The Generation Gap in the United States

8/13/2019 The Generation Gap in the United States

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The Generation Gap in the

United States

Presented by John MundahlUnited States Peace Corps Volunteer


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What is the Generation Gap?The generation gap is a difference in values and attitudesbetween

one generation and another, especially between young people and

their parents.


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Has There Always Been a

Generation Gap?

a. Usually.

b. Generally each generation seeks to define themselves as something

apart from the old.The young people today have contempt for authority; they show disrespect for their elders."

Socrates, 500 B.C. in ancient Greece.


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But the Generation Gap is Getting

Larger.


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There are 3 Reasons for This:

Reason #1: The Rapid Advance of Technologya. Knowledge is doubling at a faster and faster pace.

b. This creates an information gap between parents and children.


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The Knowledge Doubling Charta. It took 1500 years for knowledge to double. It occurred around 1550 A.D.

b. It took 250 years for knowledge to double again. Around 1750 A.D.

c. It took 150 years for knowledge to double again. Around 1900 A.D.

d. By 1950, knowledge was doubling every 10 years.

e. By 1990, knowledge was doubling every 2 years.f. By 2014, knowledge will double every month.


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Four Distinct Generationsa. There are 4 distinct generations now in the United States.

b. Each generation has its own world view.


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Reason #3Fewer Generations are Living Together.a. In ancient cultures, the extended family lived together. This meant that

generations spent more time together.

b. Today children are dropped off at daycare.

c. Most grandparents dont live with their children.d. Generations have less contact with each other, so there is more room for

misunderstanding.


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Is the Generation Gap Good or Bad?

Its good when it creates a more loving, tolerant world.


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Its good when it creates a higher standard of living---better homes,

cars, medical care, more jobs, opportunities to travel.


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Its bad when it creates misunderstanding and mistrust between

parents and children.


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Its bad when we disregard the wisdom of those who came before us. In

traditional cultures, the elderly were The Elders, the keepers of wisdom.


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The Generation Gap Between My

Parents and MeI was born into affluence. I dont know what it means to be hungry.


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Parents and Me1. My father fought in World War II. Our country was attacked by the Japanese.

Patriotism and support was high.

2. The Vietnam War , however, divided my generation


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Parents and MeSex was not discussed in our family. No one lived together before

marriage.


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Parents and MeI am more tolerant of diversity: Blacks, Hispanics, Gay/Lesbian, women in

power, women in sports. This cultural shift happened during my student

years and was easier for me to accept.


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Parents and MeI have a healthier lifestyle. This cultural shift also happened in my lifetime.

Fewer people smoke. People eat healthier food and exercise. There is better

medicine/vaccines, no polio, earlier detection of disease.


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parents and MeI listened to my parents. I didnt rebel against their authority. I felt loved,

cared for and wanted. I liked being around home.


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Daughter and MeShe is more comfortable with technology. I have a Facebook page, but I

seldom use it.


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Daughter and MeThe gay/lesbian community is a normal part of her life.


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Daughter and MeShe was easy to raise. We didnt argue. She comes to me for

comfort and support.


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The Generation Gap in RomaniaWow!a. Your parents spent half their lives under Communism.

b. They lived through the revolution. They are living history.

c. You are the first generation born into a totally different Romania.


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Think About the Generation Gap in

Your Life1. What attitudes and values are different between you and your parents and

grandparents?

2. Which attitudes and values are the most frustrating?

3. Which attitudes and values do you want to preserve?4. How can you lesson the generation gap between you and your own children?

The Generation Gap in the United States

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