Our Generation
Who We Are
We Are Both
Each generation is a unique group of people, sculpted and joined together by common environmental factors and circumstances. As the children of a generation grow older, they will inevitably develop a reputation; stereotypes, quick to attach and hard to shake, are the foundation of what we use to classify the different groups of people around us. Like all generations, millennials are far from exempt from this rule.
My generation has been labeled:
- narcissistic
- selfish
- entitled
- caring
- creative
- open-minded
So which view is accurate? Who are we as a generation?
That's the problem with stereotypes-- they can never accurately display the whole picture. Because, at the end of the day, we are both. We are a selfish, image based, and ungrateful generation, but we are also a kind, warm, optimistic, and overall lovely group of people. To deny one of these identities is to deny the other.
Hopefully, this flyer shines some light on the complex matter of millennials. In the end, I believe that the truth can always be found somewhere in between negative stereotypes and glittering generalities.
Books
It might surprise some people, but yes, lots of us still like to read. Though many people in my generation seem to always be glued to their phones, not all of us are.
Nature
We are more concerned about the environment then any of the previous generations before us. While this is a positive thing, I can't help but feel that it is a bit ironic. We may be concerned about global warming, but sometimes we forget to step outside and just enjoy nature.
Family
Our culture is individualistic, and as a result, so are we. Family is important, but many, especially those of us who came from broken homes, see family as going beyond the people who we were given through genetics and as extending to the friends that we choose.
Creative
We are a creative generation who loves using our talents and insights to create new things and explore the world. We are interested in pushing the boundaries in order to discover who we are and what the world is like.
Informed
My generation has grown up with technology, and as a result, is incredibly informed. We are knowledgeable on a vast variety of topics and are especially informed about topics we are passionate about.
Lost
There is an infinitive amount of choices out there, and we are often unsure as the direction we really want out lives to go. We are stressed out, anxiety ridden, and worried about the future. As we plan for college and our lives beyond, we are desperately afraid that we will make a wrong decision.
Priscilla Ahn - Lost
Potential
I think our defining quality is that we, like every generation, have potential. Individually, whether or not we fulfill that potential is up to each one of us. However, collectively, I believe that we represent endless possibilities.