Figure 1
Millennials. We’re known as the lazy, entitled generation. The world Millennials have grown up in is very different than the world older generations grew up in. We grew up surrounded by technology; we're used to having instant access to people, information, and entertainment. A good portion of our interactions with other human beings is either online or through text messaging and our obsession with social media has prompted a lot of criticism from older generations. There are countless generational differences but we seem to be the most unique and confusing to people. We're also the most fun for the media to poke fun at.
Figure 2
Figure 3
These examples show how the media have created a "single-story" about Generation Y. The Time magazine cover (Figure 1) portrays Millennials as narcissistic, lazy selfie-takers. The article from Vanity Fair (Figure 3) paints Millennials as childish, unprofessional employees. Even Google has something to say about Millennials! If you type in "millennials are" into the search bar these (Figure 4) are the top hits.
Figure 4
This single-story probably has a lot truth to it. However, what it fails to
illustrate is one of the most diverse generations in American history. Our knowledge of technology and ability to utilize isn’t
necessarily a bad thing and it's certainly not our only ability. This is the world we live in, technology continues to grow
and being able to use it and improve it is a valuable skill. Once you wade
through all of the selfies we take, you’ll find a generation of students, innovators,
entrepreneurs, etc. who actually do contribute to society.
Figure 5
What a great group to write about for this assignment! You are right, millennials get a lot of slack. Although I work in digital marketing, and I think that might be the one place millennials get a little bit of added bonus for their knowledge!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above observations! I think millennials are given a really tough rap based on the increased social media and perceived selfishness of our generation. I would be interested in seeing how the previous generation was viewed by their preceding generation because I have a feeling all generations look to the next with such fear that they won't succeed or "ruin" what that generation has established, that it turns into disdain. I think it is likely a trend throughout many generations.
ReplyDeleteThis is very well stated! It is so obvious that millennials have this single story told about them, but it hardly seems fair to say that all of us are lazy or narcissistic. It's funny, because once I am included in the group being single storied, I automatically get defensive. It makes me want to prove that millennials are intelligent and better with technology than any generation before us. However, I must also admit that we are a pretty lazy generation. But that must come from how easy technology has made our lives.
ReplyDeleteYes! This post is great. Millennials are a moving subgroup and are helping society evolve. I think it is really interesting that so many people think of them as negative, but they are the people that are helping and adapting to what technology will bring to our future!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, people think we are so entitled when the real problem is the way our parent's generation have wasted money. Each generation has had to adapt to the decisions of the previous generation.
ReplyDeleteAwesome. I think our diversity really prevents anyone from pinpointing our generation into one homogeneous whole. There's no way you can define our generation, our stereotypes are as numerous as the individuals.
ReplyDeleteAwesome. I think our diversity really prevents anyone from pinpointing our generation into one homogeneous whole. There's no way you can define our generation, our stereotypes are as numerous as the individuals.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great single-story to read because it's directly applicable to everyone our age. Thanks!
ReplyDelete