Generation Y

Published May 19, 2008

Photo: Taken in Hong Kong, near the giant buddha!  He’s hugeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

A friend reminded me yesterday that we live in a place that’s very isolated from the rest of the world. For many of us, myself included, it’s easy to remain ignorant to the things that are happening around the world. We can pretend to care and for a short time pay attention to the world issues, but let’s be honest in saying that reading about a magnitude 8 earthquake and experiencing it and its aftermaths are not exactly the same. Also similar is how we could never understand what it feels like to be invaded by another country imposing their doctrine upon our state.

But thinking about this, I’ve determined that what’s nice about my generation specifically, is that many of us have an open desire to help and contribute to causes we believe in. I think that in itself is a valuable testament that defines what’s important to us as a generation born without war on our own shores.

In fact, the anti-war sentiment that has been growing in our nation has spawned some great speeches in protest against war, in protest against the republican campaigns that have been damaging to the US culture and stigma of their need to police the world. One example of this was John McCain’s recent visit to New School where he was publicly criticized (see Own3d) for speaking in regards to his political platform at a student convocation. A quote I fell in love with came from Jean Sara Rohe, a student speaker at the convocation who said in regards to John McCain’s character and fear mongering – “Fear is the greatest impediment to the achievement of peace.” (entire transcript here)

I think the generation I am growing up in will bring a fundamental shift to how world policy and issues are dealt with. Once the “old men” retire in politics, it will be interesting to see how our culture will embrace such liberal individuals such as Barack Obama. Already Obama has enormous support with Gen Y, Z+ and I’m looking forward to seeing how his message of “change” and his more humble liberal nature will be able to shift our nations into a more stable global peace.

William Strauss, author of the book Millennials Rising: The next great generation defined my generation as “a generation with a strong sense of civic duty, adept with modern technology, and great at teamwork.” We’re also starting to see Corporate America taking advantage of this knowledge through volunteer programs designed to entice my generation as a competitive advantage. For instance, Deloitte recently started a employee volunteer program which I’m sure they will sell as a “leg up” on their competitors who may not offer that type of initiative. These are all designed to target a generation which feels politics, world culture, and seemingly small causes (you’ve seen those “not a plastic bag” bags I’m sure…) is important.

So ultimately, my generation may be a bunch of sissies compared to the older generation who went through two world wars, the great depression, free speech movement and much more… but we are harder working, contributing more to the overall economy and understand the fundamentals of global change and our responsibility as individuals to help. As much as we may sometimes be ignorant about the world issues facing us today, I believe there is enough evidence showing that Gen Y’ers will aim to make a difference in the long run – we just need some time to mature and grow.