Yeah, we’ve all heard a variation of the following:
“Even the word Millennial makes me cringe.”
“Millennials do absolutely nothing for our society.”
“Millennials are entitled, worthless, good-for-nothings that want everything for free.”
“All previous generations are so much better than the Millennials.”
Okay, what?
Let’s stop the glorification of past generations ASAP. No, I’m not saying you should forget all the inspiring leaders, hard-workers, and phenomenal individuals that came out of past generations. Actually, ignoring these details is the total opposite of what I’m saying to do. It’s time to starting remembering every aspect that came with each decade - including all the negatives components.
What’s so wrong with us Millennials? Sure, you can probably name your top ten reasons, and I guarantee you can find more than a few people to fit your quota. And to be honest, I can see where you’re coming from if you believe that we’re the worst. I mean, you definitely have enough evidence to support your belief. There are plenty of negative advertisements and agendas which can make any Millennial seem idiotic, no matter who they are. There’s no way on earth you could ignore it. If I wasn’t apart of the ever growing generation of the Millennials, I would probably ride along with all the criticism as well.
But thankfully, I am one of these young Millennials, and I know for a fact we’re changing the world in a way that hasn’t previously been done.
Sure, previous generations brought about plenty of our infrastructure, social changes, medical improvements, and technological innovations that can’t, and shouldn’t, be ignored. These changes are remarkable, and have set a path for the future.
What have the Millennials done? Well, we’re setting our own path to the future—it’s just in different strokes. The Millennial generation has brought awareness and thought-provoking change to society that was never in place before (i.e. being an active participant in the movement towards gay rights/the legalization of gay marriage and the becoming of transgender bathrooms). Yeah, I get it - so many of you just read that and probably thought “Right! That’s the problem with the Millennials! They stand for nothing!” No, actually, we are standing for something—and that’s the rights and equality for all people. No, we’re not overly-sensitive for bringing recognition to mental illnesses. No, we’re not entitled because we want higher-paying minimum wages. No, we aren’t good-for-nothings because we’re tired of increasing college tuition.
I’m not going to lie to you—there are many people who fall under every bad category that has ever sprung up on around Millennial generation. However, contrary to popular belief, that’s true for every generation before us as well. There have always been the rebels, the sex-addicts, the partiers, etc. etc…
So, is it possible that Millennials aren’t just existing and that we should be validated for the work we put into society? Of course, there are ones who fight, there are ones who are spoiled, and there are ones who are lazy. We just happen to be able to point them out easier now thanks to cellphones and social media. However, they always existed in large quantities in every generation before us. We’re fooling ourselves if we start believing in the idea that Millennials have no manners because you saw a video on Facebook of a group of young students not saying “thank you” to someone holding open a door for them. Don’t try to tell me that didn’t happen in past generations in the same quantity as it happens now. People are just able to broadcast it.
Whether you believe it or not, Millennials aren’t that bad. Actually, we’re pretty darn good all things considered. Our leadership youth groups, campaigns, and long hours of work aren’t to just be brushed aside. I have never met anyone my age that doesn’t have a high-achieving attitude, doesn’t work a part-time job or internship (while still participating in school, clubs, and sports mind you), or doesn’t wish to succeed.
Please, no more with “Millennials are the worst”. We certainly aren’t. We’re just like every other generation before us, with similar weaknesses and strengths. We’re just trying to change the world. So, stop shrugging us off.
