Millennials
By Faraz Khan
Islamabad, Pakistan
Millennials make up the largest portion of the current global generation. Quite simply, a millennial is a person reaching adulthood in the early 21 st century (born between 1981 and 1996).
Many millennials have made their mark in government, business, activism, entertainment and sports. Mark Zuckerberg, Beyonce, Prince William are a few influential millennials that come to mind.
Generational personality often comes from events that shape a generation of people as they are growing up. For Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964), it included Communism, the Vietnam War, and the moon landing. In the Pakistani context, this generation faced the brunt of the fall of Dhaka and the subsequent martial law of Zia-ul-Haq. Looking back, this generation had their work cut out for them.
Millennials are the first global-centric generation, having come of age during the rapid growth of the Internet and an increase in global terrorism. As the world has become a global village, the opportunities available to people have increased exponentially. While this has led to higher levels of education compared to previous generations, it has also led to a sense of entitlement and privilege. Many millennials take for granted many aspects of their lives.
Two important characteristics of millennials are worth dwelling over further. This is particularly true in Pakistan where a lot of millennials are stuck in a comfort zone. First, the hard work of the Baby Boomers generation has translated into a comfortable existence for their offspring. As a result, much of the younger generation has not been challenged adequately leading to complacency.
In Pakistan, for example, many of the well-to-do millennials are cruising on the foundation laid by their parents and have made miniscule contributions of their own.
Second, the grit and resolve of millennials has not been tested – having not faced adverse conditions. This is akin to those Pakistani Test batsmen who dominate on featherbed pitches in the UAE, but fail to show the fight on bouncy pitches in Australia and South Africa. The nation has been tested on numerous fronts including terrorism, natural disasters, and now Covid-19. Yet, many of the millennials, especially those from affluent backgrounds, have not faced personal tests. A lackadaisical mindset coupled with a sedentary lifestyle have become synonymous with many millennials.
According to a recent Forbes study, millennials tend to be socially conscious about key global issues such as climate change. In addition, they comprise the most ethnically diverse generation in the past century. Young millennials also make an impact through social media and influencing people worldwide. Activists such as Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg are raising awareness and shaping policy on consequential topics.
It is appropriately noted that with great power comes great responsibility. Millennials have now reached the highest offices. At 34, Sanna Marin is the second-youngest head of government, the youngest female state leader and Finland’s youngest ever prime minister.
Millennials now have role models amidst their peer group.
During these unprecedented testing times, it is imperative that millennials raise their game. The stakes are high and the civic duty unavoidable. There is no better way to reignite the fire in the belly than to get into the arena and strive for positive change.
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