Millennials

Response to these two articles: 1) http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/how-to-live-without-irony/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0  2) http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/01/opinion/sunday/millennial-searchers.html?pagewanted=2&_r=0

The first article, "How to Live Without Irony" by Christy Wampole, address the current trend of being insincere and sarcastic.  She states that Generation Y, also known as the millennials , have been excessively using irony as a mask to hide from any real emotions.  Wampole explains that irony is "a function of fear and pre-emptive shame, ironic living bespeaks cultural numbness, resignation and defeat" (Wampole). By making shallow jokes, the millennials have managed to close off themselves to criticism.  When being ironic, one is essentially mocking them self; therefore, "no attack can be set against it, as it has already conquered itself." (Wampole).  Generation Y is losing the art of connecting to others because of the mass obsession with insincerity.

The second article, "Millennial Searchers", by Emily Esfahani Smith and Jennifer L. Aaker addresses a similar phenomenon.  This piece explains the shift in life goals over the past few decades.  Previously, people were primary concerned with making a living, however, in recent years, the trend has shifted to preoccupation with giving one's life meaning.  Social psychologists have defined meaning as "a cognitive and emotional assessment of the degree to which we feel our lives have purpose, value and impact". Studies have shown that people tend to show greater concern for others during economic hardships than in times of prosperity. Perhaps this is why the millennials have adopted the focus on this goal.  This general is living through the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression.  It only seems natural to have concern for the other people sharing this misfortune.