamental aspect of being a good citizen – a perspective she believes the younger generation should adopt.
The exchange on The View draws parallels with a similar stance taken by Kim Kardashian in 2022 when addressing young women in the business sector. Kardashian faced criticism for her straightforward advice, saying, “I have the best advice for women in business: Get your f—ing a*s up and work. It seems like nobody wants to work these days.”
Both Goldberg and Kardashian advocate for a strong work ethic and a proactive approach to achieving success, suggesting that personal responsibility and effort are integral to overcoming challenges.
Goldberg’s commentary sheds light on the generational differences in perspectives on work, success, and homeownership. As economic conditions evolve, discussions about the American Dream and the pathways to achieving it continue to be a topic of debate, with voices from different generations offering diverse viewpoints on the matter.