With each new era comes a slew of groundbreaking innovations. The 1200s marked the first limitations of a king’s “divine right,” the 1880s saw the sparks that ignited an entire industrial revolution, rock ‘n’ roll is here to stay thanks to the 1950s, and, of course, perhaps the most paramount of any invention in recent history, the iPhone, debuted in 2007.
Humans have always been incredibly dependent on technology. Contemporary critics, however, claim that my generation, born between 1980 and 2000 and dubbed the millennials (Generation Y), are far more dependent–even bridging on obsessed–with state-of-the-art technological doodads. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Supposedly, we are also lazy, naive and above all, entitled.
Sure, we deserve some of this criticism. We haven’t had to deal with a lot of the hardships of our elders, such as waiting six months for a library book like “back in your day,” but I’m tired of being told we are just the screwed up kids.
Most of us have so much to offer. Our fixation on technology has led to the development of innovative and creative career paths and our motivation (72 percent of millennials want to be their own boss according to a recent article in Forbes) has empowered us to create billion dollar companies, like Facebook. It’s unfair to state that our fascination with technology is indicative of a doomed generation. We have been fortunate enough to grow up in a time where technology is easily accessible and where many older people don’t really understand it, thus forcing us to explore these innovations ourselves. Technology has helped shape many of our identities, so insinuating that it serves only as a hindrance to us is slightly hurtful.
Allegations of millennial laziness are corroborated by claims that we are taking longer to enter adulthood and finding a stable job, but recent college graduates have been thrust into a job market plagued by intense competition due to a sheer lack of positions. Despite these limitations, however, this group of 20-somethings is earning more than their parents did at the same age.
Television shows like Teen Mom have created an image of this generation that is far from flattering, despite declining teen pregnancy rates for the past 20 years according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Our familiarity with drugs and alcohol has been translated into a skewed stereotype that stigmatizes youth. Hard drug use has actually reached an all-time low, and, yes, we support the legalization of marijuana, but so does over half of the country according to a 2013 Gallup poll. The point is, I don’t think the media or technology has in anyway created a penumbra of ignorance over this generation, I think it has done the opposite. Our exposure has allowed us to understand many of the repercussions of potentially harmful decisions.
Our sense of entitlement, despite its negative connotation, may in fact be beneficial. We can thank our parents who have taught us at an early age to be honest and to speak what was on our mind. My parents taught me that while I should respect authority, there is nothing wrong with questioning it or viewing myself as equal to it.
I’m proud of my generation. We have an unprecedented sense of creativity and, perhaps for the first time, we aren’t fearful of exploring it as a young person. I’m so thankful that technological advances have allowed me to share my opinions on international affairs, watch six seasons of a television show in two days, and, yes, even get a few likes on my selfie. Above all, I’m grateful that the previous generation has given us these opportunities. But, lighten up guys, because as 60 Minutes says, millennials are coming, whether you are ready for us or not.
