With each new generation comes a stigma attached that particular group of men and women. Although it does seem to be expected, is it fair? Journalist Tom Brokaw coined the phrase “greatest generation” to describe the group of men and women who were alive and prevailed during both the Great Depression and World War Two. While I agree that members of the “greatest generation” certainly deserve that title, credit, respect and so much more, I do not agree with the opinion that my age-group, the millennials, are a generational downgrade from any of the previous.
No one generation is any better than another. With each decade or few that pass, new social, political and personal challenges arise. It’s unfair, therefore, to assume that one generation, simply because they are young (or maybe because they are not your generation), could not triumph in a time of struggle. Although it certainly seems like millennials are distrusted and undermined, the problem might be something a bit more cosmetic. Ignorance seems like significant part of the issue. I cannot count the amount of times I have heard millennials be described as “lazy” and “entitled”. While I don’t doubt that some millennials are, in fact, that way (although, I’m sure everyone could describe one or two non-millennials in the same manner), it is an incredibly vague stereotype attached to an overwhelmingly large amount of people. Not only that, but, generally speaking, it is just plain wrong. High school students today face a much tougher course load than was offered to the Baby Boomers and members of previous generations. Millennials are pushed to tackle AP courses like Biology and Physics in addition to juggling extracurriculars like varsity sports, a presence in the arts, volunteer work, internships, summer jobs and more to simply compete with other students in a competitive college application market. Not to mention that if someone does not receive a college degree, their chances at employment significantly decrease. As society has changed over the years, the demand for well-roundedness has greatly increased, producing not a lazier or more entitled generation, but one that understands what it takes to succeed in such a demanding social environment.
In addition to ignorance, nostalgia seems to also be a common cause for millennial-shaming. While it is important to recognize the past, being stuck in it is not healthy nor recommended. Think back to the days of the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement, Women’s Suffrage, etc. Those moments in history are pivotal and should not be forgotten. But looking back, and now looking in the present, isn’t the world a much better place? Sure, issues arise and sometimes it does not seem like they will ever be resolved. But, please, have faith in the millennials. We are the generation of Cassandra Lin, the fourteen-year-old founder of a program converting grease into fossil fuels as emergency heating assistance. We are the generation of seventeen year old Maren Johnson, an ambassador for a non-profit that sends soap and toiletries to those in need. We are Malala’s generation. We are a dedicated, intelligent, vivacious group of young people who will not let you down.