Is Cancel Culture a Product of Millennials and Gen Zs' Influence?

Do Millennials and Gen Zs truly exhibit a strong sense of entitlement, as some individuals, particularly from older generations, suggest, especially on social media? I strongly disagree.

From my earliest memories, terms such as "entitled," "cry-baby," and "demanding" were not directed at Millennials and Gen Zs, as we were either too young or not yet in existence. Instead, these derogatory terms were used frequently by older generations to describe individuals within their own generations. So why, then, are the younger ones now unjustly burdened with these labels, especially when there are individuals from their own, like the infamous "Karens," who also exhibit entitled behaviors?

Before proceeding, let's unpack the derogatory terms "entitlement," "cry-baby," and "demanding."

According to the Oxford dictionary, the word "entitlement" dates back to the late 1700s, "cry-baby" emerged in the late 1850s, and the adjective "demanding" likely surfaced in the 1800s. This historical context suggests that decades and centuries ago, many individuals were already perceived as entitled, cry-babies, and demanding.

But why are the younger generations being labeled with these terms by older generations? Here are my thoughts:

Technological Advancements

During the formative and teenage years of the older generations, social media did not exist, limiting the ease with which they could express their grievances and opinions.

Only privileged individuals had platforms like newspapers, magazines, and pamphlets to voice their opinions. Celebrities and public figures also had privileged avenues to express their discontent through press conferences and interviews. These privileged people could call out for a boycott of a product, other people from their social level status, and companies. We call that boycotting now as "cancel culture". 

Today, technology has amplified expression, enabling everyone to voice their opinions through various channels like social media, online forums, and reviews. If older generations had access to today's technology, the outcome would likely be similar.

Population Growth and Amplification of Voices

Imagine a scenario where two or three babies cry in a one-hectare vicinity—it's tolerable. However, when hundreds cry simultaneously, irritation sets in. With the increasing global population and technological advancements, it feels like we're bombarded with more complaints. Even if the percentage of entitled individuals remains constant across eras, current generations seem louder due to their larger numbers.

Advocacy for Equality

Similar to past movements advocating for equal rights, such as the women's movement for equal rights and suffrage in the early 1900s, millennials and Gen Zs passionately advocate for justice and address modern forms of inequality and abuse. 

Unfortunately, in the pursuit of our rights, some individuals misuse these privileges, straying from genuine causes and instead focusing on personal desires and entitlement. This contributes to additional reasons for labeling the younger generation with entitlement. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that older generations also had their share of individuals who misused their voices. Blame for abuses should not always be directed solely at the younger one.

The Impact of Online Reviews

While some view online forums and review sections as avenues for entitlement and ranting, I hold a different perspective; I see them as innovative platforms. In the past, traditional media primarily showcased positive news, often due to paid press releases, which could result in biased coverage. Conversely, today's online platforms allow individuals to express negative feedback about businesses like restaurants, hotels, and services without censorship and without the fear of losing money from advertisement. This transparency enables a more balanced representation of experiences and facilitates constructive criticism, fostering improvement rather than perpetuating a cancel culture mentality.

Entitled Millennials and GenZs is Unfair Generalization

Comparing generations with bias against younger ones is unfair. While the inclination to glorify one's own generation is natural, fairness should prevail. The term "cancel culture," used by millennials and Gen Zs, is merely today's version of boycotting—an age-old practice that transcends generations.

Every generation possesses both positive and negative attributes. It's crucial to acknowledge this diversity and avoid generalizations. Each generation brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, and fostering understanding and unity across age groups requires a balanced perspective.