“Entitled”. “Self-absorbed”. “Vain”. These are the words commonly used to describe my generation. At a glance, I guess I can understand the misconception as an outsider looking in. We’re constantly on our phones- taking selfies, updating our statuses, scrolling through the many tweets on our feed (oh how I’m sure some are already lost or annoyed by the lingo)... So as an outsider observing a generation glued to their phones and expressing anger not just to parents, but outwardly to the world, I suppose I can understand the attraction to these words. The issue with this is that most are unwilling to get to know our generation and learn to counteract these insulting labels. Considering that I am a part of this generation, maybe I can change help with some insight.
My generation (born in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s) has not only grown up in a revolutionary time period in regards to technology, but also in a different world. In the beginnings of our schooling, computers were introduced as a part of our education. Social media was introduced before some of us even hit puberty. This presented itself not just as an outlet, but a way to connect with others in ways not previously possible. With such an opportunity came the usage of such, and thus we began to express ourselves to our friends and to the world. Some may not understand why we want to share so much, but with the world we had been handed, it seemed like the best option.
To give you some perspective (at least for Americans) imagine, a world in which 9/11 wasn’t a predecessor to elementary school. Imagine, a world in which war seemed optional. A world in which the American dream seemed truly possible. If you’re a generation previous to my own, I’m sure you can. However, that isn’t true for my generation nor the one after us unfortunately. We grew up and have continued to grow up in a world where nothing is guaranteed except the online log of information, feelings, and photos that many have added to with the help of social media. Thus, we wanted to guarantee at least something for ourselves.
With the introduction of a camera phone, we now had photographic gratification. Then with the introduction of a front facing camera, the world was our oyster. We could take pictures of what we wanted to remember, but now we could include ourselves in any picture without the help of someone else. And yes, I know that along with my generation everyone else experienced this phenomenon too. The difference is, everyone else had to wait for this opportunity until they were older, while it was practically just handed to us. Feeling as though this was the only opportunity guaranteed, we took advantage of it and now it’s ours. The selfie revolution adds to the classification of this generation because we alone have been enough to inspire it.
What I like to refer to as the selfie revolution is essentially the act of taking and uploading selfies (or other pictures) as if it was second nature (which it is at this point for many). Millions if not billions of faces have graced the internet with their presence. Although most may not understand this, this selfie takeover is nothing to shy away from or look at in disgust. While some may view it as an increase in vanity and self-absorption in the generation most known for participating in it, selfies are a form of self love and self expression.
There is nothing better than feeling awesome and being able to take a picture to 1.) commemorate this moment and 2.) share it with the world. If you feel good about yourself, why not share it with the world? Like I said previously, this is self love in its finest. Especially if good self-esteem or a good mindset isn’t your forte, being able to show off a good moment is invigorating. Not to mention, the best part of it all is the love shown back to us by others.
Those who are a part of the selfie generation don’t degrade anyone for their selfies because they know first hand what goes behind each and every one. They know that if someone writes #feelinmyself with their selfie, not only are they referencing the glorious duo Nicki Minaj and Beyonce, but they’re feeling good about themselves. Whether it’s physical or emotional, it doesn’t matter. If someone is feeling great then that’s always a cause for celebration. Let the likes roll in.
Now of course, what I’m saying doesn’t apply to everyone and while there may some bullies, trust me when I say they are far from being the majority and they are not what this movement or our generation stands for. The “Selfie Generation” or “millennials” (or whatever anyone wants to call us, although some consider millennials to be born as early as 1980 also) doesn’t stand for intolerance. Instead, we are the generation who fights so intensely against this and rather, for acceptance.
Whether it’s through the encouraging words of multiple tumblr users or the likes from other similarly-aged individuals or comments containing the fire emoji or some heart eyes, the clear majority of this generation is accepting and encouraging of self-love. Since this generation so greatly craves acceptance and understanding ourselves, as well as a place to fit in when the world has seemingly done its best to knock us down, why would work so hard to tear each other down even further?
Every generation and every age group and everybody in general of course has difficulties and obstacles it has to face. However, with the use of social media, millennials are able to unite so strongly across the country and across the globe, in a way no generation before has been able to do when they were our age. We’ve already created a glorious movement of unity throughout this generation so that we can take this world we are soon to inherit and make it beneficial for everyone. It may have started with a selfie takeover, but soon enough our morals will infect the masses.
The negative adjectives that many like to use to describe this generation, like the ones mentioned earlier in this piece, are either very wrong or at least used in an inaccurate and negative context. Some may call taking selfies “vain”, but is it so wrong if it’s an act of self love? Some may call us “entitled”, but how could we be when we’ve been entitled to nothing? And if wanting respect and equality is acting “entitled”, is that so wrong? If we’re so “self-absorbed”, why would we take the time to like someone else’s selfie? How could we be “self-absorbed” when we fight so hard for everyone’s acceptance?
When learning about the selfie generation (as opposed to making assumptions), some adjectives that may come to mind may instead be- “loving”, “accepting”, or “brave”- but those are just a few suggestions.
