I cannot provide you with one name for myself. Though various media outlets consider me a member of “Generation Z,” I have often and consistently been mislabeled as a millennial: prefers to be in touch with technology rather than people, intelligently able to find solutions to issues quickly, and makes a decent amount of money.
- Socially resourceful through technology
Mom: I was groped by a man on the train. What should I do?
Me: I’ll think of something.
Google: …?
Dad: You’re smart. Rather than me having to end things, maybe you can write a nice post on Facebook about how your old man needs a kidney.
Me: I’ll think of something.
Facebook: …?
I am not a millennial.
…
The day my uncle told me that I was killing my father because he continued to work full-time to pay for my college education, despite him being prone to kidney failure, I called my half-sister, and she said, “Just do you.”
Along with “millennial,” people provided additional definitions for myself:
Academic Advisor of Color: Self-sabotager
Caucasian health counselor: Not a good fit
European studies professor: Wrong
Peruvian ex-friend: Fake
My unconscious: Poor nigger
- Makes a decent amount of money
After two years of university, I worked an entry-level job at a tech start-up in Times Square. I was the youngest employee and often did not feel a part of the conversations that took place.
Co-Worker (MongoDB Computer Software Lead Engineer; late-twenties; six-figure salary): I received my master’s at Columbia, and I received an offer from Uber and Google. When you think about it, anybody can work at Google. I’m sorry, what were you saying on the phone?
Me (MongoDB Patron; 20; $15.13/hr): My father is under kidney dialysis, and my mother underwent chemotherapy.
Mom (Background Actress; 46; $10.50/hr): He’s right, anybody can work at Google and make a lot of money.
Homeland [generation] says no.
…
- Prefers to be in touch with technology rather than people
I visited a youth organization that focused on helping urban young people of a low socioeconomic status. I wanted to learn more about becoming an intern; instead, an intake counselor mistakenly signed me up as a youth member.
After asking me personal questions about my family dynamic, income, and sex life, the intake counselor told me I was officially entitled to free counseling, health services, and free meals. I went to see a therapist once a week and participated in youth group discussions.
Kid with lisp unsure how to mourn the death of his brother.
Therapist: Just close your eyes.
Teen confused about her summer spent at a mental institution.
Take a deep breath.
Friend internally conflicted about being a black boy who cries.
Wiggle your toes.
I did not look at my phone.
iGeneration begs to differ.
…
In NYC, names referring to myself continued to be conflicting:
Jamaican-Belgian co-worker: Precious
Kind therapist: Anthropologist
Black preacher: Israelite
Old friend: Genius
Who am I?
I am not a figure of pity nor a pudding who eloquently rephrases systematic repressions, but one who refuses to speak of my generation with half a mind or one hand tied behind my back.
My unconscious: Painter of hidden portraits.
This article was edited on March 5th, 2018, to protect the anonymity of an individual who did not wish to be mentioned in this article.