A bit of common sense

 A portrait of the Millennial Generation was “painted” by the PEW Research Foundation in a collection of recent studies. Millennial: A Portrait of Generation Next examines each generation  of Americans, but in particular the youth. Since Obama’s presidential race, the value and power of young voters has taken on new meaning.
The fact that we’ve been observed and have a report dedicated to our habits and behaviors puts a bit of value in knowing who we are. Who are we? Or at least, what are they telling us we are? The study started in 2006 and continued into this year, observing values, attitudes and behaviors of the 20-somethings and teens. It’s interesting to know what’s been learned about our demographic. Are we stupid or smart? Democratic or Republican? Internet-obsessed? Unemployed? Pro-choice?
One thing we are is adults, a.k.a. the new voting demographic to be reckoned with, as Obama’s presidential run proved. Millennials account for a huge chunk of the population, roughly 95 million, and most can vote. A huge note the PEW study hit on was young Americans’ attitudes toward government. That note said young Americans trust the government to do its job and support bigger government as a way to make life better in this country. But pro-government doesn’t mean pro-Democrat; it just means expanded government, in whatever direction that might be.
The study repeated the five characteristics that define millennials: confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat and open to change. So basically, we’re a remix of every adjective the Obama campaign won on. All this feel-good optimism is happening despite the recession. The Y Generation is more ethnically diverse, considerably less religious, less likely to be married, and have had a higher percentage graduate from high school and enrolled in college. The whole optimism attitude might sound like a Pepsi ad, but apparently it’s true; life seems to be more diverse and more educated than past generations at the same age.
Almost half of millennials are now sporting tattoos, and half of those with tattoos have more than one. Two-thirds of polled millennials admitted to texting while driving and 80 percent said their cell phone is on throughout the night, ready to receive texts or calls at any and all times. But only 37 percent of 18-to-29-year-olds is currently employed, making this generation the most unemployed at their age in over 30 years. Despite being at such odds in the workforce, seeing as how the recession is keeping unemployment at a fairly constant 10 percent, millennials claim to be optimistic about their future earning potential.
So what does being optimistic actually mean? We probably could have called the fact that we were upbeat; we’re young and it makes sense. Since the study was released, differing opinions have cropped up on how to use this information to access millennials. One fact remains true: this voting demographic matters because we represent not only the trends in the future to representatives, but also the mood the nation will eventually adopt. If there is a general consensus in favor of gay rights (another fact pulled from the study), the future will reflect these ideals. Some of the hottest issues today that stir up old-time values will eventually become dated arguments, with a clearer consensus on the direction to go. Whether Republican or Democrat is unclear, but the millennials want the political story that matches their mood, which is liberal-leaning and open to change.
Obama started tapping into this resource, but what’s left to come will be far more interesting. We are looking for something, and the politicians who can adapt their message in a way that recognizes millennials and reaches out, could have the driving force of a major demographic. When a politician can create a story the youth support, politics in America could truly change, change to reflect the youth.