Other generations have brought attention to our generation's flaws. They may say that we're hard to work with and we're way too attached to our phones. Not only do I disagree with those statements, but I offer six incredible reasons why us Millennials are a great generation.
1. We're more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite the fact that generations before us condemned those who love and live differently, we've taken a stand and have fought for their rights. We have continuously shown support socially and politically. We sport rainbow colors at pride parades and festivals all over the world and we stressed the importance of legalizing gay marriage. Now 37 states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia have legalized gay marriage along with 15 other countries. Lady Gaga, Caitlyn Jenner, Ellen Degeneres, and Neil Patrick Harris have become voices for those struggling to accept themselves. Not to mention the many Youtube icons that have come out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, etc. in order to show their viewers that it's ok to be different and to love yourself. Famous youtuber Ingrid Nilsen's coming out video received over 15 million views. Other youtubers such as Gigi Gorgeous, Shane Dawson, and Tyler Oakley have created educational videos about the discovery of themselves and how they've overcome their internal obstacles to be a voice for those who are afraid to speak up themselves. According to WGN News, the 47th annual Chicago Pride Parade hosted an estimated one million people. Millennials have also shown their support to the LGBTQ+ community on social media after the devastating tragedy that took place at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Countless people and companies changed their Twitter pictures to the rainbow flag in order to express their grief and support to the LGBTQ+ community. The Baja East Designers have even started a campaign in which you can purchase a pride shirt to benefit Equality Florida for the Pulse Victims Fund. The campaign has gained a lot of media coverage from celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Zac Efron, and HAIM the band. I couldn't be more proud to be apart of a generation that is so accepting of others no matter what they look like, who they love, or their gender.
2. We're the generation to nearly eliminate smoking cigarettes.
Smoking used to be a sign of wealth, popularity, and glamour. Nowadays however, smoking isn't nearly as popular as it used to be. This is in part due to the health risks that have been released to the public. It is also due to the attitude most millennials have toward smoking. According to PR Newswire, only 23% of all smokers in the United States are aged 18-24 years old. Our increasing anti-tobacco culture has discouraged many millennials from smoking cigarettes.
3. We're more politically informed.
Twitter is not just about using hashtags. Twitter is a great platform for young adults to read up on trending social and political issues. Many millennials rely on social media outlets to express their political views. According to Pew Research Center, millennials make up a large percentage of all Democratic voters. We are known as the liberal generation, which means that we've been able to form our own opinions based on recent presidential elections and political topics. We also expressed our political enthusiasms toward Barack Obama's message for change. We were some of his most important and influential supporters in 2008, when he was first elected into office. The years of low voter turnout amongst young adults is over thanks to our generation.
4. Our love for learning.
According to Pew Research Center, millennials are on their way to becoming the most educated generation. This is largely driven by our demanding economy as well as the increasing need to develop new and innovative technology. Most of us are taking college courses as young adults than ever before in history. Despite the amount of loans we may have to take out, most of us will earn our diplomas.
5. We have our priorities straight.
Although some generations may argue that the only thing we care about is social media, they couldn't be further from the truth. According to these millennial social trends, our highest priority is to be a good parent someday. Just following excellent parenthood is having a supportive and loving marriage, helping others in need, and owning a home. Our generation has also decreased the rates of teen and unwanted pregnancy. We value our education more than anything so that we can create happy and successful lives for ourselves.
6. We adapt well to change.
Technology is ever changing and so are we. We are constantly finding new ways to enhance our lives through innovation. We're also the generation that has the largest presence on social media. Older generations have yet to accept this new way of communication. Us millennials have found ways to utilize social media to express our creativity, inform ourselves of political and social issues, and have our voices and opinions be heard.
