It seems like the Millennials always get the short end of the stick.
We’re thought to be lazy, self-absorbed technophiles, who casually abuse drugs and expect frequent praise for even the most lackluster accomplishment.
But we’re also supposed to be the support pillars that hold up society?
Our wages are pumped into Social Security and Medicaid to keep those institutions going.
Our vices, mostly electronics and consumables, are taxed while soccer moms and business executives can get their Xanax and Viagra written off as mandatory medical expenses, tax free with a small co-pay.
Now, political voices are clamoring that young people need to buy into the Affordable Care Act. Not because it will be cheap or because it is good for us, but rather because it will help support the system.
Young people are less likely to get sick, therefore, less likely to require healthcare. Insurance companies can take that money and apply it toward the more infirm or toward their already-inflated stock prices.
The Christian Science Monitor describes this phenomenon as a “moral imperative” and others are performing variations on that theme. “Citizens’ duty” or “American obligation” are what we Millennials would call bullying.
Where is the reciprocity?
Baby boomers are holding on to jobs longer than ever, pushing back retirement and ultimately preventing Millennials from entering the workforce.
Tuition prices continue to skyrocket, while universities outsource their food service and bookstores to conglomerates that attempt to bleed the last few drops from financial aid disbursements.
We’ve fallen victim to the glamour of unpaid internships, offering “experience” to students and annually saving companies billions.
The national debt, international conflict, environmental decline and irreparable social structures will all be inherited by the Millennials.
Moral imperative is not enough. Political action groups and politicians must begin considering the needs of our generation.
Many of us do not have the Baby Boomer dream of nuclear families and picket fences. We are a generation of travelers, exploring real and digital domains.
As we graduate in record numbers, we’ll go forth with a more progressive and optimistic—albeit a slightly cynical—outlook on life.
Within the decade, we will rise to power as managers, business people and professionals.
It is time for the powers that be to recognize it.
S. David Ramirez may be reached at [email protected].
