The skeptics, the workaholics, and the texters. Otherwise known as baby boomers, Generation X, and millennials.
With each generation comes its own set of stereotypes and judgements.
What often goes unnoticed is the way that these stereotypical behaviors are formed and the impacts that these stereotypes can have on the lives of individuals in a generation.
Due to a difference in time periods, each generation develops their own culture and way of life.
“Each generation has a different attitude because the world is constantly changing and shaping our lives,” said sophomore Jake Stulbarg.
For instance, Generation X, people born between 1965 and 1980, tend to live a focused lifestyle and are stereotyped as constantly working. Meanwhile millennials, people born after 1980, tend to live a more laid back and relaxed lifestyle.
These new cultures and attitudes are often created as a response to the issues that many see around them.
“Older generations create the world that the next generation grows up in and as they grow up, that generation sees problems in their societies and tries to fix them,” said Stulbarg.
According to the American Psychological Association, Generation X showed an overall lack of passion in their lives. Many millennials responded to this lack of passion by staying in their more sheltered lifestyles and depending on their parents until they are able to find a career that allows them to embrace their true interests.
This popular choice lead to the stereotype of lazy millennials who benefit from the work of their elders while distracting themselves with social media.
This stereotype has been analyzed by Jeffrey Arnett, a psychology professor and Ph.D who studies emerging adulthood.
According to the American Psychological Association, Arnett said, "There is such a negative view in our society of this age group. People think that they don't work hard. Yet, there is no evidence of it whatsoever. What is true is that they expect work to be more than just bringing home a paycheck. They are looking for identity-based work, something that they enjoy."
Many young adults feel that they are losing work and school opportunities because of negative views that are placed on their generation by stereotypes.
Senior Annie Klups commented on the stereotypes of her generation and said, “The stereotype of laziness, in particular, is sad because although some millennials are lazy, it leaves those who are hard working to be overlooked and often passed up for leadership positions.”
Others, like Carlmont teacher Kristen Fewins who is part of the millennial generation have been affected by the stereotypes in a more minor way.
“People like to make jokes based on the stereotypes, but those are just jokes. I’ve never been seriously affected by stereotyping, but it is very sad that some people lose important opportunities because of a few individuals in their generation,” said Fewins.
The effects of stereotypes on the individual members of a generation can vary widely, but many hope to minimize those effects in the future to allow for equal education and employment opportunities between all generations.
“Like most stereotypes, these assumptions are based off of the actions of a few members of each generation, leaving all others to suffer from the judgement,” said Klups. “However, I am hopeful that people will change their view of my generation or at least give a person the chance to prove the stereotypes wrong before overlooking them for an important opportunity.”
The Highlander, Feb. 2016
With each generation comes its own set of stereotypes and judgements.
What often goes unnoticed is the way that these stereotypical behaviors are formed and the impacts that these stereotypes can have on the lives of individuals in a generation.
Due to a difference in time periods, each generation develops their own culture and way of life.
“Each generation has a different attitude because the world is constantly changing and shaping our lives,” said sophomore Jake Stulbarg.
For instance, Generation X, people born between 1965 and 1980, tend to live a focused lifestyle and are stereotyped as constantly working. Meanwhile millennials, people born after 1980, tend to live a more laid back and relaxed lifestyle.
These new cultures and attitudes are often created as a response to the issues that many see around them.
“Older generations create the world that the next generation grows up in and as they grow up, that generation sees problems in their societies and tries to fix them,” said Stulbarg.
According to the American Psychological Association, Generation X showed an overall lack of passion in their lives. Many millennials responded to this lack of passion by staying in their more sheltered lifestyles and depending on their parents until they are able to find a career that allows them to embrace their true interests.
This popular choice lead to the stereotype of lazy millennials who benefit from the work of their elders while distracting themselves with social media.
This stereotype has been analyzed by Jeffrey Arnett, a psychology professor and Ph.D who studies emerging adulthood.
According to the American Psychological Association, Arnett said, "There is such a negative view in our society of this age group. People think that they don't work hard. Yet, there is no evidence of it whatsoever. What is true is that they expect work to be more than just bringing home a paycheck. They are looking for identity-based work, something that they enjoy."
Many young adults feel that they are losing work and school opportunities because of negative views that are placed on their generation by stereotypes.
Senior Annie Klups commented on the stereotypes of her generation and said, “The stereotype of laziness, in particular, is sad because although some millennials are lazy, it leaves those who are hard working to be overlooked and often passed up for leadership positions.”
Others, like Carlmont teacher Kristen Fewins who is part of the millennial generation have been affected by the stereotypes in a more minor way.
“People like to make jokes based on the stereotypes, but those are just jokes. I’ve never been seriously affected by stereotyping, but it is very sad that some people lose important opportunities because of a few individuals in their generation,” said Fewins.
The effects of stereotypes on the individual members of a generation can vary widely, but many hope to minimize those effects in the future to allow for equal education and employment opportunities between all generations.
“Like most stereotypes, these assumptions are based off of the actions of a few members of each generation, leaving all others to suffer from the judgement,” said Klups. “However, I am hopeful that people will change their view of my generation or at least give a person the chance to prove the stereotypes wrong before overlooking them for an important opportunity.”
The Highlander, Feb. 2016