Old Generation V/s New Generation

It may be difficult to believe that there might be many differences between a previous generation and the current, but it is so. What are these differences? Are the changes for the better?

In the generation of our parents there were significant differences that set them apart from us. In the previous generation there were more schools that were strictly all boys or all girls. Manners were important; the deference made to the elder by the younger was significant. There was less of a dependence on technology, personal skills being more valued than how fast you could use a computer. Clothing is also something that has changed, before there was a clear social line on what was appropriate and what was not.

The making of schools co-ed has been one of the failures in this generation’s education. The constant throwing of young men and women together, especially during their rough teenage years, has led to nothing but a lot of infractions and confusion on how they should be acting. This day’s generation seems to have no idea how to behave, the rules of etiquette and common decency are seriously lacking. The elder are treated with contempt, our generation is rebellious, not wanting to follow the rules but what we want to do instead. Today we are very dependent on technology, every year brings something faster and supposedly better than the older model. Many of the previous generation have expressed their doubts if any of us can survive without technology, as we must constantly carry some device around with us wherever we go. Today we walk down the main street of town in our pyjamas or dress in depressing colours with chains and way too much makeup or piercings. We look lost, as if we do not know what to do with ourselves and so we latch onto the newest thing in order to derive some entertainment or meaning.

Therefore, this generation is not up to par with the previous generation. That is not to say that our parents’ generation was without fault, but we have done little to rectify those mistakes. This current generation has pushed for faster things, not having the patience to wait but always on the move. Our chances in surviving without technology are very slim, because few will actually bother to learn something when they can just look it up. The current generation needs to find their purpose, or they will wander from shiny toy to shiny toy without really living.

A difference in opinions, values, attitudes and lifestyle among people of different ages is called 'generation gap'. Due to these differences, people belonging to different generations find themselves unable to relate to each other. This communication gap between successive generations is not a new phenomenon. Parents and children across the world have been facing this problem. Due to fast-paced modern lifestyles, parents and children hardly find time together. The children, thus unable to express their thoughts and ideas to their parents, turn to friends for advice who are as inexperienced as they are.

Today's children are born into a competitive world and have a struggle to get everything. Many a time their true potential gets overshadowed in the rat race. Parents- burdened by the expectations of the society- end up forcing certain subjects and careers and lives that their parents have chosen for them, children are left lost and confused. Parents, on the other hand, feel that in this rapidly changing society where everyone is so self-centred, it is their duty to protect their children. Parents tend to feel that their children require guidance. This cannot be denied. But their constant monitoring makes children feel oppressed and they tend to turn rebellious. It is essential for parents to talk to their children and treat them as individuals. To be forever treated as child can be irritating and sometimes even humiliating. Children, in turn, must reciprocate with due respect and attention. Matters such as career, lifestyle and sensitive issues like freedom of choice of friends must be dealt with carefully and with maturity. Love and understanding are the best antidotes to this ever-widening generation gap. Only then will children look up to their parents and parents will not be burdened with their guilt of not being there for their children in their hour of need. In this way generation gap can at least be narrowed, if not completely filled.

BY Sweta Shetye

Std:S.Y.B.Com Div:A

Roll No: 57