The biggest story of the week by far is BREXIT… Britain’s now infamous vote to leave the EU. You already know the story, and there’s nothing more that I could add. But I came across an article published by MSNBC: How Baby Boomers Defeated Millennials in Historic Vote.
So what do you know, guess who voted for it. This is noteworthy since those who aren’t going to have to live with the consequence of their decisions made a choice for those who will. Of course the response to the MSNBC article was pretty typical.
I thought just for funzies I would show you some of the comments.
Those who cause pain get really pissed off when you tell them they’re hurting you. This particular angle of the story was covered by Salon: Baby boomers ruined America: Why blaming millennials is misguided — and annoying. It’s a couple years old, but the information is still correct. If anything, things seem to have gotten worse.
I remember a few years ago sitting in a coffee shop working on an article or story or maybe playing solitaire, who knows. Sitting behind me was a gaggle of millennials discussing everything from love, to relationships, to politics. While they weren’t intentionally loud, groups this size tend to get a little loud and a little rowdy so it was easy enough to listen in on occasion.
What I noticed most about their conversation was their optimism. They actually believed that they were going to find the love of their life, that they could make American politics better, and even with the economic climate, all they had to do was get creative and they’d find a way to make a good life. Hell, these were probably the same kids who bought all that “hopey-changey” stuff.
I remember laughing derisively to myself and thinking, “Yah, give it a few years. Life is going to kick your ass.”Then I held my hands together and looked up at the sky and laughed maniacally.
Thankfully, that thought was immediately followed by another—more compassionate thought. “Why would I EVER want to steal someone’s optimism or idealism just because of my own cynicism?” Who does that? Oh, those commenters above. But I don’t want to be anything like them. I know why they do it, though. Misery loves company. If they can’t be happy, neither can anybody else!”
I don’t know if any of these commenters has ever had a discussion with a millennial, but it’s quite rewarding. I have found (most of) them to be wonderful people. They’re intelligent, passionate, compassionate, and a breath of fresh air. Now, to be clear, that’s totally anecdotal. However, Forbes Magazine points out that they’re much better at the hopey-changey/lovey-dovey thing than the boomers ever were.
“They have been affected by the events of September 11th, the housing bust and the financial meltdown and have survived but with debt, student loans and no jobs. They’re tech savvy, diverse, connected and are activists for personal rights such as gay marriage and healthcare. While some consider them narcissistic and entitled, the reality is that they want to make a difference, have a positive effect on our lives and push business forward not back.”
Baby boomers grew up after the war and when society begin to change, they resisted it. Millennials have never known a world without the Internet, or cell phones, or the Kardashians (and for that last one, I am truly sorry). They’ve always had access to information so they’ve never needed to fear evolution, or sexual differences, or who’s in what bathroom.
But the point of this article isn’t really to defend millennials or to vilify boomers. Here’s reality: We need each other. We have a lot to offer each other if we’ll just listen to each other.
Sitting across from some of my young friends sharing a cup of coffee and a joke and some insightful conversation I am taken, once again to that place where I can feel inspired. Where my cynicism no longer controls me. I can see that maybe some of those dreams “aren’t dead yet, but will be stone dead in the morning” if I don’t do something about them.
I can also share with them what may be up ahead—not to deflate their hopes, but to prepare them. If I can prepare them for any roadblocks that might be in their way, they have a better shot at success.
I think what really worries me is that they will become discouraged and give up… it’s certainly understandable that they might. But I will do everything in my power to make sure that it’s never because of me.