Devajit Mahanta
T he term “generation gap” is used to describe big differences between people of different generations, especially between younger people and their elders. This can be defined when older and younger people do not understand each other because of their different experiences, opinions, habits and behaviour. The term was first used in Western countries during the 1960s, and described the cultural differences between the younger generation and their parents.
Have we tried to find out why younger people feel that older people do not understand their problem, or is it that younger people have no sense of what is really important? All this happens probably because there is a generation gap of experience or maybe because of dearth of common ground where older and younger people can share their thoughts.
A generation gap exists because most of the parents prevent their kids from learning from their own experiences, whereas kids try to prove that they can take control of their lives. Earlier kids were blinded by their parents (whatever they said) but today’s kids are convinced only from their own experiences. If you are telling your child not to touch something hot, he will do it until he burns himself and learns his lessons from his own experience.
Though generational differences have existed mostly because of geographical, historical and religious reasons, today it has grown significantly due to musical tastes, food habits, dress, fashion, drug use, culture, politics — in short, total outlook. In the early part of the 1960s, the gap existed mainly between 20-year olds and the 50-plus class. But after economic liberalization and globalization in 1991 which changed the Indian society as a global village, fight between the younger generation and even 30-40-year olds started. A survey conducted by some clinical psychologists in USA on family violence has pointed out that a growing generation gap between parents and their adolescent children is responsible for increase in violence in homes. This is because parents always expect respect from their children and adolescents do not consider them as a priority.
Life in India has changed very rapidly and drastically over the last five years due to internet, computer, satellite TV etc. People are more exposed to the media and new ideas. This has no doubt resulted in a huge generation gap.
There has always been generation gap since the dawn of civilization. Most parents forget that their children grow up some day and they must allow them to go and find their own ways rather than try to impose their ideas on them. As a result, communication between these two breaks down, and thus arises generation gap.
Generation gap can be reduced to some extent by making efforts. Here most efforts must come from parents; they have the wisdom and knowledge. They would be wise not to interfere in the pace of development and also try to constantly refresh their memories by their own past outrageousness which will help them in adjusting with the new pace. Have a lot of communication and involvement, lot of time spent together in play and fun, clear boundaries and clear values, and foster self-dependence. Relationship with our parents should be like that of a kite and the kite flyer. No matter how high we fly, our success largely depends in the values promoted within us by our parents early in our life. THE SENTINEL
T he term “generation gap” is used to describe big differences between people of different generations, especially between younger people and their elders. This can be defined when older and younger people do not understand each other because of their different experiences, opinions, habits and behaviour. The term was first used in Western countries during the 1960s, and described the cultural differences between the younger generation and their parents.
Have we tried to find out why younger people feel that older people do not understand their problem, or is it that younger people have no sense of what is really important? All this happens probably because there is a generation gap of experience or maybe because of dearth of common ground where older and younger people can share their thoughts.
A generation gap exists because most of the parents prevent their kids from learning from their own experiences, whereas kids try to prove that they can take control of their lives. Earlier kids were blinded by their parents (whatever they said) but today’s kids are convinced only from their own experiences. If you are telling your child not to touch something hot, he will do it until he burns himself and learns his lessons from his own experience.
Though generational differences have existed mostly because of geographical, historical and religious reasons, today it has grown significantly due to musical tastes, food habits, dress, fashion, drug use, culture, politics — in short, total outlook. In the early part of the 1960s, the gap existed mainly between 20-year olds and the 50-plus class. But after economic liberalization and globalization in 1991 which changed the Indian society as a global village, fight between the younger generation and even 30-40-year olds started. A survey conducted by some clinical psychologists in USA on family violence has pointed out that a growing generation gap between parents and their adolescent children is responsible for increase in violence in homes. This is because parents always expect respect from their children and adolescents do not consider them as a priority.
Life in India has changed very rapidly and drastically over the last five years due to internet, computer, satellite TV etc. People are more exposed to the media and new ideas. This has no doubt resulted in a huge generation gap.
There has always been generation gap since the dawn of civilization. Most parents forget that their children grow up some day and they must allow them to go and find their own ways rather than try to impose their ideas on them. As a result, communication between these two breaks down, and thus arises generation gap.
Generation gap can be reduced to some extent by making efforts. Here most efforts must come from parents; they have the wisdom and knowledge. They would be wise not to interfere in the pace of development and also try to constantly refresh their memories by their own past outrageousness which will help them in adjusting with the new pace. Have a lot of communication and involvement, lot of time spent together in play and fun, clear boundaries and clear values, and foster self-dependence. Relationship with our parents should be like that of a kite and the kite flyer. No matter how high we fly, our success largely depends in the values promoted within us by our parents early in our life. THE SENTINEL
1 comment:
I dnt think 'generation gap' is a jargon which has arosen in late 1960s. Generation gap was always there , existing and will exist.
older generation , more often than not tend to underestimate the younger generations though they have passed through the same phase. its a natural phenomenom that will continue generation after generation.
i personally feel the older generation after 30+ should stop being cynical about this....you cant expect younger ones to analyse..........
On the contrary if the older generation keeps itself abreast with the latest trends and advancements and likes/ dislikes of youth...then i suppose this so called generation gap decreases....once the older ones start to understand the younger ones then the reciprocative response is sure to happen.
this gap is a natural phenomenon.....if the younger generation starts to abide by the older ones....then you cant expect the difference...if there is no difference....there is no variety....afterall variety is the spice of life...
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