Because from the time we are kids, we're sold the idea of the "American dream," but that has become completely unattainable for many young Americans today. The days when you could afford college, and you were all but guaranteed a stable job upon graduation, are long gone. Minimum wage jobs now require college degrees from schools that will set you back $50k in student debt.
Your life from that point is comprised of playing the debt game while working menial and low-paying jobs just to pay off the interest. We were left with a huge pile of sh*t from the generation before us, and all we were told was "well then you should work harder."
The baby boomer thread was spot on, and Agip I usually like you posts, but your sanctimonious attitude about this topic can kiss my ass.