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The world is ever-changing, making people as adaptive as they should be. Understanding generational perspectives allows people to harmonize with and understand each other.
Everyone is unique. Every person one bumps into has a life and mind of their own. They have their distinct and personal stories to tell while upholding perspectives and values that are distinctively theirs. Regardless of who they associate with and how long they allow the influence of each other, no two people will be indistinguishable. There will always be a particular side separating one from the rest.
Beyond the special compositions of their DNAs, other factors impact one’s individuality.
For instance, the environment they grew up in may either facilitate or discourage specific interactions and connections that determine the course of their development. Who they choose to surround themselves with may also leave remnants of their personalities for them to emulate. Lastly, the societal mechanisms they grew up following can govern their choices throughout their lives.
There are multiple facets of life contributing to how people are molded. And all of these comprise the generation people are born into.
What Is a Generational Gap?
People are born into different generations experiencing separate events.
In Albert Sipes’ Boomer-1945: My Inspired Journey, the author gives his readers a glimpse of how life was back then, showcasing the evident disparity between then and now. His narrative primarily centers on his life as a “baby boomer.” Sipes share significant events, affiliations, and societal structures that influenced the viewpoint he grew up with and currently holds about life. In a story written today but lived then, Albert Sipes provides an excellent depiction of generational perspective, the difference across generations. He encapsulates how years can change people, encouraging his readers to recognize these disparities to understand each other across their differences better.
How people live now, and the standard of their lives vastly differ from older generations, and some of these came about because of the latter’s sacrifices. Things have changed, and things will continue to change. How things now will be different come decades or so in the future. Similarly, how things worked in the past and how people perceived life aren’t similar to now due to societal factors.
These fundamental differences across generational perspectives come from different milestones and ideological orientations. Unique events during each generation shaped people’s thought patterns. Their experiences and mechanisms that comprise society during their formative years extensively influence their thoughts. Like how children are affected by adults around them, it isn’t only age that changes people’s wisdom, but also what they’ve been through can mold their standpoint.
Understanding the Difference in Generational Perspective
Although the past is in the past, these differences in generational perspective endure throughout people’s lives. This is why some people are deemed outdated, those who have trouble adjusting their outlooks to fit their current circumstances.
For instance, older generations who grew up without technology might not understand or go entirely against its usage today. They likely hold a strongly negative opinion about technology and its adverse effects without opening their minds about its benefits. From the recent generations’ perspectives, it can be easy to get frustrated by these outdated ideologies. And no matter how hard they try to explain how life and society have changed, these older generations may still find it challenging to comprehend.
People born in different generations share different experiences shaping this generational perspective. The more society progresses, the more these events differ, providing people with knowledge and understanding that’s more extensive.
Another example would be how decades and centuries ago, people didn’t know about the benefits of diplomatic relations. They commonly settled disputes with violent battles, hence, the existence of wars in the world’s vocabularies. While today’s generation may approach disagreements through a more pacifist approach, older generations might tend to be more violent, veering towards aggression as the world at large did.
The Importance of Understanding These Differences
Finding balance in these differences can be tricky, especially with how varied some can be. But it would help and is crucial to remember that these aren’t something older generations have personally formed. The distinction in generational perspective isn’t theirs to make. Instead, these are influenced by the norms they’ve lived through.
Without a genuine understanding of this generational gap, these individuals may suffer from discrimination or communication issues. Given their different outlooks, these individuals might end up isolated with their advice or sentiments ignored. By understanding the differences in their perspectives, different generations will appreciate each other more. This leads to better collaboration and communication, a better harmony within communities.
The more generations are appreciated, the more diverse opinions and sentiments become. This increases the chances of effective development that’s suitable for everyone. At the end of the day, people are encouraged to understand this difference in perspective for the improvement of their communities, with varied ideas and contributions from each generation.
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