The problem that has emerged amongst the millennials is the overwhelming and media-fueled generalizations that have led to a demonization of them at every phase of life. As children they were looked at coddled and needing of constant attention; as young adults they were self-obsessed and focused only on checking the necessary educational boxes that were required to move on to the next stage; as working professionals they’re impatient and resistant to the hierarchical make-up that some feel should only be achieved through longevity; and as parents they are raising children via smartphones and who lack the basic understanding of societal norms. Of course, there are plenty at all ages who fit these descriptions to a “T”; yet somehow we think that everyone who was born in that twenty-year period is the perfect storm of dissension and conflict that needs to be “figured out” before our culture is ruined.

One glaring issue with these stereotypes (beyond their ridiculous generalizations) is the long time span in which constitutes the make-up of this generation. Again, using the 1980 to 2000 definition, comparing an individual who was born in 1985 to someone from 1998 is like saying the old Nokia 3300s and the iPhone X are basically the same thing. To make my point, the now famous Beloit mindset list, which is in its 30th year of operation, gives fun and mindboggling examples on just how different someone’s worldview can be when compared to another born at just a few years in either direction. While the kid from ’85 probably still has Montell Jordan’s “This is How We Do It” on a playlist (don’t deny it!), the one from ’98 can go back and enjoy the tweets from their 10th birthday party.

Beyond individual mindsets, when using a term to stereotype an arbitrary group of people based upon your own prejudices or a backwards and/or unrealistic desire to “get back to the good ole days” is a recipe for disaster and pain. I can guarantee you, the millennials who grew up in low income households or helped their single parent raise younger siblings do not have an overwhelming sense of entitlement. Those who have embraced our new economy and are starting businesses or creating new positions within traditional companies do not in any way fit the mold of someone you would call lazy. And in the spirit of maintaining how we were all same at one time or another, find me someone in the mid-20s who isn’t just a little bit arrogant and I will find you a pond without water. If you really want to know what millennials want, like or how they desire to be treated, whether it is at work, in your community, or living across the street…Ask Them! It’s that simple. Quit relying on the opinions of the so-called experts and engage with your new peers and neighbors on a personal level. Because no matter how many articles are written or how many conference presentations are given about the newest students/employees/colleagues/athletes/etc. etc. etc., those of us in our 20s and 30s are done defending our station in this world and are ready to just be accepted as humans walking the planet amongst the rest.