In my advanced public relations class, we researched the "Millennials" for our midterm project. I was somewhat offended by what my elders had to say about my generation. A couple of the descriptive phrases that struck me were, "self-confidence to the point of appearing cocky" and we were often referred to as "Generation Me."
Since then, I've paid more attention to the actions of my peers. I do a "mental head slap" (as one of my favorite authors, Janet Evanovich would put it) as a classmate struggles to transfer her video camera to the projector, later realizing the camera was not on. I listen to the guy who sits next to me complain about not having any luck on his job search, but is looking forward to getting drunk every night of the upcoming weekend.
Maybe it is fair to call us the "Everyone Gets an Award Generation." Yes, I do see several peers, and I'd like to include myself, be all that we can be (in the non-military sense). Overall, however, I can see from where the Baby-boomers and Generation X are coming. We need to spend more time motivating ourselves to succeed instead of expecting rewards without efforts.
Still... all my love, Millennials. And good luck. We're going to need it.
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I completely agree with you about our generation. It's true that a lot of our peers are more self involved then willing to self help. If only more people were like you Virginia, willing to go above and beyond in helping with situations for organizations and with your friends when they are needing it. In the really world, it's okay to be cocky if your good, but until you gain the experience in the knowledge, you can't be cocky. Because we all want a job, and not many people are willing to hire those that think they know everything about everything.
ReplyDeleteYou know it's all very well and good for "elder" generations to remark on the self-conceit that runs through much of the Gen Y crowd - I just have to ask though ... where do they think those me-centered values came from? Those children were raised in everyday American households by the very baby boomers who look down on our cocky, consumer-driven lifestyles. We are a generation bombarded by the McDonalds slogans and bluetooth cell phones built by our parents and grandparents. Guess what? We bought what they tried to sell us. This is the result.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you blogging Gin - sorry to take a harsh note right away, but this thread caught my interest. :) I'll bookmark ya and try and keep up with what's ahead. Good luck with your job search - it's definitely a learning process. Much love, Ryno