Simply Misunderstood XO

So I heard on the news this morning, not once, but TWICE, that Millennials are the ones who are key to slowing the spread of the coronavirus. If you’re asking who exactly that is, well that’s anyone born in the years 1981-1996 (give or take). As a Millennial myself, of course I have an opinion about this…

Millennials have continuously been stereotyped as some pretty negative things… “lazy” or “too sensitive” or the “participation award” generation. As harsh as it’s been, I can now see why people say these awful things.

I mean look at us! Right in the middle of a pandemic where we were asked to self-quarantine for the sake of those at a higher risk of needing medical treatment if catching the virus…and what happened this past weekend?!? I saw NUMEROUS posts by my friends and people I follow on social media out in HUGE group gatherings and bar crawls! C’mon now!!

This was actually pretty infuriating.

While “we” may think that because our age range is at a lesser risk of getting the virus it’s okay to be out partying, sharing drinks, and probably coughing and/or sneezing in crowds of people (spreading respiratory droplets) – let me just tell you straight up – THAT’S SELFISH!

Obviously not ALL Millennials fit into this category, because hey, here I am writing this…someone who did not partake in any partying this weekend and has gone nowhere other than the grocery store and work (before we were told to work remotely). I sure as hell am NOT perfect, but I AM compassionate enough to consider what’s at stake here and think of others before myself.

I have to admit, at first I did think people were being a little dramatic, but now I understand what exactly the panic is about. They’re not scared of people getting sick as much as they are everyone getting sick AT THE SAME DAMN TIME.

So to my fellow Millennials, please hear this…just because it might not have a direct impact on YOU doesn’t mean you shouldn’t abide by the precautions. Think about your grandparents, little cousins, or any other immunosuppressed friends and family you have. How would you feel if THEY were the ones who got the virus and were told there’s not enough ventilators to help them breathe? That they’re probably going to die because the hospitals are too over-crowded to help them recover?

Hits differently, doesn’t it? Even if it isn’t someone you know personally, I CHALLENGE you to think of others before yourself at least this once!

While we may be required to practice “social distancing” we have this thing nowadays called “social media” which is probably even more impactful in spreading the word to others than any word of mouth – because of how quickly it happens. You can stay in contact with friends and family virtually for the time being. You can share your thoughts about this whole crisis and convince others why they should be abiding by the guidelines. There’s really no need to be out and about drinking and partying during this time.

You’ll get another chance to attend a bar crawl. You’ll get another chance to party with your friends. You’ll get another chance to play the sports you love. You’ll get another chance to attend a concert.

For those who get sick however…they risk losing those chances! So, don’t let yourself be a part of the reason why those people may not get another chance to experience the things being (temporarily) removed from our lives right now.

With that being said, we, as a generation, (yes I’m talking to all you 24-39 year olds!) need to stand up to the world and show them that we’re NOT the “selfish” stereotype that we are perceived to be. We’ve been given a chance to come together as a whole and play a HUGE factor in this historical time we’re going through. Think about it…we’re either going to blow this thing up, or help slow it down. Which side of history would you rather be a part of??

After all, this is going to be talked about in history books for the rest of our lives. Do you want your future kids/grandkids reading how mommy and daddy (or grandma and grandpa) were part of speeding up the outbreak of coronavirus cases? Or that they were the HEROES who helped #FlattenTheCurve??

The choice is yours. You got this. 👌🏼