Posted Mar 10, 2017 by Michael L. Brown

The millennial generation has famously been described as Generation Me – or, to cite the title of a 2013 Time article, the Me, Me, Me Generation – and there is certainly some truth to that description. On the other hand, millennials have demonstrated many outstanding qualities, which is why the Time article contained these two subtitles: “Millennials are lazy, entitled narcissists who still live with their parents” and “Why they’ll save us all.”

As for the self-evident self-centeredness of many millennials, this is partly the result of their upbringing and environment, as they have grown up in a culture of indulgence, a culture of narcissism, a culture of radical, leftist, campus ideology (which often revolves around “my feelings”), a culture of me-focused social media, which finds its ultimate expression in the selfie.

Do those of us who are older (I turn 62 next week) really think that we would have been much different had we been raised in this same environment?

As for the very clear strengths of many millennials, they do have a strong social conscience, they do want to change the world around them, they do want to get involved, and they have transcended some of the racial and ethnic boundaries that plagued us in the past.

I’m speaking, of course, in general terms, and there are endless exceptions to each of these two categories (weaknesses and strengths).

Still, the overall patterns seem clear, which leads me to the question posed in the title of this article: Why are the millennials protesting?

One obvious answer is that they’re upset with the way the world is going, and this is their way of expressing their anger and frustration.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to deduce that, and I’m sure that’s part of the answer. But is it the entire answer? Perhaps not.

An article by Ewan Morrison on PJMedia.com carries the provocative heading: “Social Justice Syndrome: ‘Rising Tide of Personality Disorders Among Millennials’.”

He points to something called High Conflict Personality Disorder and notes that, “A 2016 UK survey found that, since 1990, rates of depression and anxiety among the young have increased by 70%, while the American Counseling Association has reported a ‘rising tide of personality disorders among millennials.’ That such disorders appear to be an acute problem with this generation may be an unintended outcome of the unprecedented experiment conducted in the 1990s and 2000s by progressive parents.”

This begs the question: Is something else going on in these millennial protests? Could there be more than a cry for social justice at stake? (Morrison says the answer is yes.)

A 2012 article on Healthline.com noted that, “Depression is an epidemic among college students,” citing statistics that indicated that “1 out of every 4 college students suffers from some form of mental illness, including depression,” that “44 percent of American college students report having symptoms of depression,” that “75 percent of college students do not seek help for mental health problems,” and that “suicide is the third leading cause of death among college students.”

Is it that far-fetched, then, to ask if there are several factors driving today’s social justice, protest movement among millennials? And is there a gospel-based solution to the cry of their heart?

I answer those questions on this video, and I’d love to hear your response – especially if you’re a millennial yourself.

Sign Up or Login to post comments.

Comments

user profile
Jose Gonzalez posted a comment · Mar 11, 2017
Excellent point about the Millenial's underlying sources of grief (broken homes). ANOTHER reason: mourning for their aborted siblings: 1/3 of the children of baby boomers were aborted. Also: 33% of all Americans are now born out of wedlock (66% for Black, 42% Hispanics) Illegitimate children, children of divorce, growing up in broken homes and mixed families, all have grown up outside the Covenant & are unsure that they are TRULY loved.
user profile
Rev. Randy K. posted a comment · Mar 10, 2017
Why Are the Millennials Protesting? It's really very simple. 1.) They have been brain-washed by the majority of godless liberal teachers and professors in our schools who were brain-washed by THEIR teachers and professors when they were in school. Unfortunately, it is a vicious cycle that has been going on for at least two generations now, and is only continuing to increase. 2.) Add to that all the godless liberal Television programs and movies that mock Christianity and morality and godliness and instead, endorse the godless liberal agenda. 3.) And then top it off with the fact that the overwhelming majority of our national news media (TV, radio, and print) are godless liberals who make no bones about supporting the liberal agenda. So, it's really is no wonder. Here's a recent, shocking statistic from the "Harvard Institute of Politics" that proves my point. 51% of 18 - 29 year olds say they do NOT support capitalism. However, 33% DO support socialism. In light of these statistics, is it any wonder Bernie Sanders (an outspoken socialist) garnered so much support in the last Presidential election? Unless there is some radical monumental change in the direction our country is headed, we are only a generation away from becoming a socialist country. Sorry to upset your proverbial fruit basket all you "7 Mountain" proponents, but these are the facts.
user profile
Wafaring Stranger posted a comment · Mar 10, 2017
My belief is that they do indeed care, but they react more out of pity rather than compassion. Helping others out of pity tends to fulfill the needs of one's self, whereas compassion is focused on the ones needing help. We need to teach them the same compassion that our Lord Jesus Christ had for us. Mark 8:2, as well as"many other places in the Gospels, is a good example. The Greek word that is translated as "compassion" gives much insight into the deep feelings that Jesus has for us.