There are times when two (or three) generations dont always agree on the same things; be it politics, world issues or family issues. There are many reasons for disagreement, such as one generation will think they know better than the other, and vice versa. The young generation or a middle generation may not have the wisdom or the experience of an older generation but it doesnt mean they are less clued up, are not intelligent enough to formulate an educated opinion or dont watch the news.
We live in a world that has changed from the world it was before. These days, people have more access to information, breaking news and everything that is happening around the world due to technology and social media. Young generation has grown up with information being available at the tip of their fingers and they are in a better position to know more about what is happening around the world. It would be terribly wrong of us to put them down as naive and ill-informed.
While it may not be deliberate on their part, but older generation (and often middle) tend to possess a condescending attitude that cannot see a person younger than them as being right and they, being wrong. However they are teaching the next generation to do the same with the generation after them and it is a very bad example to set. There is also a matter of pride that prevents us from accepting that we could be wrong and from accepting another person having a useful viewpoint. This matter of pride is prevalent in older and middle generations and is copied by younger generation.
The generational gap should not only exist to show noticeable difference in the way we think but should exist to forge bonds between older, middle and younger generations by learning from one another. An older generation can share insights from their own experience, while the younger and middle generations can offer a fresh insight and approach to a problem/viewpoint/issue. We should learn that no one particular generation is “right” but each one of them have opinions that need to be listened to and respected.
I have personally experienced this and each time I am told I don’t know anything, I am left disheartened. I listen to the news, I read wide and I am an educated woman and yet I am made to feel that my opinion holds no value. I have lost confidence in even discussing some issues with people anymore because psychologically I have been made to feel dumb. Attitudes from all generations can only change if we accept, tolerate and nurture different viewpoints and step down from this attitude that we know best.
Perhaps we could start with
” You know what, you could be right but let’s talk further on this, shall we ? “
I read this and thought its worthy to share.
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Tags: Gaps, Gaps in Viewpoints, Generational, Generational Gaps, Generational Gaps in Viewpoints, Viewpoints, Views