Gen - Xyz

By Anupama Teresa Sebastian

The world around us has been developing at an ever so fast pace, over the last decade.

Some might say that this development has benefitted the human race in innumerable ways but I stand with fraction that claim development has left a trail of destruction in its wake. Destruction of the once strongly held values, destruction of man’s sense of duty towards one another and above all destruction of the bridge of love and understanding and respect between two worlds of youth and its blooming, slightly impulsive perspectives and the generation that bred them with their wiser and more experienced per perspectives or outlooks on life and living.

We often come across the term ‘generation gap’ used condescendingly by robust youth when differences of opinion emerge between them and the elder generation. What do we actually mean by generation gap? Is it just a term we use inorder to avoid the scrutinous gaze of our benefactors or is it something that provide slight relief when confronted with scruples? Sad to say, whatever it may imply, the fact remains that the system or way of life that keeps changing by immense leaps from generation to generation has made the term ‘genertion gap’ a harsh reality.

Generation gap arises mainly from the inevitable fact the world we live in now was miles away from the world our parent and predecessors lived in. Their way of living was centered more on lasting strong moral values, love, respect, sharing, generosity, fear of god and empathy to all. True, their lives may not have been as luxurious and comfortable as one we lay hold on now, but was one where happiness abounded in every corner. True , there were no electronic gadgets to play with when one was bored, but they had nature to bond with and pleasures manifested in the bountiful arms of mother earth to enjoy. Theirs was a much simpler world with simple relations of freindship and kinship.

So the gap arises when we, todays youth who live in a world which has grown into an electronic empire of entertainment and a world which prompts us to create the miniature world of our own with our very own circles of companion(often edging out family), our very own means of entertainment and above all our very own strong ideals of living., can’t but help reacting to the chidings of our parents and delegates of the preceding generation with disdainful and scornful attitudes. If we youth had an ounce of the respect our parents showered on their own parents, we would realize, this concept of generation gap arises from our egos and sense of illogical superiority in regarding our ideals on living are way better than theirs.

Generation gap has now grown in dimensions and has led us to a stage where the old fail to accept the judgement of the young and the young fail to see the reason in the wisdom of age. It has even led to stages where a total silence engulfs the once lively conversations and disappointment and heartache prevails. The young and the aged have nothing more to offer each other but empty words, neither willing to forgive the other and take the initiative to mend things up. Gone are the days when children look up to their parents for advice and help and here are the days when they find themselves competent enough to run their own lives without humbling themselves to often better judgement of their predecessors.

The plight has overcome households across the globe, adversley affecting society as a whole. The very reason for the degradation of the values and peaceful living can be traced back to the widening gap form one generation to another. The values that are willing to be passed on fall into empty hands in that void of silence that silence all. And the world watches on as families are torn down, societies crumble and social orders deteriorates, knowing not what all this will lead to, in the END…..

By Anupama Teresa Sebastian