Generation Gap

Differences Between Current and Earlier Generations

By:- Aalok Aashish

Introduction

This generation is not like any other generation in history. We are evolving fast due to the rise in technology and it is changing the way we go about things. Our own evolution has been coupled with the evolution of society as a whole, because we are coming of age and beginning to fill in the roles that past generations have left for us.

They worked for theirs

The earlier generation understood that the world doesn’t owe them anything.

No one is going to be there to spoon feed you through life and it is your responsibility to make something of yourself.

They were a more independent generation, as they didn’t really have much of a crutch to lean on in comparison to our generation.

We feel entitled to everything

We are such an entitled generation, we’re babied by our parents and society and it has really damaged our work ethic and the way we go about life.

We expect things to be done for us and if something requires a little extra work or concentration, we are easily deterred from doing it.

If we want to be successful in this day and age, it is required of us that we move past this idea of entitlement and actually get to work.

They dealt with what they had

They saw both a time of great need and great prosperity.

Many of these people witnessed the tail-end of the Great Depression, as well as the end of WWII.

Times were hard and it has helped the appreciate all that they are given.

They knew that resources are limited and that they have to be more resourceful with what they have.

We constantly want more

Our generation has been given everything since we were born.

We never really had to work hard for anything and that has translated into the habits we develop today.

Being that we were always given what we wanted, many of us don’t appreciate the simple things around us.

We are very wasteful and are always looking for more, rather than being content with what we have.

They got beatings

They had it rough when it came to punishment; however, there is nothing quite like tough love.

It actually whipped them into shape and made stepping out of line seem daunting, as there would be consequences for your actions.

If you had a fresh mouth with your parents back in the day, you would receive a quick slap to the mouth, now this would make you rethink being wise to your parents next time you were presented the opportunity.

We get timeout

We are one of the softest generations because we have trouble listening to rules and regulations.

This is in part due to the consequences of our actions. Now when we get in trouble, instead of getting a swift slap to the mouth, we get timeout. Now we all know time out is a slap on the wrist compared to actually getting a beating.

Our generation takes full advantage of these light punishments and that is why we are more inclined not to listen after

 They experienced real life flirting and dating

The earlier generations were never concerned with being catfished, as everything they did in regards to dating and flirting was done in person.

If you wanted to date someone, you had to be there to actually meet them and talk to them. Although phones did exist, people still had to meet in order to spend time with each other.

We experience more online dating and we rely on social networks

Catfishing is a huge part of this generation, and some people seek enjoyment in catfishing others. This is due to the fact that we heavily rely on the internet and social media for dating and meeting people.

Before we even get to know someone, we know something about them because of social media.

People can search you up without ever meeting you and this leads to many fake accounts and time spent talking to fake people.

They marched

When it came to speaking out against any injustices in society, they were out in full force to march and protest.

Due to the lack of social media, many relied on the strength of their unified voice rather than the strength of a unified comment or status.

By actually putting in the effort and marching or protesting issues that needed to be questioned or changed, they were passionate enough to make things happen.

 We advocate through Facebook statuses

Our generation relies heavily on social media. This also extends into the way we voice ourselves on social issues.

Instead of getting down and dirty and marching or holding a protest, we are more inclined to voice our opinion directly on a Facebook status or Twitter.

Conclusion

Since the previous generations have made life so much easier for us, many do not truly appreciate it and take it for granted. Many members of my generation are entirely self-focused. They only care about what they want and how soon they can get it. 

Therefore we should understand the value of the past generations, their contributions to the society and the things they have done for us .

“And hence we must always respect and honour them.”

Thank you