I am a millennial. Sure. Call me that if you please because I guess that’s what I am. I’m not walking around talking about those "darn generation-x’s” but oh well, do as you please. I have no problem with the title. What I do have a problem with, is the attitude, prejudice, and shaming that unrightfully comes along with it.

Now, could this generation be better as a whole? Yes. Are every single one of us really living up to our full potential? Maybe not. More of us could say “No sir, and yes ma’am,” more of us could hold open doors, and yes, more of us could learn to show more respect. To sum it up, this generation is far from perfect. I myself, am far from perfect. That being said, no one person, or any one generation, has been perfect. And look at the amazing things that have come from those other people and past generations.

For example, this particular group gets critiqued for the amount of time spent on electronics and the attitudes we have towards others. But maybe it’s not that we’re technology “obsessed,” but rather, proficient with the tools running every company on the planet. When a young adult is on their phone, they are considered “addicted to the iPhone,” but if you see an older adult on their's we call them “tech-savy.” I don’t know, it certainly seems that there is a double standard across the generations.

There are so many stories on the news about people in my generation, and some are for horrible, unimaginable reasons. When that happens, I’m just as disappointed as anyone else. But the actions of those few do not reflect an entire generation as a whole. In no way am I excusing the behavior of those people. I do however believe that everyone deserves to be treated without bias and judgment. As a culture, we are so ready to stand up and fight to break down the walls of racial injustice, gender inequality, and religious bias. So why are we so willing to judge one another based simply on the year that they were born?

This generation may have a lot that we need to improve upon, and quite a few things that could use fixing. But we also have the highest percentage of college graduates, the highest paid executives, and some of the most determined individuals in the nation. So maybe instead of shaming this generation for the way that a few are living, try and improve things with us. Lead by example. Support those in this generation as they find their place in this world. And please, stop shaming me for my age.