Millenials

     I work as the lighting guy at an event center.  This affords me the opportunity to casually witness a number of events that we host.  The events range from rock concerts, to luncheons, to conferences, and more.  For the most part, however, these events are a wonderful test of my ability to maintain any relative level interest in the mundane.  (I think I have witnessed roughly 20 "Leadership" conferences/luncheons/brunches/gymborees this year, SPOILER ALERT: They're all exactly the same)  Today, I am sitting through another "Leadership" conference.

     The lights look great - they always do - but my awesomeness is not the point.  One of the individuals speaking today is presenting the "Millenial" generation, and I am quite fascinated.  He defines "Millenials" as the generation of individuals born after 1982, sometimes referred to as Generation Y.  Wait a second, that's me!  What's this old guy know about me?  Here are what he refers to as the seven characteristics of our generation:

SPECIAL

Damn right I'm special!  Okay, maybe not.  In fact, the majority of us aren't the best at something; we probably aren't even above average.  Mathematically, the majority of us are just average.  The presenter highlights the desire for constant positive-feedback, and I couldn't agree more.  I consider it an epidemic.  When everybody gets a trophy, it stifles competitive spirit.

SHELTERED

I had to take a break form writing because I was busy eating banana bread that my mom sent me in the mail.  Did I actually take a break from writing? No.  Does my mom occasionally send me baked goods in the mail? Yes.  I fully acknowledge that I am part of a sheltered generation, and I will not dispute that.  I think it lives hand-in-hand with being "Special".  It renders us afraid of risk-taking, and any activity that might leave us vulnerable.  He makes a strong point that, "We want privacy, but what we really want is attention."

CONFIDENT

I am unabashedly writing a blog that features awkwardly honest descriptions of my life, as well as my perceptions of others.  I am not the only one that does this.  Everyday, we boldly proclaim our opinions online. Much like the Honey Badger, some of us just don't give a shit.

TEAM-ORIENTED

The speaker is talking mostly in respect to being team-orineted in a business environment.  I agree in so much as we believe that our opinions are equal, and we want to be treated as such.  I disagree, however, because I believe our generation has a strong inclination towards personal success.  Although we may rely on a team, there is a strong desire to be the best and to assert one's self.  The competitive nature of college admissions is one example wherein each person is striving to distinguish themselves.

ACHIEVING

Achieving links closely to his "Special" characteristic.  Given an upbringing that cultivates through positive-reinforcement and sometimes false approval, there is an ever present desire to seek positive reinforcement; it's like a drug addiction.  We got hooked on the optimism drug when we were young, so we are forever trying to achieve feats to regain that euphoria.

PRESSURED

The speaker places particular emphasis on our overloading our schedules, and multitasking.  I have a blog post due at 5 PM, which I am writing while at work where I am listening to a speaker while monitoring the lighting in the room.  In the meantime, I made two fantasy football trades and browsed the front page of Reddit.  Even though I don't acknowledge any "pressure", I can assure you that there is a subconscious fear of free time.  We feel pressure to be occupied and busy.

CONVENTIONAL

This is one particular characteristic that I do not agree with.  I believe our generation is incredibly unconventional.  We like to discover and learn, and our methods for approaching problems are always changing.  We do not adhere to a conventional set of instructions; we prefer to learn on our own.

     Although I did not agree with every point of his, I think he makes some very valid observations.  It's weird having someone explain your generation to you because my initial reaction is defensive, but then he pretty much nailed it.  He goes on to describe our generations desire to be constantly-connected, and how we don't know how to exist otherwise.  He is correct.

     What I found so fascinating about his presentation, however, is that it was not at all cynical.  In my blog, I take a look at our generation in a cynical and pseudo-nostaligic manner.  He made me look at it in a different light.  He explained that there is noting wrong with our generational differences and expectations.  He embraced the changing ways of communication, and he emphasized that even his generation must acknowledge that change.  My opinions about taking back game night remain unchanged, but I can't help but see a little more to the other argument.

      In light of today's discoveries, I think I'm going to watch You've Got Mail featuring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.  For the bold among you, however, I highly suggest the original Shop Around the Corner (1940) starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan.  The two films create an interesting look at generational changes in communication.  The same story but one with letters and the other with email, and pretty soon we'll have the next installment with text messaging featuring Zack Efron and Selena Gomez.  I can't wait.  And yes, I remain a little cynical.

Beautiful