The term "millennial" is often thrown around today. According to Pew Research Center, a millennial is someone who was "born after 1980 and the first generation to come of age in the new millennium." Most if not all writers of Odyssey are millennials, and many use that term in a negative way. But as I grow up in the millennial generation, I have become proud to be a part of this always-growing era.
Selfies
Millennials are also nicknamed the "Selfie Generation." Everywhere you look, you can see those ages 18 to 33 taking selfies by themselves, with their significant other, or their group of friends. We are called "self-centered" and "ignorant," amongst many other things.
"20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life." This is an astounding statistic. Women and men are more pressured with their appearance than ever before. From a young age, we are bombarded with images of men and women trying to achieve the ideal body image. The media keeps depicting television shows and reality television showing that you can only be happy if you're beautiful. These ideas bombard our screens, but we're reclaiming it back. Every day, millions of people are posting selfies and many people are looking down on this. But why? Why would people look down on this? In a world full of negativity and the media saying that you shouldn't love who you are, why not post a selfie? Selfies are a sign that you loved how you look that day. That no matter what, you decided to love yourself and not care what anyone thinks. And the beautiful thing is, people are supporting it. On Instagram you'll see comments and emojis of people affirming their friends, family, and strangers. This outpouring of support is truly beautiful, and no one can take that away.
Strength
We are an extremely strong and brave generation. We experienced technology evolve in just a short period of time, we lived through one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in United States history, and we witnessed and continue to witness a large amount of mass shootings. But every time there is a new tragedy to mourn, we are stronger and become closer.
With the outpouring of support for the LGBTQ+ community after the Pulse Nightclub shooting, it's evident that every time someone tries to tear down a community, love and acceptance speaks louder than the hate and ignorance.
Change
Technology has evolved and grown since many of us were born. We were born in a time of dial-up and having to wait to use the internet until someone got off the telephone. Now, we have the whole network at the palm of our hands.
We have a way of contacting people across the world in a matter of seconds. We've adapted to the ever-changing world and have learned to embrace it. Older generations tend to turn their back from this newfound technology, but we have learned to adapt and use it to prosper. Technology can be used for fun and to occupy our minds, but it can also be used as a catalyst for positive change. Social media is one of those changes.
Social Media
Social media has been in my life for as long as I can remember. I remember begging my mom to let me have a Facebook, and now everyone and their grandmother has an account. Now there are more social media platforms than one knows what to do with. But this lets us connect with people around the world. Social media has allowed messages to spread and impacts to be made. No matter the opinions of the Black Lives Matter movement, everyone can agree that this movement has made an impact on the lives of many; and it all started with a simple hashtag.
Many people get their news from social media and the tweets political candidates send out. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, made famous in 2014, raised millions of dollars for research into the disease. But with the success, scientists were able to discover a new gene impacting the disease. All that because of a social media movement.
Social media has also allowed people to connect with each other. I have met two of my best friends through social media, and no I was not "catfished." I met them in real life and I love them with all my heart. There are similar stories to this where friends who have talked for years through Twitter, Tumblr, or Facebook have finally met in person. Social media and a shared interest, whether that be a band, television show, or movie, brought those people together in a time where years ago they may not have ever connected.
Acceptance
As I mentioned before, in the midst of tragedy I have seen immense love and acceptance. The older I get, I have seen more and more types of people being accepted: especially by my generation. From sexuality, to race, to gender identity, to religion, to economic status, I have seen understanding and a willing to learn from those in my generation. Especially as a college student, I have discovered more people willing to learn about those different from them than ever before. Though bullying is still happening, I am witnessing even more love.
Those who are considered fat are reclaiming that term and instead showing that fat is not a bad word.
People of color are beginning to be represented in media more and more, and are constantly gaining a voice. There is still work to be done, but progress is being made. Those who love the same gender are able to be married. Trans people and non-binary people are beginning to be able to use the bathrooms they feel comfortable using. Women are gaining a larger voice in society, and little girls who dream to be president one day can actually have someone to look up to.
There is still progress to be made. Millennials are in no way perfect, but what generation is? I am proud of the leaps in history we have taken, and the love that inspired them all.
