The Generation Gap Today!

Are Millennials The Worst Generation Yet?

by Raenetta Robinson, Feb 24, 2016 // At Hampton University

"Back in my day..."

Words that somehow open a portal, transcending vivid moments of childhood, and earlier years into clearer view. A simple phrase, with the ability to open a can of worms, comprised of opposing notions and thought-provoking conversation. A conducive idiom that lets you know, 'right there, is where you went wrong,' and even if you were unsure of your offense you were definitely about to find out.

Blame evolution for this generational gap. It’s a social problem uncapped. I understand that things were harder back when you were growing up, and I may slack off a little too much for the fraction of work that has been duly laid in my lap. However, I did not ask to be born in a time flourishing with golden opportunity, and egocentric people.

You must understand this generation has a new responsibility to the Common Era. The social political climate of this world we live in has changed, and you must rearrange your ways of thinking, so that we can all be on the same page. We just want to redefine the world, and you're scared because it's different, but different doesn't always mean wrong. You have years of wisdom and exposure to share, and we may not always be ready to listen. However, I'm aware that some of the best lessons are learned through personal experience. Therefore, for the sake of this argument and every argument like it, we can agree to disagree.

I must admit you are not the only ones at fault. Many younger individuals lack a general respect for older value/belief systems which only enhances the problem. Today's “Millennials” are categorized as technologically savvy and lazy, having been burned-out by growing up in a world of violence. In other words, we are narcissistic, social media obsessed, and undeservingly entitled. A 2013 TIME article even referred to Millennials as “The Me Me Me Generation.” We are engulfed in ourselves, maybe, but who is to blame when we are only trying to fit the molds stigmatized by society? This generation and those generations to come, must gain an understanding and appreciation of past philosophy in order to effectively fill this gap. According to the famous quote by Dr. Carl Sagan, “You have to know the past to understand the present.”

Generational gaps are essentially ‘information gaps,’ in that, children often have access to information and opinions that their parents did not while growing up. A generation gap can be defined as differences of outlook or opinion between people of different generations. They are formed when two age groups begin to see the world from significantly different perspectives, and emerge with greater frequency as the rate of societal change increases. Belonging to a generation is the combination of “a state of mind” and an age grouping. Aside from age, each generation has its own set of trends and attitudes that clearly distinguish them from the rest. So I know you miss the good ole days, believe me I do too. I’m beginning to miss the simpler times with flip phones and real conversation, actual music videos on BET/MTV and other network stations. I don’t know, this new technology is nice and all, but it’s becoming even a little too much for me. I realize that sitting and reminiscing on good times help you treasure and appreciate the past fully.

What to take from this, you ask?

The inevitable will always prevail: we are forced to adapt to an ever changing society, so the only thing we can do is continue to live, and continue to learn. Try not to judge, and when you can enlighten others to this social problem, do. Remember, you can’t stop progression because progress will progress. It’s a fact of evolution.

source:https://www.theodysseyonline.com/generation-old-generation-new (accessed on May 15, 2017)