If you're like me then you have heard things from older generations like: "you spend too much time on your cell phone," "your generation doesn't know how to interact with each other," "you're never going to get a job with tattoos," "social media is pointless" and much more. In fact, I feel as if Generation Y is being slapped with an impending doom stamp by people such as my parents' generation and the ones before them. However, in a time completely different it is unfair to compare what is normal and accepted today with trends and norms of the past. As society changes everyone must learn to adapt no matter their age, beliefs, morals and everything else in between. Thus begins my rant on why we should embrace the way our generation lives.
To begin, I want to get a particular thing off my chest that my parents have been bugging me about for awhile. I currently have two tattoos and am always thinking about adding to my ink collection. Whenever tattoos are brought up in discussion among family members it never ends well. I am sure I am not the only 20 something who is shamed by older family members and friends. I hear that tattoos are trashy, unprofessional and other negative comments. I realize that everyone has their own opinions but tattoos are not viewed the same as they used to be. I will be the first to proclaim that tattoos are not pointless, dumb or a waste of money. To me, they are art and a way to express yourself. If someone is getting something permanently placed on their body then there must be a reason behind it. Mine means a whole lot to me and represents the person I have been, currently am and will be for future decades. They serve as reminders and proclamations. Be proud of the ink on your skin and don't worry about them stunting your future employment endeavors. You would be surprised just how many professionals, business people, and public employees have ink artwork.
Another thing that bothers me so much is how much I am told my life revolves around my cell phone. In a society currently dominated by technology, I do not believe I am in the wrong for spending certain amounts of time checking my email, sending texts or viewing friends' Snapchat stories. Yes, it can be argued that the smartphone is slowly killing face to face interactions. However, like everything, generalities do not apply to everyone. I do not view Generation Y as incapable of human interaction. In all honesty, we spend so much time with technology in order to maximize our happiness and carry on our lives. We want to broadcast our accomplishments, view what our friends are doing, network with coworkers and acquaintances, pass boredom with TV series binges, connect with long distance relatives and even find romance. I do not find anything wrong with a generation dominated by selfie posts, shared articles or humorous tweets. We are simply learning how to love ourselves, teach others and get the best out of life. So stop letting people criticize our generation and start showing them the bright future coupled with technology.
As I get older, I tend to go out to bars, restaurants, clubs and other social locations increasingly. Sometimes I withhold alcohol so my friends have a ride home, other times I have a drink or two and on occasion, I get a little too messed up. At the end of the day, our generation likes to go out and have a good time. However, according to generations before us, we are immediately deemed party animals or alcoholics. The fact is a lot of people of age or over consume alcohol. So why are we being looked down upon? I can honestly say it is because of social media and how easy news travels these days. It is relatively impossible for myself to go out and not at least post one picture or video of what I am doing or where I am at. For most of you, this is not different for you. It is just the way our generation has adapted and the time we live in. I am sick of being shamed for enjoying a beer or staying out late at night catching up with friends. I understand I still live under my parents' roof, but they need to stop judging me for what I do. I'm no different from others of my generation.
Lastly, our generation is looked down upon because we are claimed to be selfish. Since when has it become a bad thing to prioritize yourself? The world has become a scary but interesting place. Times are much different from our parents and grandparents. You have to be much more aware nowadays. We tend to go about our lives with a little bit of a guard up. We watch out for ourselves and go after what we want. Sure we may hurt others in the process but we are indeed humans. In order to be happy in life, you won't be able to please everyone. At the end of the day all you have is yourself. So when someone calls you selfish turn the other way. Look after yourself. Love yourself. Be selfish. Stop worrying because everything will fall into place.
To all my fellow Ys, don't let anyone else define our generation.
