The #ME Generation

The millennial generation is under fire. This category for people born from the early 1980s to the early 2000s are now products of the over-parenting era, and older observers are not all impressed.

In Vanity Fair magazine, millennials are perceived to be “a spoiled, entitled legion of precious snowflakes who expect prizes just for showing up, pout when they’re insufficiently petted, and never go anywhere without slathering on creamy layers of self-esteem.” Ouch!

On ESPN.com, NBA team owner Robert Sarver observes the effect of the millennial culture throughout his Phoenix Suns. “My whole view is that they have a tough time dealing with setbacks. I’m not sure if it’s the technology or the instant gratification of being online. I’m not a fan of social media. I tell my kids it’s like Fantasyland. The only thing people put online are good things that happen to them, or things they make up. And it creates unrealistic expectations.”

But maybe this #ME generation will fare better in sailing.

In Sailing World, Corinna Halloran provides a hopeful piece on how there is a generation of millennials from the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race that are now having to forge their own path…

“On July 1, 2015, having reached the pinnacle of offshore racing, 24 young sailors are hit with a harsh reality: Suddenly they are out of a job. As graduates of the Volvo Ocean Race’s under-30 requirement, they’re back in the pro-sailing unemployment line, standing alongside teammates and competitors way more qualified.

“But they’re millennials, and when has age ever stopped them from achieving their dreams? The Under 30s are part of the generation that has consistently said, ‘If the job isn’t there, I’m going to create it for myself.’ And that’s exactly what these young Volvo veterans are doing.” – Full report