Summary

The article "Lament for Generation Y" reflects on the author's personal discontent with being labeled a "Millennial" despite identifying more with Generation X characteristics.

Abstract

The piece titled "Lament for Generation Y" delves into the author's frustration with generational labels, particularly the transition from being identified as part of Generation Y to being called a Millennial. The author recalls childhood memories, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and owning a Cabbage Patch doll, and significant historical events like the Gulf War, which they believe align them more closely with Generation X. The article expresses a sense of loss and confusion over the shift in generational identity, especially when the term "Millennial" carries negative connotations of entitlement and self-importance. The author admits to occasional Millennial tendencies but ultimately feels a stronger connection to the grunge era and the cultural touchstones of Generation X, leading to a self-coined term "Meh-linneal" to describe their generational limbo.

Opinions

The author feels that generational labels are arbitrary and subject to change without clear reason, which can lead to a loss of identity.
There is a perceived negative stereotype associated with the term "Millennial," characterized as "a self-important, entitled turd."
The author believes that their personal experiences, such as witnessing the Gulf War and the fall of the Berlin Wall, are more reflective of Generation X.
The author expresses a nostalgic connection to Generation X through cultural references like the music of Kurt Cobain and the grunge era.
Despite acknowledging some Millennial traits, the author rejects the Millennial label in favor of a hybrid identity, terming themselves a "Meh-linneal."
The article suggests that the act of defining generations is fraught with "bullshit" and is more about societal perceptions than concrete facts.

Lament for Generation Y

Can a generation die?

It can in name.

Posterity is to blame

For the death of Gen Y

How is it

That a generation

Loses its designation?

Simple — bullshit

When I was a boy

I understood that I

Was in Generation Y,

This term I did employ…

Until one year ago,

When I heard,

From a little bird

That that was not so.

I read an article,

And, oh dear!

Because of my birth year

I am now a “Millennial”

I hate that word

Because, you see,

I believe the millennial to be

A self-important, entitled turd

In the absence of Generation Y

I share more characteristics

With Generation X.

I’ll tell you why

I do recall

The fall

Of the Berlin Wall

And owned a Cabbage Patch doll

Grim Reaper sat on a wall. Grim Reaper had a great fall. He stood up asked a man, “What side is this?” The man shrugged and said “Diese Seite ist die best!” Photo by Hoite Prins on Unsplash

I remember Bush number one

Sending troops to attack

Saddam and Iraq

In 1991

However, my ascension

To the modern time

Is tagged by a crime

On September 11, 2001

So call me a Millenial

If it pleases you

But you’ll also have to

Recognize my occasional…

…need to abstain

From social forays

And “light my candles in a daze”…

…say what, Kurt Cobain?

It is unavoidable

I’m Gen X in my heart,

But I play a Millennial part,

I am a hopeless “Meh-linneal”