On April 22, Texas TV journalist Alexis Bloomer posted what could only be called a video rant to her Facebook wall. She starts out trying to figure out why other generations dislike Millennials so much, and she ends with a laundry list of arguments that don't make a ton of sense. Let's take a moment to unpack some of those arguments.
"We're just existing and we're not really contributing anything to society."
Actually, data compiled by Jeffrey Jensen Arnett (a psychology professor at Clark University), shows that Millennials rated “contribute to society,” “correct inequalities,” and “be a leader in the community” as more important qualities than baby boomers. Also, the "rates of teen pregnancy, early sexual intercourse, alcohol abuse, and youth crime are all on a decline."
"We listen to really obscene music that degrades women and glorifies drugs and crime."
As opposed to the sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll of our parents' generations?
"We're lazy, we're entitled and we want to make a lot of money and have free education and not willing to put in the work."
I'm sorry, but getting into college and graduating are a lot of work. Also, we're not looking for free education, but AFFORDABLE education. More-affordable education is not synonymous with easier education or less effort on the side of the students. We still have to put in the work in order to obtain a degree.
In a study done by the White House, it found that more Millennials have a college degree than any other generation of young adults. Millennials are also more likely to attend graduate school than previous generations. We are working hard and striving to achieve our goals.
"Standing up for something we believe in means going on Facebook and posting a status with your opinion."
The logic in this argument is lacking just because of where this video was posted. Her decision to put this up on Facebook contradicts herself. But she's a Millennial after all, so obviously she's going to make mistakes like this.
"The number of followers we have reflects who we are as a person."
Again, her logic is lacking. As a TV reporter, her career is going to be based on how many people are paying attention to her. What's the problem with being proud of an audience that you have cultivated on your own time with your own content?
"We don't respect our elders and we don't respect this country."
The U.S. isn't the happiest place on Earth; this is obvious if you take classes or do some research into the United States. I would respect the U.S. just a little bit more if they hadn't done the whole slavery thing, refused to help in several cases of genocide, and stopped systemically repressing the ethnic groups that live in this country.
"We mock the men and women who are fighting for us and praise those who are fighting each other?"
Um...what?
"We are more divided as a country than ever before and I think our generation has a lot to do with that."
If history has proven anything, this country has some problems that it needs to sort out. But right now, we're not in the middle of a civil war.
"Everything that used to be frowned upon before is now celebrated."
Like same-sex marriage, equal rights for LGBT+ community, equal rights for women, and so many other things? All of which are helping a whole bunch of people live a better quality life in this country? That should be celebrated.
While I understand her frustration with our generation, I don't agree with her vast generalizations. As a TV reporter, she should have conducted herself in a more professional manner rather than ranting in video done on her phone about a generation she belongs to. This video lacks a clear thought process and an unbiased argument. Our society is so quick to blame Millennials or place them in "entitled," "spoiled," "lazy" boxes and take little responsibility. I mean, someone raised us. We are called the "me" generation, but you know who was also labeled the "me" generation? Baby boomers. We are so quick to point fingers without making sure our own hands aren't dirty.
So I ask everyone, not just Millennials and our elders: instead of trying to blame each other for the problems we face as a society, shouldn't we try to tackle them together? By perpetuating this blame game we are only creating cracks in the foundation of the American dream. We all want to succeed and achieve our goals. Why don't we spread compassion and understanding instead of criticism and contempt?
