Millennials are screwed; what defines your generation; and Generations in the workplace?
Every generation has a unique perspective about who they are compared to other generations. However, it is crucial to recognize that at any one time, whether in the household or workplace environment, at least two generations are interacting. Intergenerational interactions in the workplace are common today, where generation X will be required to work with millennials (generation Y) to meet labor needs (Allen 165). Allen claims that the intergenerational interactions portray conflicting needs, attitudes, and values, among other diversities. Therefore, the concept of age matters significantly because, based on individual perceptions about a particular generation, a person will either be affected negatively or positively. I will respond to the video, What Defines Your Generation, in relation to Allen’s views and claims about age matters.
The video illustrates how people of different ages respond to the question, what defines your generation. Based on the responses, the younger children believe they are wiser than their parents and older adults because they can operate electronic gadgets better or easier. On the other hand, the millennial generation, to which I belong, perceive themselves as self-important, self-aware, creative, capable of breaking the glass ceiling, and innovative. The millennials are also titled the “ask for more generation” and are believed to be more privileged to achieve dreams and desires, unlike older generations (SoulPancake 1). Finally, the older generation believes it was the best because it paved the way for monumental changes in society, including women’s rights to equality. The older generation also believes that they were more ambitious and hardworking compared to the millennial generation. Based on my analysis of the video, some of the ideas shared have some truth, and every individual believes they are the best generation because they can do something better than previous generations or have achieved more than current or past generations. Therefore, what defines my generation?
As a millennial, I believe that my generation is defined by inadequate guidance, empowerment, and support. The millennials have so much potential, and based on the present society and its challenges towards the millennial generation, most people within the group are unable to realize their potential. A generation is defined by their life experiences and the society they live in. for instance, Allen illustrates how during the industrial revolution, children the age of five had permanent jobs working in the textile industry (168). Such children, who make up the present older generation adopted a work ethic at a young age and developed into hardworking citizens. The transition of children from being economically useful to being emotionally prices discouraged child labor and encouraged play. The transition of ideology relating to the value of children influenced a change in the demographics of future generations.
In evaluating the material for this assignment, I believe that a generation is defined by its achievements and individual perception of success compared to other generations. Despite the unique perspectives and self-praising nature seen from the video from different age groups, it is important to recognize that intergenerational interactions are inevitable. Collaborations between people of varying age groups succeed by inviting and respecting intergenerational perspectives (Allen 179). Every generation has something positive to offer to complement or improve a situation. Therefore, even though the older generation may think of themselves as more hardworking, or better in other ways, they also need the millennials to offer innovative solutions and the children to help operate new technologies. In as much as the definitions differ across generations, we are all one in the present, and we need each other to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Work Cited
Allen, Brenda J. Difference Matters: Communicating Social Identity. Long Grove, Ill: Waveland Press, Inc, 2011. Print.
SoulPancake. What Defines Your Generation?. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RqZQ_XOMbI&feature=youtu.be. Accessed 12 Nov 2020.