The Importance Of Millennials In Today's Society

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Parents want what is best for their kids, right? What if what was originally thought to contribute to the growth of today’s youth is hindering their success? Millennials had their start during the “Generation Me” movement¬¬— making themselves their top priority. This has led to a sense of self-importance and selfishness, both unadmirable traits from an employer’s perspective. Generation Me was also the start of increased protectiveness and overparenting. Millennial kids were sheltered from the world around them and the problems that can stem from it. Although parents had the best of intentions by protecting their kids, this practice only encouraged the idea that Millennials do not have to conform to the world around them, despite opposition. …show more content…

In “The Indispensable Opposition”, Walter Lippmann states that "the right to speak freely and to act in opposition is a noble ideal rather than a practical necessity." However, students of the Millennial generation have given educational institutions a hard time with this. Students are bringing a movement to campuses that “scrubs campuses clan of words, ideas, and subjects that might cause discomfort or give offense” (Lukianoff and Haidt). This process is meant to protect the emotions of students and prevent conversation over controversial or possibly “triggering” subjects. The blatant censorship that students are demanding from their professors and peers prevents ideas and information being spread, ruining the educational experience. If students are not capable of participating in conversations covering a potentially offensive topic or accepting opposing viewpoints, how will they function in their place of employment? For example, during my sophomore year of high school, my class was having a debate about whether gay marriage is right or wrong in terms of The Bible. The teacher asked our class to stop discussing this topic because certain students were offended by the subject. Our debate was not demeaning or harmful, we were just sharing opinions and ideas. Personally, I was offended that select students in the class felt offended by simple opinions. I was censored due to someone else’s discomfort; even though no shaming …show more content…

This would require the “Generation Me” to come to an end. Instead of focusing solely on what one can do for themselves, teach kids to improve themselves and the world around them. Today’s Millennials will one day become parents, and parents cannot be selfish with their children. To work effectively in an office environment, one must be able to work within a team. While it is important to teach self-confidence, it should not lead to inflated egos and cockiness. Overparenting also must come to an end for Millennials to succeed. If adult mentors shelter children from any situation that might cause distress or discomfort, how can they grow into mature, functioning adults? They simply cannot. Censoring speech and content covered in schools and other settings a child or young adult might face does not prepare said child for difficult situations they will face later in life. To become a true adult, Millennials will have to be accepting of opposing opinions and be open to discussion on controversial or possibly triggering subjects. Creating real life situations by structuring classrooms like businesses and helping them make their own informed decisions will properly prepare Millennials for the workforce and adult life. As for the current situation, Millennials have been set up for failure by parents and educators by sheltering their

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