In my chemistry class last week, my teacher interrupted the lesson on titrations to make his bi-weekly speech. His lecture regularly prompted by one of two reasons: the sight of a cell phone or lack of class participation in his mundane class. All of his speeches start the same: “When I was your age…” continued by “Our classes were so much harder!” or “The county takes it easy on you guys.” While I do appreciate hearing other opinions on various topics, in this case, blaming students for apathetic behavior in a required class that not everyone enjoys is an interesting approach.
My teacher’s attitude towards his students is very reflective of how older generations like Generation X and the Baby Boomers view millennials in today’s society. We are seen as less capable, technology-obsessed robots who mindlessly advance through life without caring about how we are seen. This misguided belief fuels the notion that millennials are not capable of improving society.
However, this view is very outdated and dare I say, naive.
According to a 2009 Pew Research survey exploring the behaviors, values and opinions of the Millennial Generation, while Millennials’ entry into careers and first jobs [have] been badly set back by the Great Recession, they are more upbeat than their elders about their own economic futures as well as about the overall state of the nation. This proves that while being a younger generation and facing many economic problems, we are still persevering, contrary to the belief of my chemistry teacher.
Even though we don’t walk a mile in the snow to get to school each morning or have to search through book upon book for the information we need, with each generation comes its own issues. For Millennials and Generation Z, the issues we face are caused by the same older generations who often criticize us.
Additionally, while millennials may not progress in the traditional sense, the characteristics of our generation are like no other. According to the same Pew Research survey mentioned above, Millennials are more receptive to immigrants than are their elders. Nearly six-in-ten (58%) say immigrants strengthen the country while only 43% of adults agree. This statistic exhibits how millennials yearn for learning new ideas and understanding different cultures.
We exemplify and promote the ‘melting pot’ aspect and ideal of America.
The Pew Research survey also mentioned that Millennials are “more ethnically and racially diverse than older adults. They’re less religious, less likely to have served in the military, and are on track to become the most educated generation in American history.” Millennials are not only the most educated but are the most accepting of change, especially in relation to the preferences, experiences, and backgrounds of others. This embrace of change is generally lacking in older generations.
The analysis of the Harvard Public Opinion Project’s recently released statistics reveals that Millennials’ opinions on issues such as racial diversity and sexual orientation appear to be in line with the general trend toward acceptance in today’s society, proving that successive generations tend to lean more toward total acceptance and less towards old fashioned ideals.
Many members of those older generations meet the age requirements to serve in government and by doing so, their traditionalist views are causing debates on topics that have been largely settled by a young population: LGBT+ rights, women’s rights, and immigrant rights are some large examples.
This has increased the divide between the older and younger generations.
So, on behalf of millennials, I ask older generations for some compassion. Both sides do not need to agree to a common consensus. However, the vital first step in reducing this gap in tolerance in society is to accept that as time continues, policies will change and become more progressive. While many may not view this change in a positive light, it is an inevitable step in the evolution of any country.
The next step needs to be taken by all generations; we need to accept that unification is the answer. Our common goal is working together to build a country that is reflective of all its members, not just the older few.
Like any group in today’s society, we are ever changing. The sooner that is understood and embraced, the sooner real progress in our society can begin.
