If you are between the ages of 14 and 31 then you have the privilege of being a part of the most anticipated generation to date: Generation Y, also known as Echo-Boomers, or more affectionately, “Millennials”.
There has been much focus on your generation recently, particularly in context with the upcoming presidential election. The media especially has been discussing the growing interest in politics among your generation. (FINALLY! America is beginning to realize that YOU matter!)
As a result my generation (Generation X) is frequently bypassed, being a much smaller percentage of the voting population. We serve as a mere appetizer to your main course (no worries, I’m not a hater).
However, another generation continues to steal the spotlight: Baby Boomers.
Fact is, Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) are currently running the national show and are expected to have the biggest impact in the election. This generation lived through the revolutionary 60s, declared war on their parents’ ideals, fought for civil rights, and introduced rock’n’roll. Their collective voice has been heard for decades due to their sheer numbers (estimated in 2005 to be roughly 27% of the nation’s population at 78.2 million. Millennials hold second place at approximately 70 million-strong, hence the alias “Echo-Boomers”).
The Boomers’ prominence in society makes it clear they are not ready to give up the throne. It’s not just that they rule in numbers; they can be extremely opinionated and sometimes…well, just downright righteous. And because of their status YOUR generation often does not get enough credit.
Millennials have been given a REALLY bad rap. Your generation has been described as self-centered (it’s all about you), self-obsessed (you know you’re going to be famous one day), spoiled (you want what you want when you want it), having bad role models (LiLo and Spears, anyone?) and doomed to a lifetime of bad vocabulary thanks to text message culture (OMG! YGTBKM. RU FRL??? Wat BS. Oops, wait, PSOS).
There is much speculation among older generations about how you will affect this nation’s future and not all of it is optimistic. A 2007 Newsweek article entitled Narcissists in Neverland claims Millenials have “more relaxed priorities” and “[aren’t] capable of making adult decisions”. Sociologist Jean Twenge , author of Generation Me, goes so far as to state “people of this generation are more likely to be inconsiderate of other people”. And a recent Career Examiner article suggests that because Gen Y was “the center of [their] parent’s universe” they will expect the same treatment in the workplace only to be sorely disappointed. The nerve.
You may wonder why these negative opinions have been formed. Or you may agree with them. Whatever the stance, your parents, grandparents, bosses, teachers, media, politicians and so forth are all watching you very, very closely.
Because the truth is you DO matter. Not only are you the future of this nation, you are, in my opinion anyway, the future of the world. Personally, I have great faith that you will eventually pull yourself away from your Wii, look around and say, ‘I don’t like where things are headed.’
You’ll proceed to fight global warming; save the environment; redefine patriotism; promote globalism; and change the landscape of corporate America with a new “creative culture”. After all, you’re smart enough to realize our natural resources are key to survival; gas-guzzling Hummers with American flag decals are NOT patriotic; America is already “globalised” whether we choose to see it or not; and who the heck wants to sit in a cube all day typing keys like a trained chimp???
While Boomers are still clinging to their view of America as a world power that should be reckoned with, you instinctively realize that we are becomingly increasingly unpopular in the global arena; much like that know-it-all classmate who constantly shows off how superior he/she is. He/she has no friends for a reason.
So a few humble suggestions for you, my brave, valiant Millennials:
-Learn from previous generations’ mistakes and don’t fear the unknown.
-America is more diverse now than ever before. Don’t erect “walls” as our parents did; instead, try to bridge connections with one another regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
-Don’t trust everything you hear – question, question, question.
-Start saving your cash now; trust me you’re SO going to need it later.
-Continue challenging the status quo and breaking rules – we Gen Xers really get a kick out of watching you do this.
-and, of course, rock the vote in November.
Because this MTV-generation slacker knows you CAN make a difference! No pressure though...
Well said!
Gen Y, I must say, does seem to be more lazy, arrogant, and ignorant. But those ways of life wont last long. Watch for me on your television in the next 5-10 years ; )
My generation is all of those things that you say we are assumed to be. Most of us anyways (I'm not including myself in that). But I do think we will wake up and look around us at the slow destruction of planet Earth economically and environmentally. The two go hand in hand. Every generation has had this aha! moment. Ours is just taking longer, and there is more focus on us than previous generations because media hype these days is... hyped.
I just don't see it... maybe it's because I'm so involved politically. I've never noticed a lack of interest before.
Thanks for the recognition that we young'uns are the future. It saddens me to think that by the time I'll be done school and in the working world that some of my heros will have retired and I will no longer have the opportunity to work with them. But I am always heartened by the fact that I may one day be able to surpass them through hard work, diligence, etc.
Call me the curmudgeon, but I have no faith in my generation. I sure hope I'm wrong.
LOl. That was quite a post!
My post was based on those young people I see around me who actually give me faith in your generation. But I am no stranger to follies and flaws of Gen-Y. As for the excess in drinking and sex, it seems every single generation has gone through it.
Take heart. You are obviously an intelligent, mature, and sensitive soul. Perhaps witnessing the gross excesses of your generation has solidified your convictions, made them stronger. It has actually shaped your perspective and will likely push you to become the opposite of what you see around you. Others will see this and follow suit. Not all, but some. It is catharsis in effect (since you are familiar with Greek philosophy). Actually, a better word would be "backlash". This is why I DO have faith in your generation.
It is important that you continue to challenge your generation - but perhaps not in such a judgmental way. I try to keep myself open and approachable when I discuss views with people who think differently. Only because it is easier to influence them when I do so. It is easier to gently lead people to make rational choices (either by example, or by encouraging them to find a different way), rather than put them down and tell them they are doing wrong.
"If you would persuade, you must appeal to interest, rather than intellect." - Benjamin Franklin
You are great. Now go out there and fix the world, because I'm not getting any younger!
What a shame! My generation better wake up soon.
Ya, my generation has some major waking up to do. But I have bright ideas and big plans just like the next person. Ever since I was a little girl I've wanted to do one thing, essentially save the world. I am even more inspired to do so by the baby-boomer's. What you said is the same thing my high school sociology teacher told me and my best friend, he was a generation--Xer like yourself. I think that Generation-Y and the Baby-boomers do have a lot in common though and whether they like it or not we will change the world; for the best I hope.
Unfortunately, I have to agree with the first half of your blog in respect to my generation. I constantly have to ask my friends what they are saying while IMing. Your blog is very reminiscent for me of the day my AP Gov teacher asked the class to look around at their peers and think about who they would want in control. Needless to say, no one wanted anyone else in power. I admit, my classmates terrify me. The thought that they are the future is purely frightening.
Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see.
I am so glad to see that not everyone frowns down on us entirely. I admit, this genertion does turn me off a bit, but every generation has those "bad seeds". I look around my classmates and recognize that there are a few who can (and will) change the world, and a few who will just sit at home playing Xbox live for the rest of their lives. It is hard to walk up to people from another generation and be immediately judged just for the actions of other people. Thank you for writing about this topic, it shows that some people do have faith in us "young'uns". :)
I too have faith in Generation Y. As a milennial myself, I know how strong, mature and capable I am. I also see others like myself around me. Not everyone in Gen. Y is out having sex, getting drunk/stoned and being irresponsible. There are a lot of leaders and innovators in this generation. People who I believe will change the world in a way yet to be seen. And hopefully, this will start with the election. Lastly, Gen. Y isn't the future; we are the present. But that's just my vanity perhaps, lol.
A disciplined mind brings happiness.-Buddha
I appreciate hearing you say this. I love hearing that someone has faith in us.
I actually agree that we're rather self-absorbed and dependent on our parents; my favorite fun fact is that companies (actual after-college companies) have a Parents Day for new employees. I believe it's because our parents / grandparents grew up challenging authority on issues like minority rights and the Vietnam War, so now they step in and not only solve our problems but also encourage us to challenge authority too. There's a statistic today that says what parents want most for their children is not money or love but HAPPINESS. So they solve all of our problems for us and never let us learn how to take care of ourselves because we're happier when someone else is cleaning up after our messes. I notice it in school a lot: students disrespect adults, they depend on their parents to wake them up in the morning (at age 18!), they have their own cars. We have life easy because our parents want it and know how to make it that way.
I'm glad, though, that you believe in our ability to stand on our own feet. I just hope we can live up to your expectations.
It's great to finally see someone saying "Hey, maybe those Millenials aren't going to always be useless." It gets really annoying to be in the age bracket and be considered a slacker just because people think the rest of your generation slacks off. Just because I enjoy video games doesn't mean I'm incapable of pulling myself away from them to do more important things!
I do have to say, though, most stereotypes exist because they are true, at least in part. Most of the people just a tad younger than me disgust me with the way they think they'll just somehow be able to get a job and somehow just be able to make money even if they don't try to work on getting skills that will make them valuable employees in the future.
Wow. I feel encouraged and believed in now.
And the number of those in Gen Y that are lazy, arrogant, and ignorant are matched if not surpassed by the number of us that aren't. Of that, I'm fairly certain.
And that's comin' at ya' from yer local redneck hippie.
--
Ooh, ooh, pick me, pick me!!!
I thankyou for your wise remarks. I am extactic to know that not everyone looks down upon us. I do see where some people are coming from though when they say that my generation is self centered. Most of the students in my highschool are only worried about their social life and who has the newest phone or ipod. Thankfully there are some like myself who want to go on to college and have a good career or in my case, to prove everyone else wrong. You've motivated to do even better than before and i bow down to you for that. _o.o_ .
Love to you and all who have commented here. I guess by definition i am a generation X-er? I'm not sure. I'm 30. I have a 2 year old daughter. Having a child is the one thing that has brought me in touch with the whole generation vs. generation belief system. Before my daughter was born I was all about individual rights.
i don't know what else to say. My life is no longer about me. When I look into her eyes I see her children. When I look around me I feel the desperation of my parents.
"Consistency is not a human trait" - Maude, from Harold and Maude
If you are between the ages of 14 and 31 then you have the privilege of being a part of the most anticipated generation to date: Generation Y, also known as Echo-Boomers, or more affectionately, “Millennials”.
There has been much focus on your generation recently, particularly in context with the upcoming presidential election. The media especially has been discussing the growing interest in politics among your generation. (FINALLY! America is beginning to realize that YOU matter!)
As a result my generation (Generation X) is frequently bypassed, being a much smaller percentage of the voting population. We serve as a mere appetizer to your main course (no worries, I’m not a hater).
However, another generation continues to steal the spotlight: Baby Boomers.
Fact is, Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) are currently running the national show and are expected to have the biggest impact in the election. This generation lived through the revolutionary 60s, declared war on their parents’ ideals, fought for civil rights, and introduced rock’n’roll. Their collective voice has been heard for decades due to their sheer numbers (estimated in 2005 to be roughly 27% of the nation’s population at 78.2 million. Millennials hold second place at approximately 70 million-strong, hence the alias “Echo-Boomers”).
The Boomers’ prominence in society makes it clear they are not ready to give up the throne. It’s not just that they rule in numbers; they can be extremely opinionated and sometimes…well, just downright righteous. And because of their status YOUR generation often does not get enough credit.
Millennials have been given a REALLY bad rap. Your generation has been described as self-centered (it’s all about you), self-obsessed (you know you’re going to be famous one day), spoiled (you want what you want when you want it), having bad role models (LiLo and Spears, anyone?) and doomed to a lifetime of bad vocabulary thanks to text message culture (OMG! YGTBKM. RU FRL??? Wat BS. Oops, wait, PSOS).
There is much speculation among older generations about how you will affect this nation’s future and not all of it is optimistic. A 2007 Newsweek article entitled Narcissists in Neverland claims Millenials have “more relaxed priorities” and “[aren’t] capable of making adult decisions”. Sociologist Jean Twenge , author of Generation Me, goes so far as to state “people of this generation are more likely to be inconsiderate of other people”. And a recent Career Examiner article suggests that because Gen Y was “the center of [their] parent’s universe” they will expect the same treatment in the workplace only to be sorely disappointed. The nerve.
You may wonder why these negative opinions have been formed. Or you may agree with them. Whatever the stance, your parents, grandparents, bosses, teachers, media, politicians and so forth are all watching you very, very closely.
Because the truth is you DO matter. Not only are you the future of this nation, you are, in my opinion anyway, the future of the world. Personally, I have great faith that you will eventually pull yourself away from your Wii, look around and say, ‘I don’t like where things are headed.’
You’ll proceed to fight global warming; save the environment; redefine patriotism; promote globalism; and change the landscape of corporate America with a new “creative culture”. After all, you’re smart enough to realize our natural resources are key to survival; gas-guzzling Hummers with American flag decals are NOT patriotic; America is already “globalised” whether we choose to see it or not; and who the heck wants to sit in a cube all day typing keys like a trained chimp???
While Boomers are still clinging to their view of America as a world power that should be reckoned with, you instinctively realize that we are becomingly increasingly unpopular in the global arena; much like that know-it-all classmate who constantly shows off how superior he/she is. He/she has no friends for a reason.
So a few humble suggestions for you, my brave, valiant Millennials:
-Learn from previous generations’ mistakes and don’t fear the unknown.
-America is more diverse now than ever before. Don’t erect “walls” as our parents did; instead, try to bridge connections with one another regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
-Don’t trust everything you hear – question, question, question.
-Start saving your cash now; trust me you’re SO going to need it later.
-Continue challenging the status quo and breaking rules – we Gen Xers really get a kick out of watching you do this.
-and, of course, rock the vote in November.
Because this MTV-generation slacker knows you CAN make a difference! No pressure though...
Miracles ~ n~ Blessings
I like your "walls" comment about not erecting walls. Yes, we tend to do that. We claim not to be racist. Yet, I look around ym cafeteria every day and there seems to be some kind of color coding going on. Branch out, kids! Don't be afraid to hand out with the ones that are different from you!
I echo your message to my generation: Get your head out of the phone! Put the cell phone away, stop texting, and look at the world around you. It's getting more and more Orwellian every day, and if you don't know what that means, you're just helping further the uneducated stereotype we're carrying around. Thanks. But please, let's do something about the way this world is headed. All it takes is a little faith, trust, and (pixie dust) I mean action. Get involved! Your cell phone is not your world, I promise!
I have a little faith in my generation...i just hope that they can pull their heads out of their cell phones and ipods and actually realize what is going on and make a move to change it..
some of us are smart and do care. don't doubt that.
I don't think our generation is any more messed up than anyone elses'. We've each got our sets of problem people and shining stars, but Generation Y is getting hit the hardest now because we're "up to bat", as it were. Pointing out all our flaws is going to get us nowhere, and this is how is always goes.
Disaster strikes, but instead of moving forward, we look for who to blame. Right now in the economy, I've seen a lot being done, but then...then the news gets swallowed up by the debates on whos to blame for this.
We're setting ourselves up for the same kind of childish attitude of pointing fingers, and that's getting us NOWHERE. Generation Y -- we need to hit a homer on this round, because bases are loaded and we've got two outs. Batter up!
Well, they do say that generation Y is the most intelligent of all those preceding them. But alas, our intelligence will prove to be our hubris.
-OxonGlass11
I hope to break the stereotype that is placed on Echo Boomers. I enjoyed the style of your writing. I will take your advice to heart.
Here's something refreshing, my head isn't in my cell phone. I do however, enjoy my music. But music definitely shapes the world. And I don't listen to the pathetic noises classified as music these days. I prefer doo wop, oldies, motown, classic rock, jazz, big band and more. Music has the potential to progress the world.
I do believe in making new friends. I am part of a group at school that works to wipe out prejudices. We were trained by the Anti Defamation League and we use our training to run workshops in our district. The workshops promote tolerance, respect and diversity.
I definitely don't trust everything I hear. I am a very skeptical person.
And I don't spend that much money.
I hope you believe that I am not your typical Echo Boomer. But if you want to learn more about me...question, question, question!