If there is anything that Generation Xers love to do, it’s complain about millennials. Even the word millennial drips from their lips like the worst of insults. How do you know you’re a millennial? The easy answer is that you were born during the early 1980s up to the early 2000s.
However, you can also identify if you’re a millennial if your generation has been criticized for being self-centered, entitled, narcissistic, lazy, delusional, and generally detached. Generations of the past demonize millennials for every alleged shortfall we possess. In their disapproving eyes, we have become so obsessed with our delusions of grandeur that we have forgotten reality entirely.
I am one of these apparently ill-fated, miserable millennials. In fact, I’m damn proud of it. While every generation has its flaws, millennials are always under attack. Therefore, I have compiled a list of positive qualities I've noticed that millennials possess, despite the incessant anti-millennial rhetoric.
We Don’t Need the American Dream...
The American Dream has always been an ideal embedded in our culture. However, the days of financial security, traditional families, and white picket fences have faded away along with pensions and affordable college tuition. Millennials have accepted that economic stability is largely a thing of the past, and that we will spend our lives working odd jobs and forfeiting what is conventional in order to pave our own way.
...But We’re Still Dreamers
Even though we have lost sight of the American Dream, millennials are still starry-eyed dreamers. We dream of finding not a draining 9-to-5 job, but a challenging and fulfilling career. We dream of travelling and changing the world, and will never be content to resign ourselves to mediocrity. If we don’t have our dreams, then we don't have anything. Constantly wanting to pursue our next dream allows millennials to have inexhaustible sources of inspiration and motivation.
We’re Good with Technology
Most millennials have been raised in the era of the Internet. Our lives have been shaped by the infusion of technology and social media into everyday life. While technology presents its own set of issues, it is a permanent part of innovation. Millennials’ comfort with technology means that we will always be able to adapt and evolve with ease to whatever the tech world throws our way next. Technology is our ally, not something we have to grapple to get along with, which is major positive in life and the workforce.
We’re “Narcissistic”
Millennials have frequently been dubbed “narcissistic” by their generational elders. I would like to challenge this by stating that millennials are not narcissistic, but have a different definition of self respect and self appreciation. There is nothing inherently wrong with focusing on what your needs and goals are. Millennials are not raging narcissists, but instead are young people who like to be acknowledged for their talents and individuality.
We’re Accepting
Despite the fact that millennials have been described as self-centered, we are one of the most socially conscious generations to date. United, we work to improve civil rights, and usher in those of different races, creeds, religions, and sexual orientations. We work to break down the barriers that stand in the way of equality for all. Additionally, due to adults graciously informing us of our shortcomings and the prevalence of the Internet, millennials have come to respect the diverse opinions of others.
We’re Optimistic About the Future
Despite an underwhelming economy, a lack of job security, an increase in international conflict, a crumbling environment, and hordes of people telling us we’re lazy and entitled, millennials are hopeful about the future. Instead of accepting the world for the bleak garbage fire that it is, we believe that our generation can hold the keys to ending the world’s problems. We fight for what we believe in, even when all seems lost.
