It appears as though every year has its scapegoat. 2008 it was Sarah Palin; 2009 it was the financial system; and 2010 it is still the financial system, but this time accompanied by an entire generation.
Generation Y, or Millennials, are all over the news these days. Just last week a New York Times article discussed this generation of youngsters that according to writer Judith Warner is anything but lost in the modern world. Characterizing Gen Yers as an arrogant bunch of interns that demand mid-range salaries, the article chants along to what appears to be a general hatred of youth culture.
Business psychologist Charles Woodruffe, blames supposed negative characteristics, such as being outspoken, ambitious and self-confident, on the upbringing by their Boomer parents: He argues that these parents are not only too concerned about their children, but also spent too much time telling them they were special.
Most articles on Generation Y however, don’t acknowledge factors that obviously do make today’s youth culture special. Never before, has a generation [in the westernized world] been so multi-cultural, educated and involved. But instead of appreciating the connectivity growing up with the internet has brought, it is being downplayed to Millennials wanting to be on facebook at work.
Reading about this issue feels like reading about an army of parasites, that nurtures from feeling exceptional and better than its ancestors. Events that startled society and influenced youth culture are nearly not being mentioned: There is no talk of Columbine, 9/11, or how Gen Y’s cynicism might have emerged from the political sullenness of their parents.
The pressure to succeed in today’s world, along with a job market that demands a perfect resume clashes with the nickname Generation Stupid. So how are we (yes, I am a Gen Yer myself) supposed to react to this now? Isn’t it all just a huge contradiction?
But hang in there, folks, it’s already June and while we wait to get off the hook, we can apply for some more internships..
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