I am one of the many who have been labeled as the “Me” generation. An article published by Time Magazine referred to my generation as “self obsessed.” We are the generation of the selfie-stick, the constant texting and use of social media, and “mooching” off of our parents. There are many negative reports to be found about us. We are the generation of video games, of “laziness,” and of feeling entitled. Or so we’ve been told countless times.
I strongly disagree. Although every generation has a few individuals who make poor choices, that is not a fair representation of who we are as a whole. My generation is heroic. My generation speaks up. My generation has the guts to identify a problem for what it is and to stand up to authority in hopes of change. My generation is intentional. My generation is frustrated and exhausted. We are tired of witnessing people being treated unfairly. My generation is more respectful and open toward other religions, sexual orientations, and others' beliefs than any other generation.
In the past five years, the number of reported sexual assaults has been going up. This does not mean that there are more sexual assaults happening; this means, instead, that my generation is speaking up about the abuse that they are experiencing. The level of courage it takes to share with others what you have gone through is worth recognizing. These young people are making a difference by creating awareness. The “Me” generation is sick of being silent and watching others suffer silently. We refuse to be voiceless. In the U.S. alone, one in five women will be raped. One in four girls will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. One in 75 men will also be raped in their lifetime. The “Me” generation cares about a better environment not just for "me," but for every individual. We are sick of a world where silence is not only an expected response, but the only appropriate one. The "Me" generation is creating change.
The "Me" generation is fighting for body positivity. We are working to create a positive change in the way that individuals perceive themselves. Women and men alike are held to unfair and unattainable standards, creating a sense of discontent with oneself and a decrease in self-confidence. My generation can be found working to undo the body shaming and the stigma surrounding skin color, physical imperfections, weight, height, hair color—you name it. If taking photos that you’re proud of and posting them online helps you to feel confident in yourself, then we encourage you to take as many selfies as you need. My generation is working toward feeling beautiful in your own skin. If this can be construed as “self-obsessed,” then I am proud to be that way.
The “Me” generation has the highest number of women enrolled in colleges. Ever. If that’s not something to be celebrated, I don’t know what is. We are motivated. We know what we want, we know how to get it, and we set out to do it. We fight against traditions that are harmful, oppressive, or limiting to an individual's potential.
I, for one, am proud to be part of the “Me” generation. We are the generation that fights for one another; we are the generation that fights for self-improvement, which in the long run improves us collectively. Here’s to a better me, and fighting for a better global community. Here’s to the “Me” generation, who is fighting for you.
