Thanks for the kind words but...

Christine Hassler of the Huffington Post wrote a well intentioned and very kind blog (http://huff.to/thanksbut) towards my people, fellow Gen Y-ers, and although I am grateful that she has a much more positive outlook than most bloggers, I still don't understand what is so different from Gen Y than the tendencies of every other twenty-something year-old, regardless of generation.


She points out that many bloggers have labeled us, "entitled, immature, needing constant validation, self-absorbed, lacking a work ethic and respect for authority." Okay. Fine. I understand where that comes from, and it has much truth. She also sheds light on some of our strengths, passion, eagerness to learn and grow, entrepreneurial spirit, desire to be recognized, etc. I get that too. But...who cares! 


Isn't that a description for every twenty-ish year old person, whether in the 50's, 60's 70's, or  2000's? I am pretty sure that the hippies were not the most industrious respecters of their elders. How about fans of James Brown, Elvis, Miles Davis, and Billie Holiday? Were they the selfless, pro-establishment, and humble citizens of their time? I wasn't there, so I guess I can't be 100% sure. But, I'll take a gamble and say they were not. 


The tendencies and characteristics that Ms. Hassler observes and illustrates are accurate and are not the point of my criticism, nor is Ms. Hassler herself the point of my criticism. My problem lies with the widespread notion that the inclinations of Generation Y are something foreign and unique. When Ad Age coined the term Gen Y in 1993 ("Generation Y" Ad Age August 30, 1993. p. 16), it was used to identify a target market, not to develop a philosophical inquiry to the human nature of those born between the 1980's and 1990's. The same traits of Gen Y are depictions of youth seen throughout history and academia. From Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to Jane Austen novels to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, it's all there. Although it is important that the context of our time has changed, the nature of youth has not. 


So thank you Ms. Hassler for recognizing my generation's strengths, but the virtues and vices of youth are not new. What is new is the imprint on the world we will make, whether good or bad. By upholding valuable traditions and progressing beyond our weaknesses,  I intend to be a part of the lasting and beneficial difference to the world Gen Y can make.


'Til next time,


GenY_Mike