I am but a person born without a say like many others. Life began in the embrace of the woman who lay in a hospital bed for hours. Names were given, families rejoiced, I joined a group of sisters and brothers. As I grew I played, laughed, and lived with no cares not knowing the truth. The truth behind the trouble brewing between shifting ages. Caught in between one era to another unaware of my diminishing youth. Becoming an adult always had one image, a clear path paved by previous leaders. Yet actually growing up consisted of left turns where we had to take rights. Kids who were raised with praises and commendation now are called pleaders. 90s kids jokes full of nostalgia have morphed to becoming 90s kids are a joke. Labels and titles came flooding in faster than imaginable knocking me down, and now I sit in a truth so painful, an entire generation basically broke. What can I do about being born in the space between then and now? The computer and I grew up together, siblings by a bond unknown. Technology is praised causing minds to ask how to go further on repeat. How, how,
How?
As my “sibling” rose in opinion, I plummeted, but not because of my own accord. Actual skills and thoughts were put aside because everyone in my age was named. Goodbyes were said to Boomers and Generation X as they passed by unimpaired. Amidst them we stood, Generation Y & Z, fittingly pushed to last place. Then came all the sub-names: Lazy Generation, New Silent Gen, Millenials. Opinions created because of differences in lifestyles, because of a difference in pace. Things are done differently but technology wasn’t the only change. College is no longer a chance to soul search but a race to life weighed in dollars. Workloads have increased all to provide a chance at better futures pre-arranged. Choices aren’t made in passions but out of responsibilities heavy on the young. Houses are no longer hot commodities given to each young adult to start life. Nothing but promises remained heavy on the tongue. We were given glimpses into a way of life by former generations, like a mirage. Success seemed to have a linear path: work hard play hard, but now there’s no play. Reality stared at our young faces, dreams in shambles, mouths crying: sabotage! Admonished for being glued to a screen but no one cares what’s on it. You see the glare of a phone reflecting in my eyes thinking “kids and their phones”. As the same phone sits heavy in everyone’s pocket Millenials are deemed unfit.
Others see dependency on technology, but we see communication & opportunity. Seas virtually crossed as I send messages of love to families abroad. What was once local has now expanded into a global community. All within my hands. We’re called lazy for not being able to raise our voices in protest and being heard. Meanwhile roads are filled with marches crying for peace and lives to matter. International pleas are heard, news breaks faster, & anger over injustice is stirred. Students become interns capable of turning six jobs into one, but we’re lazy. I converse in multiple tongues and share my thoughts with those overseas. Capable of translating foreign words for hours until language becomes hazy. We have erased borders to understand the thoughts of immigrants in a time of need. Humanizing the refugee crisis, support for Brussels, #BringBackOurGirls
We are the New Silent Generation, as we constantly look for conversations to lead. How can we speak if we’re constantly beat down? I rise in a time when everyone doubts all my abilities. Surrounded by minimal praise but maximum disbelief; I am surrounded by frowns. But I will continue with my pen & paper, keyboard & screen, and I will be heard. Generation Z, Generation Now, New Silent Generation, Millenials, call me whatever. I will stand tall, I will make a difference, and I will not be deterred.
