Generation Y: not as lazy as you think

    Am I the only person who has ever wondered why we were labeled Generation Y?  It seems that Generation X got this cool, mysterious and hard-core title, and when they came to us, they saw nothing important and just went with the next letter.  For lack of a better word, it’s unimpressive. 
    Many people in the past have said it’s because we are spoiled, zoned out, hyper-active and have “never seen a real American war.”  At least that’s what my 68-year-old neighbor said.  Of course, these derogatory comments exclude my roommates and myself.
    Well, the zoned out part may have been true, but that’s what happens when you introduce Adderall to a bunch of 12-year-olds.  Trust me, methamphetamine salts do not mix well with young kids, but that argument is for another time.  Yes, our generation has been slighted in the past.  We have been labeled as unimportant, a generation to simply be brushed to the side.  We didn’t invent the automobile, or even the Internet for that matter.  We also didn’t fight the Nazis, or see the horror and pointlessness of Vietnam.  In essence, we’ve been told we lack the abilities and situational upbringing to be “good contributing Americans”.
    No, we didn’t invent the automobile, but we are working on ways to rid ourselves of this gasoline addiction and it’s accompanying problems.  Nope, didn’t make the Internet, though we did create and master blogs and social networks that make our communication and information levels hundreds of times more powerful than other generations.  No major wars… unless you count the one that began with the largest attack on American mainland soil.
    Personally, these types of excuses hold about as much weight to me as anything Mark Zuckerberg or Tom tells me (shameless Generation Y joke).  Same goes for the belief that we can’t accomplish anything within our government or be “good American citizens”.  Our generation is large, diverse, strong and willing.  We are understanding, and able to see two sides to each story.  We care about our rights, as well as our protection.  We do not blindly follow.  We want what’s best for all of us, not just one party.  We care about our individuality and privacy.  And best of all, we don’t back down to challenges.
    In 2004, our generation was the catalyst that reversed the 30-year decline in young voters.  Our generation is also as big, if not bigger than the Baby Boomers.  By 2015, Generation Y will make up 37.8% of the U.S. electorate!  All over America young individuals are showing their power.  In Milledgeville this Monday, we witnessed student’s asserting their right to be heard so much it overwhelmed the system!  This isn’t just in Middle-Georgia either, it’s nationwide.
    Generation Y is not breaking the rules, we’re changing them.  To continue success, we have to keep fighting.  If you’re not registered to vote, register now.  You only have until Oct. 9 if you want to be able to vote this November.  Go to the InfoPage and click on the Rock the Vote! button.  It’s easy and fast.  Pretty soon, they will have to change our name to the Generation of Leaders.      
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Posted by Colonnade Archives on Oct 6 2006. Filed under Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry