Message to older generations from millennials backfires

A video entitled Dear Older Generations, posted on social media by Global Degree, a group of self-styled 'Millennial Travellers', has been watched 4.6 million times since it was uploaded four days ago, and has sparked strong negative reaction from the demographic it's aimed at. Almost 7,000 comments have been logged about the film on Global Degree's FaceBook page.

The three-minute film, which promotes learning by experience over education in a formal setting, and remote working over being based in “a cubicle”, is part of a web series following a group of travellers as they set out to visit every UN nation in the world.

It opens with the words: “We can see there is a bit of confusion as to what Millennial Travellers are all about. So here’s a message to you that may help. And we should start by saying we’re sorry ...”

Lifestyle choices

It goes on to make a series of apologies for lifestyle choices it feels the older generation may not be sympathetic to, or understand – played out against a backdrop of global locations – and those “older generations” viewers are up in arms.

“We are digital nomads and the entire world is our workspace, classroom, playground and our home. A cubicle is a wooden box,” the film’s narrator states, while exhorting the older generation to go on the road too. “We know you can also see the opportunity and may feel too old or poor to do something about it when really you do have a choice. And if you can’t see this opportunity that’s a problem in itself.”

’Endless love’

The film was supported by the online travel insurance company World Nomads, and many of its clients are unhappy about it.

"A huge thanks to World Nomads for their endless love and support and making this video possible", Global Degree posted on Facebook. "Absolute pleasure guys! This is one of your greatest pieces of work! We love it, and we love you... Thanks for doing such great work for us", Jesse Chard, head of video for World Nomads replied.

However, responses to the film-ad on  Facebook suggests many people are unhappy with the 'Millennial Travellers' stance.

“It’s the people who sit in the wooden boxes that give you all these opportunities”, a commentator posted. “Who’s gonna pilot the plane? Anyone know a professional pilot?”, queried another, in response to the rejection of formal education.

‘Lack of appreciation’

“What job is this that you are talking about? You can work on the beach around the world so that you can fund your travel experiences with only your online courses background?” asked another.

Lack of appreciation is a common thread. “What about thank you for the older generations who paved the road, fought and died for your freedoms so that you can travel and live life as you wish?”, chided another commentator.

On Twitter, travel and food writer Robyn Eckhardt had this to say: "If you're a non-millennial traveller who buys @WorldNomads trav insurance have a look. And consider a diff provider."

But this particular bunch of ‘Millennial Travellers’ aren’t listening.

“Call us entitled, privileged or whatever names you want, but excuse us for ignoring you and proceeding forward,” the film states.