"Only ever cultivate enough ego to be confident in yourself & in the things you create. Let your vanity end there. Arrogance/hubris =weakness" -Dallon Weekes
I've always been perplexed by my generations idea of self. While on some days I see millennials as an incredibly self loathing generation plagued with depression and suicidal tendencies, on other days I see something completely different.
On some days I see a group of young people that would put Kanye West's vanity to shame. Sometimes I can't help but wonder why we think we are so much better than others, namely other within our own generation.
I often hear my fellow students say things such as "This isn't worth my time, I'm better than this club/class/musical group/ect" or "I mean, she's just an English major, she can't be THAT stressed. At least not as stressed as people with real majors". Or the ever present judgement of students that may not want to stretch themselves with extracurricular activities as much as others.
In this world it's an unforgivable sin to make a spelling error. Thou also shalt not admit to struggling academically. The punishment for not understanding a seemingly simple mathematical concept is stoning. We all must present perfect images to the world around us or face the deathly glares of those who are superior to us, (which somehow manages to be everyone and no one at the same time).
The truth of the matter is this world we have created of perceived perfection is toxic. We are all afraid of failure and not measuring up to our peers, so, we adopt false egos in hopes that no one will notice that fear. False egos that in turn make everyone around us feel inferior, and thus the cycle continues. A cycle that within this past year alone has taken the lives of two of my close friends.
So what is the solution to stopping this viscous cycle?
To put it simply, I don't know. But I do have an idea.
We have to admit to each other, that we are scared. That we in our early 20's are all terrified of failure. Then we must build each other up rather than tearing each other down. If you see a fellow student struggling, offer to help. When you don't get the part you wanted, still step up to the plate to make the show the best it can be for those who did. When you don't make the team, show up to every game to support those who did.
When you do get the part, treat everyone involved with the respect you would want. When you do make the team, do your part to make those who didn't feel less alienated.
Admit you are a afraid. I know I am.
-Ellen
