You’ve heard the stories: “Millennials have zero work ethic.” “Millennials rely too heavily on their parents.” “Millennials are ruining (insert literally anything here).”
In a time where blame is so easily thrown around, it seems as though us millennials are getting a lot of it. From trivial things like avocados to more important things the housing market, we are constantly told that we are wrong. And I do understand that there are things we have not had to go through as children.
We never had to know the fear of the Cuban Missile Crisis or the tragedy of the Challenger disaster. As a generation, we have had it easy, but that doesn’t inherently mean we are lazy or have no motivation. Yes, we make mistakes, but here’s the secret: every generation makes mistakes! So, then, why have we been under the spotlight so much more than others?
My immediate response is that older generations don’t understand. For the Baby Boomers and Gen X, the influence of new technology and ways of life have felt foreign. In our generation, though, technology is not only helpful but often times necessary. Social media is more than just a way to find instant gratification. iOS and Windows are not evil; they are exciting and new.
And, through all of this confusion, we have come to the conclusion that older generations simply don’t understand the struggles that we go through. While it may be true in theory, this is an unproductive way of thinking.
The problem is not that millennials are misunderstood. I would dare to say that every generation is misunderstood in some way. With the introduction of any kind of new idea, technology, or lifestyle comes the fear of change, which has manifested lately in judgment and blame. Our elders judge us, and we will judge the next generation; it is somewhat inevitable. Instead, the biggest problem is that the term “millennial” has become a sort of insult.
“Ugh, you’re such a millennial” has been thrown around more than I can say. The connotations of the term have shifted from simply a denotation of one’s birth year to a definition of one’s character, a character that we should be ashamed of, and lately, we have even begun to turn on ourselves. So, instead of adding to the negativity, I am here to change it. I am proud to be a millennial.
This is a generation of inclusiveness. It is a generation of optimism and change. Through trial and tribulation, we have continued to persevere and promote love over anger and hate.
We have taken rights movements to a new level and spearheaded the development of mental health awareness and self-care.
We strive to cultivate a community based on mutual respect and acceptance. This generation means so much more to me than just an indication of age. This generation means opportunism, even though we know how hard it will be to start a career or buy a house. It means creativity and art. It means acceptance.
It is for these reasons, and many more, that I am proud to be a millennial.