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December 17, 2013

See: Restless Collective’s Beautiful Photographs of Millennials Around the World

By Julie Ma

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Photo: Alan Winslow

In 2011, photographers Alan Winslow and Morrigan McCarthy hopped on a pair of bikes and embarked on a global mission to interview and photograph as many members of the Millennial generation as possible. Over a span of three years, they cycled (and later, drove around in a Honda Element turned “mini-camper”) to 24 different countries and met roughly 700 people between the ages of 18 and 32. Their project, a candid, ongoing documentation of members of this generation, is called The Geography of Youth. “We had friends going to war and friends moving back home with their parents,” Winslow and McCarthy told the Cut in an e-mail. “We pretty quickly set to work designing The Geography of Youth with the intention of asking questions about our generation and what unites us on a global scale. There’s a lot of static out there about Millennials, and we wanted to allow members of our generation to speak for themselves.”

From 2011 to 2013, they rode from Alaska to Argentina, then around Europe and Morocco with only the bare necessities (a camp stove; a tent; wool-clothing items from their sponsor, Ibex; a laptop; four hard drives; sleeping bags; bike tools; sunscreen; and bear spray in Alaska and Canada) and photographed every Millennial they met along the way with Leica ME cameras. In the spring of 2013, after settling down in Brooklyn after their adventures, Winslow and McCarthy, 29 and 30, opened up their the Geography of Youth website for online submissions. In total, the site has over 1,000 participants from more than 34 countries answering questions on everything from whether they feel like adults to if they believe they’ll accomplish their dreams. By next year, they’re planning to turn The Geography of Youth into a public art show that will be shown worldwide. The Cut spoke to Restless Collective about the most surprising lessons they learned about Millennials on a global scale, the moments they became “adults,” and their adventures around the world.

What’s the backstory of Restless Collective?   
We met in the summer of 2007 while we were both working at the Maine Media Workshops, a small photography school in Rockport, Maine. We moved to Brooklyn after that summer and came up with the idea for our first project: an 11,000-mile bicycle ride around the USA to document Americans’ opinions on the environment. It was during this project that we started noticing how disparate the lives were of people our age. [After we finished it], we pretty quickly set to work designing the Geography of Youth with the intention of asking questions about our generation and what unites us on a global scale. There’s a lot of static out there about Millennials, and we wanted to allow members of our generation to speak for themselves.

How many years total have you been interviewing Millennials? Is this still an ongoing project?
We’ve been interviewing Millennials for three years now, and reading about and studying our generation for four. The project is currently open to public submissions! We’re excited about the public submissions because it allows the project to reach into communities that we haven’t visited, and it allows Millennials some space and time for reflection. We’ve received profound and honest submissions throughout the entirety of the project, but thinking about your life on your own time adds a dimension of introspection that’s hard to reach when you have two photographers standing around waiting for you to finish your survey.

In your Kickstarter video, you mention that you wanted to find out if our generation really is as connected as we think. What did you two find? And how do you feel about interconnectivity and our generation’s dependence on social networks, in general?
We found our generation to be even more connected than we thought. In every small town on every continent we visited, there were young people online, reading the same news articles, posting on the same social media sites, sharing and connecting with the world in the same way. We suspect that the rapid expansion of the Internet and especially the global proliferation of social media are the main factors in our generation’s more or less cohesive Weltanschauung. There is no question that social media has changed the world we live in, but it’s everywhere and there’s no going back. There’s not much sense in lamenting a simpler way of life, and the positive ramifications of social media are exciting and, in our minds, far outweigh any negative behaviors that are associated with its development.

Can you tell me the story behind the bikes? Did you end up running into any problems with them?
While we were planning our first project, Mo’s father offhandedly mentioned that he had a college friend who had cycled across the country. We jumped on the idea. The idea of being totally self-contained and self-powered was appealing. Plus, who doesn’t love a good adventure? Fortuitously, traveling by bicycle is inexpensive, and so it ultimately allowed us to go a lot further and photograph more people than we had originally planned. Waterford Precision Cycles donated us two custom steel-framed touring bikes and they held up beautifully. Actually, they held up longer than Mo did: Her knee blew out from overuse when we were in Northern Africa. After several months, it became clear that she wasn’t going to be able to ride again, so we turned a Honda Element into a micro-camper (put a bed and stove in it), and traveled the USA continuing the project.

What were some of the more surprising lessons you took away from the project? There are so many articles on the Millennial generation that seem so “American” — yet, in terms of interconnectivity and tech dependence, it’s a global phenomenon.
Oftentimes in the media, Millennials are portrayed as being self-centered and overly picky about our careers — which is off-handedly attributed to our being coddled or spoiled. We’ve found our generation actually displays a sort of fanatic emphasis on the greater good. Those who are being perceived as picky or privileged are often simply seeking work they can feel good about doing. As a global generation, we aren’t subscribing to the idea that stability is everything. We’re pushing to find jobs and careers that allow us to contribute to whatever cause we’re passionate about. We care deeply about arts, the environment, social justice, politics, and equality. Perhaps this is because we are a generation that is hyperglobally connected and, as a result of the myriad of tools at our disposal, so socially aware of global issues and our own small parts we play in them. The stereotypical Millennial in her parents’ basement playing video games surely exists, but in our travels and observations, she is by far the minority. Most Millennials we’ve met on this project are passionate, engaged, and interested in thinking outside the box.

Borrowing from your own questions: When do you think you became an adult? And what exactly does being an adult mean to both of you?
Morrigan: I think that I became an adult while traveling for The Geography of Youth. Throughout most of my twenties, I would have said I was an adult, but felt a little wishy-washy about it. Somewhere along the way, I became more confident in voicing my opinions, more steadfast in my goals, and more at peace with my life choices. To me, that’s adulthood.

Alan: Two years ago I would have said that I’m in a transition stage of my life, somewhere between being an adult and not. This past year, however, I’ve started to get a better understanding as to who I am: my strengths and weaknesses. I believe that living on my own and making my own career choices brought me close to feeling like an adult, but confidence in my life and career and having a better understanding of myself brought me fully into adulthood.

Restless Collective Photo: Courtesy of Restless Collective
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1 / 16 Photos
Avni, 31 I am from: Tallahassee, Florida. I currently live in: The same- ugh. I currently live with: My damn sassy cat who is like a really sma... Avni, 31 I am from: Tallahassee, Florida. I currently live in: The same- ugh. I currently live with: My damn sassy cat who is like a really smart Kardashian. Occupation: TA/Grad Student. Do you consider yourself an adult? Half of the week. When did you become an adult? Age 23, when I started teaching high school. 10 years from now I see myself: Working, teaching, writing. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life? Pretty likely. Life’s kind of rad already. What is the biggest concern in your like right now? Finishing school- finding a job. Photo: Copyright Morrigan McCarthy. 2013. All Rights Reserved.
Ana, 27 I am from: Nicaragua. I currently live: in Esteli, Nicaragua. I currently live with: My husband. Level of education completed: Univ... Ana, 27 I am from: Nicaragua. I currently live: in Esteli, Nicaragua. I currently live with: My husband. Level of education completed: University. Occupation: Teacher. Do you consider yourself an adult? Yes. When did you become an adult? When I began to take care of another person (my daughter). 10 years from now, I see myself: With a better job and better income for my family. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life? If I work hard and trust in God. What is the biggest concern in your life right now? My daughter. Because I think I want to do the best for her. Photo: Copyright Alan Winslow. 2011. All Rights Reserved.
Margolynn, 31 I am from: Winslow, Arizona. I currently live in: Gallup, New Mexico. I currently live with: My little girl, Philisionnii. Level... Margolynn, 31 I am from: Winslow, Arizona. I currently live in: Gallup, New Mexico. I currently live with: My little girl, Philisionnii. Level of education completed: High school. Occupation: Teacher assistant. Do you consider yourself an adult? Yes. I have a little girl to support in my life. When did you become an adult? When I knew I was going to have a little girl, I knew everything was going to change and it did, so I set her first in my life. 10 years from now I see myself: I see myself finishing college and having a good job with one of the public schools and having a good life. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life? I know if I work hard at all of my goals and dreams I can get anything that I want. I love my life and what else can I say. What is the biggest concern in your life right now? My little girl. She is my world and I would do anything for her so I decided to go back to school and make it more brighter for her. Photo: Copyright Morrigan McCarthy. 2013. All Rights Reserved.
Alina, 23 I am from: Ukraine. I currently live in: Slovenia. I currently live with: Alone. Level of education completed: MA. Occupation: PhD-... Alina, 23 I am from: Ukraine. I currently live in: Slovenia. I currently live with: Alone. Level of education completed: MA. Occupation: PhD-student and Teaching Assistant. Do you consider yourself an adult? Not much. When did you become an adult? The element of seriousness and responsibility did appear maybe at 12. When do you think you will become an adult? Never and always together. 10 years from now I see myself: As a person who made a lot of things and projects (which partly I have in my mind and partly have no idea what will come to me in a week). How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life? 100% and even more. What is the biggest concern in your life right now?: Does any structure in reincarnations exist? Shall I come back to Ukraine? Shall I refuse to eat not only meat, but also milk and eggs? Why the world was created with pain? Why the murder had to be made as a component of the world? Photo: Copyright Alan Winslow. 2012. All Rights Reserved.
Meleia, 21 I am from: Red Lodge, Montana. I currently live in: Lewiston, Idaho. I currently live with: My son and mom. Level of education c... Meleia, 21 I am from: Red Lodge, Montana. I currently live in: Lewiston, Idaho. I currently live with: My son and mom. Level of education completed: Graduated high school. Occupation: School to be a cosmetologist. Do you consider yourself an adult?: Yes. When did you become an adult?: At 19, when I became a mother. 10 years from now I see myself: With a family and my own salon. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life?: Very unlikely ‘cause you have to work for what you want. What is the biggest concern in your life right now?: My son. Photo: Copyright Alan Winslow. 2013. All Rights Reserved.
Kristin, 24 I am from: St. Paul, Minnesota. I currently live in: A big house in Galveston, Texas. I currently live with: 7 other people. Le... Kristin, 24 I am from: St. Paul, Minnesota. I currently live in: A big house in Galveston, Texas. I currently live with: 7 other people. Level of education completed: 2 years of college. Occupation: None for now. Do you consider yourself an adult?: No. When do you think you will become an adult?: I felt like an adult until the moment I learned I was pregnant. That made me realize how young and unprepared I feel. Adulthood might come alongside feeling like a good mother. 10 years from now I see myself: Less interested in proving myself to others… more calm. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life?: I love my life and am proud of my choices, but I’m a restless, anxious person and don’t foresee total satisfaction in my future. What is the biggest concern in your life right now?: The person allegedly developing inside me. Photo: Copyright Morrigan McCarthy. 2013. All Rights Reserved.
Ismail, 22 I am from: Chefchaouen, Morocco. I currently live in: Chefchaouen, Morocco. I currently live with: Family. Level of education co... Ismail, 22 I am from: Chefchaouen, Morocco. I currently live in: Chefchaouen, Morocco. I currently live with: Family. Level of education completed: 3 years in University. Occupation: Right now I study and work on the weekends and summer at a sandwich place, but I want to be an art teacher. Do you consider yourself an adult?: Yes. When did you become an adult?: 13 years. 10 years from now I see myself: Teaching art with a house, home, family, work, all of these things. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life?: Of course. What is the biggest concern in your life right now?: Studying psychology in University. This is a good thing for me. Also, being away from my lover… Photo: Copyright Alan Winslow. 2012. All Rights Reserved.
Changi, 28 I am from: Changwon, Korea. I currently live: Vancouver, BC. I currently live with: Myself. Level of education completed: Finish... Changi, 28 I am from: Changwon, Korea. I currently live: Vancouver, BC. I currently live with: Myself. Level of education completed: Finished 4 year degree at University.Major, Chinese. Occupation: Traveler. Do you consider yourself an adult?: No. When do you think you will become an adult?: After marriage. 10 years from now I see myself: I hope to work at GM, like my father. I came here to learn better English so I can have a more advanced job. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life?: Yes, because I can do everything I want. What is the biggest concern in your life right now?: My family. If my family is safe, nothing else matters. Photo: Copyright Alan Winslow. 2011. All Rights Reserved.
Jean-Louis, 25 I am from: Paris, France. I currently live in: Paris, France. I currently live with: -- Level of education completed: Doctor... Jean-Louis, 25 I am from: Paris, France. I currently live in: Paris, France. I currently live with: -- Level of education completed: Doctor. Occupation: Radiology Intern. Do you consider yourself an adult? Yes. When did you became an adult? When I got my diploma, 1 year ago. 10 years from now I see myself: In a country other than France. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life? 80% What is the biggest concern in your life right now? Enjoy every moment. Photo: Copyright Morrigan McCarthy. 2012. All Rights Reserved.
EJ, 21 I am from: Sugar House, Utah. I currently live in: Sugar House, Utah. I currently live with: Friends. Level of education completed: ... EJ, 21 I am from: Sugar House, Utah. I currently live in: Sugar House, Utah. I currently live with: Friends. Level of education completed: Freshman year college. Occupation: Pei Wei Asian Diner- Wok Chef. Do you consider yourself an adult?: Yes. When did you become an adult?: 20, I was legally an adult at 18 but had a lot of growing up to do still. 10 years from now I see myself: Living outside Utah, stable job/career, nice home, hot boyfriend/partner. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life? On a scale of 1-10, 10 ‘cause if I want it that bad, I’ll make it happen eventually no matter what. What is the biggest concern in your life right now? Dating. Lol. Photo: Copyright Alan Winslow. 2013. All Rights Reserved.
Antonio, 27 I am from: Chile. I currently live: Chile. I currently live with: My grandparents. Level of education completed: University. ... Antonio, 27 I am from: Chile. I currently live: Chile. I currently live with: My grandparents. Level of education completed: University. Occupation: Filmmaker. Do you consider yourself an adult? Si. When did you become an adult? When I completed my studies. 10 years from now, I see myself: With my own production company. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life? Very probable. What is the biggest concern in your life right now? Raising the capital for my project. Photo: Copyright Alan Winslow. 2012. All Rights Reserved.
Carlos, 29 I am from: Costa Rica. I currently live: Monteverde, Costa Rica. I currently live with: My wife and our son. Level of education ... Carlos, 29 I am from: Costa Rica. I currently live: Monteverde, Costa Rica. I currently live with: My wife and our son. Level of education completed: University. Occupation: “Tourism.” Do you consider yourself an adult?: I am a person capable of assuming responsibilities. When did you become an adult?: I think 15. When I left home to live on my own. 10 years from now, I see myself: Same as now. Trying to be happy everyday. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life?: Working for people and with people is the best that I can do. What is the biggest concern in your life right now?: Not sure. Photo: Copyright Morrigan McCarthy. 2011. All Rights Reserved.
Pol, 26 I am from: Vancouver, BC, Canada. I currently live: Victoria, BC, Canada. I currently live with: My cat, the Kraken. Level of educatio... Pol, 26 I am from: Vancouver, BC, Canada. I currently live: Victoria, BC, Canada. I currently live with: My cat, the Kraken. Level of education completed: Post secondary. Occupation: Radio DJ. Do you consider yourself an adult?: Maybe a little. When did you become an adult?: First mortgage payment. When will you become an adult?: Fatherhood. I’ll start wearing cardigans. 10 years from now I see myself: Same level of happiness, much greater riches. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life?: Very likely, it all depends on my own motivation. What is the biggest concern in your life right now?: Money, the future of my career, and setting up a lasting partnership/relationship. Photo: Copyright Morrigan McCarthy. 2011. All Rights Reserved.
Ricky, 28 I am from: Ireland. I currently live in: London, England. I currently live with: Other homeless folk. Level of education complete... Ricky, 28 I am from: Ireland. I currently live in: London, England. I currently live with: Other homeless folk. Level of education completed: -- Occupation: Landscaper. Do you consider yourself an adult?: Yes. When did you became an adult?: 16, when I began supporting myself. 10 years from now I see myself: A home, steady job and beautiful children. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life?: Hard to tell right now, but I’m planning on 5 to 8 years. What is the biggest concern in your life right now?: Being homeless and missing my family. Photo: Copyright Alan Winslow. 2012. All Rights Reserved.
Raj, 26 I am from: Detroit, MI. I currently live in: Los Angeles, CA. I currently live with: Co-Worker. Level of education completed: Maste... Raj, 26 I am from: Detroit, MI. I currently live in: Los Angeles, CA. I currently live with: Co-Worker. Level of education completed: Masters. Occupation: M.D. Do you consider yourself an adult?: Yes. When did you become an adult?: After my first real heartbreak. Circa 21 years old. 10 years from now I see myself: With mild arthritis in my knees, falling all over the world. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life?: If I had 3 wishes & a genie, I would say 100% likely. What is the biggest concern in your life right now?: Electronic medical records at the hospital. Photo: Copyright Alan Winslow. 2013. All Rights Reserved.
Lucy, 24 I am from: Arequipa, Peru. I currently live: Arequipa, Peru. I currently live with: My parents. Level of education completed: Supe... Lucy, 24 I am from: Arequipa, Peru. I currently live: Arequipa, Peru. I currently live with: My parents. Level of education completed: Superior. Occupation: Secretary. Do you consider yourself an adult?: Yes. When did you become an adult?: When I started to become independent. 10 years from now, I see myself: With a home and a steady job. How likely do you think it is that you will eventually get what you want out of life?: It is 100% for sure. What is the biggest concern in your life right now?: Becoming sure of my own capacities. Photo: Copyright Alan Winslow. 2012. All Rights Reserved.
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  • millennials
  • the geography of youth
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