Evening Spectacle:
Fireworks/Lightning
Sport/Activity:
Open Wheel Racing
Summer Vacation:
Door County, WI
Art in Architecture:
Peerless Calatrava
Who are the Millennials?
Understanding the Generational Time Line
Although generations are not defined by hard and fixed dates, the Millennial Generation, or Generation Y (Gen-Y) as it is also known, is generally agreed to begin with those born in 1982. This makes for an easy remembered reference point as those who were in the high school graduating class of 2000 of later.
A more complex issue is when the millennial generation ends. Normally, generations are considered to be approximately twenty years in duration with the end typically marked by a significant historical event. The Silent Generation (1925-1945) ended at the close of World War II. The “Boomers” (1946-1964) ended with the assignation of President Kennedy. Generation-X (1965-1981) ended at the point when the personal computer (PC) was introduced, thus beginning the modern technological revolution.
With GenY beginning in 1982 and adding a twenty year period, the natural end of the echo boom would be 2001. The next questions becomes whether there was a significant historical event in 2001 that might provide the impetus of generational change. The answer of course is a resounding “YES.” 9/11 certainly fits the requirement.
However, that does not necessarily mean that 2001 marks the end of the digital generation. Although those born after 9/11 are still very young, to date there does not seem to be any indication of a significant difference that would herald a behavior change. So when will the Nintendo generation end? Today no one knows for certain. Possibly, in a few years, 2001 will come to be known as the end point for generation NEXT. Only time will tell. For now, what we know is that the generation of digital natives will be the largest generation in the history of the United States.
Although Millennials is their preferred term, they are also frequently referred to as:
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Gen Y
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Echo Boom
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Digital Generation
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Nintendo Generation
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Generation NEXT
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Digital Natives
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Sunshine Generation (Canada)
View John's Millennials Professional Speaking One-Page
Millennials (Gen X, GenY) Professional Speaker
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