Where’s the respect?
As the Millennial Generation — those born between 1982 and 2001—has grown and matured, we have demonstrated a host of talents and skills. We are multi-focused, innovative and committed to our own set of values.
We want desperately to differentiate ourselves from our parents’ and grandparents’ generations. However, one concept continually eludes the Millenials.
Respect seems to be a concept completely alien to those born in the 80s and mid 90s. Whether it’s residual hostility aimed at the fallout of previous generations’ political actions that we are tasked with handling, or simple angst, it is wrong.
Historians William Strauss’ and Neil Howe’s generational theory suggests that a cyclical nature of generations exists. This tendency helps to define the nature of each generation in an 80-to-100 year period, including these growing pains the Millenials are experiencing.
Frequently, we are more concerned with the surface value of a person or thing instead of its potential. People with fantastic ideas and knowledge to contribute are judged and disregarded based upon their looks and not their life experience.
In a sense, this lack of respect is due to our own parentage. Generation Y’s attitudes are a direct outgrowth of the style in which they were raised. Parents irrevocably play a huge role in the developing values and world outlook that govern their children’s actions.
As tempting as it is for the Millenials to place the blame at the feet of their parents, Generation X, it simply is not true, nor is it fair, to fault those who have come before us.
Nobody may completely exonerate themselves by passing the blame to someone else, let alone an entire generation.
Appallingly, this misplaced anger and resentment is misdirected at those with more extensive experience who wish to help Generation Y realize their goals. Teachers, coaches, parents and other adults who truly aim to assist in our successes are incorrectly vilified and railed against. Just because a person belongs to the Baby Boomers or Generation X does not mean that they don’t understand those younger or how to help them. Yes, the University of Indianapolis has built attendance into the class syllabi requirements. It’s incentivized. This is not a correct or acceptable reason to disparage a professor.
Empathy is another area in which Generation Y struggles. We seem to have forgotten that we never fully know what events are currently weighing on another’s mind; we are solely concerned with the surface appearance.
It never crosses our minds that there may be something personal that is affecting another person, and we treat one another in such a throwaway manner that we hurt each other and ourselves.
Some of this desensitization may be traced to the media, which we consume so ravenously. But this again is an oft-visited scapegoat that provides no true explanation or excuse for our outlook.
There is hope, however. Inevitably, our passions will bubble to the top and some practical common sense will overwhelm the antisocial tendencies that characterize some members of Generation Y. As we have moved forward into our college years, the real world impact of our behaviors has started to reflect upon us, and we have responded with the adaptation and innovation which we so love. It is now a matter of reaching the younger members of the generation and imparting to them the importance of respect, etiquette and reverence for those who have come before us.
This is not a drastic to-do list. These are simple observations by one who has seen numerous peers make huge strides only to be crippled by this unique angst and the sense of entitlement that permeates our generation.
Defining Moments of American Generations:
World War II Generation: 1925-1942 Survived the Great Depression, Fought WWII
Baby Boomers: 1943-1960 Largest jump in birth rate in history, Unprecedented American prosperity
Generation X: 1961-1981 End of the Cold War, Political crises within the government
Millenials: 1982 – 2001 Many technological advancements, Global recession
