notes on Generation Y, II.

Is your child is an asshole though?

There is a definitive conflict which has been engrained into members of Generation Y. Typically raised by parents who applauded and rewarded for almost every and any "achievement," a sense of entitlement and "worth" has developed within members of Generation Y. Some phrases which can surmise Y-mindsets would be the following; "I deserve this" (used to justify purchases), "I deserve more," "This isn´t worth my time," "I am capable of achieving anything I wish." On a very primal level, a Generation Y member wants to consider themselves "worthy" of the best, whether that is in reference to personal goals, positions in the workplace, or purchasing, and this belief in their own importance can cause conflict with their actuality. This generation has sky-high standards, especially after having been raised surrounded by the 90s notion, "Do what you love" - which is unrealistic, for the most part.

This entitled characteristic and a desire of individuality is in obvious conflict with a basic social requirement, namely of functioning in or as a group, and also conforming to expectations laid down in an office or schoolroom, for example. While a highly-placed level of self-importance may be the case, Generation Y was also typically raised to be tolerant. Thus, though members may wish to function independently, they can certainly "collaborate," putting forward their own skills towards a group´s goal, even if that is done so independently.