A Generation of Slackers? Not So Much?
Catherine Rampell’s essay, “A Generation of Slackers? Not So Much?” dissects the reasons why older generations, such as Generation X and the Baby Boomers are convinced Generation Y, otherwise known as Millennials, are lazy. She give examples of said laziness based on differences in work ethic, education, and technology’s influence on each generation going so far as to admit some Millennials believe generations before them have stronger work either. However, her objective throughout the piece is to prove that Millennials, despite their views of older generations or themselves, are hardworking and attempt to be productive.
Rampell begins logically, citing the high unemployment rate in juxtaposition with the recession and the reality of the working world Millennials face every day. She goes on to reassess the presence of technology essentially being the life of a Millennial since infantile amnesia wore off. Not knowing a day without a television, computer, or perhaps even a cell phone, she cites Millennials are equipped with more resources than distractions. Furthermore, she blames the digital divide for the negative attention Gen Y receives from older generations, seemingly forgetting all generations now have access to the internet. She does, however, touch on a relevant point, explaining technology has enhance the Millennial in the workplace, allowing them to switch between tasks more efficiently than older generations based on the constant over stimulation they have received. Defending Millennials again, Rampell inquires that perhaps Baby boomers look down on Gen Y because they are more apt to take a job sitting in front of computer all day, rather than working with their hands.
It was clear Rampell’s mission was to show Millennials were not the lazy, do-nothings they are touted as by older generations, but it was difficult to believe her until she cited Don Tapscott’s Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing Our World, wherein Tapscott interviewed 11,000 Millennials about various aspects of their lives in order to prove the title of his book. For example, in her essay Rampell had stated Millennials are not lazy and are actually doing their communities good because they are more apt to work together, and understand the benefits of working together. They also volunteer more. This information was backed up by Tapscott’s data collection, as he found most Millennials understand nothing considered extravagant will get done without teamwork. More importantly, they are happy to participate in teamwork, unlike former generations who appear to be distrusting and would rather work alone. This was but one of many instances in Tapcott’s reading that kept me involved in Rampell’s essay.
In sum, Rampell wanted to take up the cause for the misunderstood Millennial, showing the world they are worth their salt despite what other generations may think. Understanding the odds are against them, she attempts to explain not only those odds, but what Millennials attempt to do in the absence of a thriving job market. She does not mince words about how older generations feel toward Millennials, giving the piece an honest feel. In the end, however, the essay comes off as slightly desperate, even if the purpose is clear, as Rampell gives reason after reason why Millennials should not be looked down upon. It is her use of outside information that makes it relevant to some readers.
Works Cited
Rampell, Catherine. "A Generation of Slackers? Not So Much?" 28 May 2011. The New York Times. Electronic. 7 September 2016.
Tapscott, Don. Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing Your World. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2088. Print.
