Yes, we millennials have done and will no doubt continue to do a lot of stupid things. However, so does every generation. Here are 5 reasons we need to stop bashing millennials.
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5 Reasons We Need to Stop Bashing Millennials
If you scan the Internet for a few minutes, you’re bound to come across some articles bashing millennials. Some have great merits; others blame us for ridiculous things like the downfall of Buffalo Wild Wings and Applebees or diminishing the 9 to 5.
I am a millennial. Granted, I’m not your stereotypical millennial (I’m not a stereotypical anything), but I can’t much fruit in sitting around bashing millennials. Here’s why.
1. People are a self-fulfilling prophecy.
There’s a poignant scene in the movie The Pursuit of Happyness when father Chris and his young son Christopher are playing basketball. Christopher tries throwing the ball, but misses. Chris tells him that he (Chris) wasn’t good at basketball, so Christopher probably won’t be either. Instantly, he recognizes his mistake and encourages his son not to let anyone tell him he cannot do something.
People often meet the expectations others set for them. When we constantly tear millennials down, we shouldn’t be surprised when they meet our expectations.
2. There are good and bad in every generation.
Is there a lot to be frustrated at millennials with? Sure. (What is up with Tide pods?) However, each generation has their faults, quirks, and their lazy or unproductive people. Each generation has unique strengths and weaknesses.
3. It really accomplishes nothing.
What good does complaining do? What are we seeking to accomplish by complaining about how horrible the next generation is? There are many ways to correct, encourage or criticise without complaining or bashing aimlessly.
4. Bashing the younger generation isn’t anything new.
“Every generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” -George Orwell
Enough said. Check out this Times article from 1990 bashing Gen X. Throwing all of the world’s problems on the next generation is just lazy.
5. Our world is different than it used to be.
Good or bad, there is no denying that our world is continuing to change at a rapid change than ever before. Technology has changed the way our world works. Smart phones have changed the way we get information. Social media has changed the way we communicate. Like everything in life, there are good and bad to these changes.
And there is literally nothing you or I can do about it. Since millennials ARE the next generation, we’ve got to make it work.
