Informality Amongst the Millennial Generation

Thesis:
            Compared to other generations, the Millennial Generation has lost the ability to stay away from informality in the areas of communication, formal wear, and behavior in the work place.
Body Paragraph:  
            When speaking to authority figures, it is rare to hear “sir” or “ma’am” leave the tongues of this new age bracket. The Millennial Generation (born between 1982-1990s) has adapted a very casual way of communication with all levels of individuals. Even in emails to professors, one will substitute the word “you” for “u.” We use day-to-day slang when speaking to our bosses or parents, and we believe that we can talk to whomever we want, however we want. We say what is on our mind very boldly and without hesitation. Lynne Lancaster, author of The M-Factor: How the Millennial Generation is Rocking the Workplace, reiterates this notion when she says, “Xers and Millennial seem to have no problem being upfront with higher-ups, which isn’t always appreciated” (2). My own experience confirms Lancaster’s point of view. While in calculus class, the president of the University of Houston, Renu Khator, paid a surprise visit. During this time, a student impolitely and consistently interrupted her, talking to her loosely as if he was talking to a foe rather than someone to be respected. Moreover, the Millennial Generation, children of Generation X-ers (born between 1964-1982), valued autonomy, flexibility, and informality. One might wonder how we became so informal in communicating with other individuals. The fault lies on the shoulders of our parents. Generation X was raised by parents of wealth, the Baby Boomer generation. The Baby Boomers were raised in the growing economy and sexual revolution (Fogg 27). This means Generation X did not have to pay too much attention in the work place because of the confident and wealthy background in which they grew up. This confident characteristic has been passed down to the Millennial Generation and contributes to their informal attitudes at work. In today’s society, we deliver “in a care-fully diplomatic or casually frank style” (Lancaster 2). Again, my experience in the work place strengthens Lancaster’s point of view. My store manager comments very freely on how her associates are doing - often cursing or even putting down her employees. This informal communication style results from a domino effect that originated during the time of Generation X and then passed down to their children of the Millennial Generation, causing such an informal and laid back work environment. There is not much evidence for the opposing side of the argument saying language has not grown and developed in a negative direction since the Baby Boomer era.