Once you begin reading this, most of you will know exactly what I am talking about. In fact, some of you reading this could very well be the people from whom I heard it. You know the expression; come on and say it with me: "When I was your age..."
It seems that every younger generation hears this, as well as phrases like "I'm afraid for our future" and "Look at these kids today." If I did half of what they do today when I was their age... And the cycle goes on, with each new generation bearing the brunt of the previous generation's criticism.
Now that I am at the age where I look upon the upcoming generation and think, "My goodness, these are our future leaders," I find myself reflecting on the past. You know the ones—the Tide pod challenge (what did they even do with those things?) and the bath salt smoking and whatever other silly things they tried in their youth. We, the older folks today, are experiencing what the older folks before us felt. Although, I must admit, some of the current world leaders do seem like they may have had their fair share of Tide pods and bath salts back in the day.
But this is not a piece about the minority of youth we see today. They are just a small portion of today's youth culture. Perhaps they are the ones whose parents’ used television and video games as babysitters instead of investing time in their children, all in the name of success and keeping up with the Joneses.
I want to tell you about the youth I see today—the ones whose parents did invest in them. The children and youth with manners and a sense of right and wrong. THESE are the real children of the future. This became abundantly clear to me over the past few years, and even more so recently. Let me explain.
A few days ago, a storm flared up in our area. You know the kind—booming thunder, strong winds, and hard driving rain. I love these kinds of storms; they bring out my creativity. This storm was no exception. I sat at my computer, clackity clacking away, pausing every now and again to soak in the storm's aroma.
As I continued to type away, I heard the definitive sound of the magnetic screen on my front door zip back together, followed by the worried voice of my neighbor's daughter. She sounded concerned. I left my office area to greet her, and she frantically asked if I was alright. I assured her that I was, without any reason not to be. Curious, I asked her why she would ask such a thing.
"You didn't hear that?" she asked.
"Hear what? The storm? Isn't it lovely?" I responded.
She then pointed out my front window and informed me that a tree in my front yard had come crashing down towards the house. Sure enough, she wasn't kidding.
Anyway, my point in all of this is to say that today's youth are not a lost cause, filled with lazy, mindless, self-centered punks and hooligans, as the media often portrays or wants us to believe. The truth is today's youth are far more complex and diverse than the media gives them credit for. Yes, there may be a few misguided individuals who engage in reckless behavior or make poor choices, but they do not represent the entire generation. It's important not to generalize and dismiss an entire group based on the actions of a few.
In fact, what I have observed is a generation of young people who are more socially aware, empathetic, and compassionate than ever before. They are deeply concerned about the state of the world and actively working towards creating positive change. They are passionate about issues such as (cough cough) climate change, social justice, and equality. They are using their voices to advocate for a better future, organizing protests, starting grassroots movements, and engaging in meaningful discussions.
Moreover, today's youth are incredibly resilient and adaptable. They have grown up in a rapidly changing world where technology has transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. They have embraced this digital era and become digital natives, harnessing the power of technology to connect with others, access information, and create innovative solutions to complex problems.
Contrary to the notion that they are self-centered, I have witnessed countless acts of kindness and generosity from today's youth. They volunteer their time to help those in need, raise funds for charitable causes, and support one another through online communities. They are quick to extend a helping hand and stand up for what they believe in.
Furthermore, the youth of today are incredibly diverse and inclusive. They celebrate differences and reject discrimination and prejudice. They understand the importance of diversity and actively promote inclusivity in all aspects of life. They embrace various cultures, identities, and perspectives, recognizing that our differences make us stronger as a society.
As an older generation, it is our responsibility to recognize and nurture the potential of today's youth. We should encourage their curiosity, provide them with guidance and mentorship, and give them a platform to express their ideas and opinions. Instead of criticizing and belittling them, we should listen to their concerns, engage in meaningful dialogue, and learn from their fresh perspectives.
Let us not fall into the trap of generational bias and perpetuate negative stereotypes about today's youth. They are not a lost cause or a burden on society. They are the leaders of tomorrow, brimming with potential and ready to shape a better future. It is time we recognize their strengths, applaud their achievements, and work alongside them to build a more inclusive and compassionate world for all.
Generation Gap?
Is it a generation gap or is it more like selective memory? This question often arises when we compare different generations and their perspectives. It's natural for each generation to view the world through their own experiences and values, and sometimes this leads to misunderstandings and generalizations.
When older generations reminisce about their youth, they may selectively remember the positive aspects and gloss over the challenges or mistakes they made. This can create a sense of superiority or nostalgia, as if their generation had it all figured out. On the other hand, younger generations may feel misunderstood or unfairly judged when faced with such comparisons.
However, it's important to recognize that societal and technological changes shape each generation differently. The world evolves, and so do the challenges and opportunities that young people face. Each generation brings its own set of experiences and values, which contribute to the diversity and progress of our society.
Instead of pitting generations against each other, we should strive for understanding and empathy. Recognizing the strengths and accomplishments of each generation while acknowledging their respective struggles allows us to appreciate the unique contributions they make to our collective journey.
By fostering open and respectful dialogue, we can bridge the gap between generations and foster mutual respect and understanding. Rather than dismissing the experiences of one generation or another, we can learn from each other, embracing the wisdom of the past while embracing the innovation and fresh perspectives of the present.
So, is it a generation gap or selective memory? Perhaps it's a bit of both. Our memories tend to highlight the positive aspects of our past, while the generation gap arises from differences in experiences and the ever-changing world. Ultimately, we can overcome these divisions by celebrating our shared humanity and working together to build a brighter future.
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