Generation Gap

Generation Gap

There is always a tendency to compare our present lifestyle to that of many years ago. To a certain extent, things were much better in earlier times. Firstly, in the aspect of education, students faced less pressure from teachers and parents. Expectations of these people were often-realistic and achievable and this helped them to be relaxed and cool as individuals. Today, students are much pressurized to perform well in school to meet the expectations of their teachers and parents. This is reflected by the numerous tuition sessions and supplementary lessons they have to attend and more often than not, the academic aspect overrides the importance of social and emotional development.

Community living in Kampongs was more attractive and successful in the past; people were drawn together naturally despite their different religion or race. They were spontaneous in greeting or helping one another. Today, people are suspicious of their neighbors and it is common to see closed doors in most high-rise flats. There is often little or no communication among neighbors in some cases. The purchasing power of the consumer is higher in the past. With a relatively low standard of living, consumer goods were unsophisticated and cheap, with merely twenty cents, one could buy a bowl of red bean soup! Today, a consumer needs to posses more money to purchase basic necessities of life. Of course, the present time has its appeal too.

The impressive advance in technology, our life is made more comfortable. The computer system enables one to edit a completed work repeatedly and serves various functions as well. Information can be saved in files and easily retrieved if desired. Even the computers of today are more portable and compact in their designs. A laptop or notebook can be carried around easily! The telecommunication services are so advanced that there is greater accessibility to make international calls whenever we like. There is no need to travel overseas to make personal visits when important messages need to be conveyed. Isn't this a fantastic breakthrough? Another important positive trait of today's society is the improvement in public transport. With the invention of MRTs, road congestion, noise and air pollution are reduced. With the present increasing focus on environmental issues, this is an essential step taken by us. Thus, the lifestyle and society of today and that in the past have their own positive and negative traits. It is important for one to remain objective to see and appreciate the strengths of both limes.

The group of people targeted in this topic is the young people. The word "young" refers to older teenagers and young adult. It is definitely wrong to assume that these people share the same convictions in their behavior, appearances and work, considering their different personality make up and the environment in which they grow up. These two factors strongly influence the way they set standards for themselves.

In the aspect of behavior, I would strongly disagree that many youths today possess high standards. As a result of a fast-changing and permissive society, many young people have succumbed to the pressures and moral challenges posed by the mass media and peer pressure. I It is sad to note a decline in the moral standard among the young ones and this is seen in the increased number of youths who smoke and drink unashamedly in public, frequent restricted places by lying about their age and are even caught with unwanted pregnancies due to premarital sex. This could be attributed to the fact that it is during this period of their lives that they are undergoing emotional changes and are seeking for peer identification. Consequently, they are rebellious to authority and are less stable emotionally to defect and arrest certain negative influences that come along their way. There are of course 4 numbers of youths who posses’ strong moral standards due to good home environments and other external influences but they are, in my opinion, fast becoming “extinct”.

With regard to appearances, young people are undoubtedly serious in creating and maintaining high standards. They take pride in dressing smartly, keeping abreast with the latest fashion. Although it costs more to maintain such lifestyles, young people are not hesitant in investing in trendy clothes and costume jewelry, visiting famous hairstylists and carrying branded handbags, briefcases and other items. However, the nature of their jobs does dictate the extent to which young people dress up. Those who work in offices in town areas have the tendency to be more particular about dressing. This is perfectly called for as long as they are neither too pompous nor suggestive in their dressing. As for those who travel often to do administrative work or delivery services, they cannot afford to be too particular in their dressing. Some may even end up in T-shirts and jeans when reporting for work.

Concerning the standards of work, I would refer more to the attitudes shown among young people. While there is a group of people who exhibit a spirit of excellence in their work, they are also others who perpetually hand in shoddy work. The former group would be diligent and positive in learning new things while the latter would be the last to complete assignments and yet the first to complain when new knowledge is to be taught. It is definitely those who are positive and receptive those do not fail to impress their employers. As to those who have poor and low standards, they would gladly job-hop, having little sense, of perseverance or be dismissed if the traits of laziness or unprofessional become too overwhelming. It is important for young and old people alike to reach for high standards in their behavior, appearance and work. Having attained it, it is crucial that they strive to maintain these standards. This certainly cannot be achieved early but the effort throughout this noble quest and the eventual attainment is undoubtedly highly admirable.

Is there an ideal response of young people towards those older than themselves? Should they always respect and obey them in all circumstances? In my opinion, respect and obedience do not always go hand in hand all the time. In my context, people who are older than me would be my parents, older siblings, teachers, relatives and others. Suppose if these people started life on this earth earlier than me their experiences built up over the years would exceed mine. They have seen the coming and going of generations, the implementation and abolition of policies and even the construction and demolition of various infrastructures in our country. In view of their seniority in age and experiences, they do deserve our respect. This, I believe, is unquestionable.

Respecting our seniors is the basic expression of politeness. We respect them by many ways such as greeting them, helping them to do anything that is within our capacity and seeking counsel from them in making decisions in life. In so doing, we are reflecting a receptive and humble attitude to acknowledge their seniority. Such response from us is seen as an expression of love too. Purchasing gifts for people older than us is not the only means to express our love. Showing consistent respect to them is a more effective and convincing way to do so. Being assured of our sincerity, they will be most happy and contented.

However, should young people always obey those older than themselves? I do not think so. Personally, I see the need for one to be discerning. It is helpful to I consider the following questions before responding. Is the advice or desire given morally right? Is it encouraging for me to act against positive principles in my life? Is it given based on prejudices or as a means to fulfill the person's own unattainable aspirations? Such questions only apply when "grey situations" occur that throw young people like me into dilemmas. I am convinced that one should not simply obey without thinking. Our blind obedience to the seniors in our lives only confirms how immature, impulsive and naive we are. Should it be wrong advice, we should still maintain our cool and disagree in a tactful and dis rebellious way. We must think before we act upon an advice given!

Thus, I do believe that young people should always respect people older than themselves at all times considering their seniority, and as a means to express our politeness and love for them. However, to obey them at all times is questionable and it depends on the Tightness and basis of the command or advice given. It certainly takes a mature youth to discern correctly what is right and wrong and to respond wisely.