Young people to older adults, "We know better, leave us alone!" Survey

Originally posted by Wildbob77
reply to post by OldThinker

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I'm in computer science.


............................... I find them far more interesting people by the time they graduate. They spout far less rhetoric and tend to think far more than they did when they were 18.

Originally posted by Wildbob77
OT gets a pass.

Originally posted by SpiritoftheNightSky

I couldn't have said it better. I tried to tell those old fuddy duddies the same thing when I was a teenager. I knew it all and some more. Now that I have past the age of being carded at he local hangout I am finding out that maybe I should have listened a litte more closely.

Originally posted by bommer09
I listen to my parents talk about their youth, and they grew up in a middle class neighborhood in Detroit (they're in their 50s now)

Originally posted by OldThinker
Yes, loved 'The MISSION'...

DeNiro...?


My inspiration! fo-sho!

Have u seen?

Originally posted by paperplanes


Yes, several years ago. Do you recall the scenes in which the rope holding DeNiro's bundle is cut and released by the native? The image of that weight falling into the river and DeNiro's consequent breakdown is just...stunning. I have forgotten a great deal about the film, but that particular part still stands out in my mind--really breathtaking imagery.

But regardless of knowing the film, that image (your avatar) of Robert DeNiro aiming the sword is very, very cool . You don't even need a background story for that!

Originally posted by OldThinker


???

OK, thx for the post/opinion.....so you are DISCOUNTING the survey/numbers....

WHY?

I do want to know...

OT

Originally posted by OldThinker
pp!!!!!!!!!!

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is, BY FAR....OT's most favorite scene....sentiment.....EVER!!!!!

I've seen a few thousands movies....consisting or tens of thousands of scenes.....

The one you discribed has stuck with me more than any other....I'm glad you brought it up...quite surprized really......

OT

btw, I've experienced the same forgiveness he did....breath-taking, as you put it....

Originally posted by paperplanes
To understand the culture of the current group of under-30s, let's look at the technological age they are living in. The world is connected in a profound way as technology supersedes geographical boundaries, most notably with internet accessibility. There are far fewer lines of separation between individuals. While older adults are experiencing this exceptional change during adulthood, those under 30 have been able to experience and capitalise on this advantage during that period of great growth and maturation. They have begun to establish the sort of worldviews that older adults often find difficulty relating to. As in the American cultural revolution of the 1960s, the youth have bucked the prejudices of past generations en masse. This is not endemic to America; it is occurring in all areas reached by modern technologies.

Individuality is once again receiving favor over adherence to traditional ideas. As people of all ages become more tolerant and aware of other cultures through exposure and study, worldviews tend to move toward flexible culminations of personal exploration rather than reliance on established views. There is an openness to the younger generations that past generations have not displayed. It is an inescapable result of so many cultures meeting one another for the first time.

As further evidence of the new globalisation of youth, has anyone done a bit of international travel in the past several years? The amount of teenagers and 20-somethings traveling independently to foreign countries is just astonishing. I am required to travel frequently, and I cannot count how many young international volunteers and travelers I've run into in the past year alone. When their parents (primarily those born in the 1930s, 40s and 50s) were this age, international travel and the independence it fosters were rarely available to youth outside of participation in foreign wars.

In my view, the discrepancies we see between those under 30 and older adults are principally due to technology and the resulting mass globalisation. In light of today, established worldviews often seem representative of xenophobia and intolerance to minds that have developed in the presence of so many varying ideas and cultures. It should then be anticipated that younger adults will search for more suitable conceptions.

As for why they might take the advice of their elders with a pinch of salt, have you looked at the world lately? The global economy is in a state of limbo, nations appear to be on the verge of collapse, the threat of another major war is looming overhead, the health of our environment is in constant question...do I need to go further? Those who were children or teens during the building of this mess see leaders and the status quo as responsible for our current disaster. Why should they not be trying to establish alternatives of their own? This is the result whenever those in control fail to support the populace; we've experienced it many times before. It is more significant and startling this time around due to the extent of the present fear and uncertainty, the current population level and the international sharing of worries through media (e.g. internet and television).

As a far aside, you have an excellent avatar OldThinker !

[edit on 30/6/09 by paperplanes]

Originally posted by SourGrapes
I've noticed that this 'Y' generation is more educated (mainly internet educated) in world issues and politics.

They seem to be brighter, when it comes to technology.

They want a reward for completing a 40 hour work week, or a promotion for doing their job.

They are all about teamwork. Teamwork on certain levels is great, but it leaves very few super-stars. They aren't as competitive as Gen Xers.

They may be more intelligent in some areas, but grossly lack social skills. By 'social' I'm referring to face-to-face chatting, not IM chatting (they're wonderful a that! oh, and texting).

They don't seem to have much drive, not as interested in developing a trade skill; rather, they concentrate on figuring out the world and all its ills.

Originally posted by OldThinker
1) Why is this happening?

Originally posted by OldThinker
2) Are we losing control of society?

Originally posted by OldThinker
3) Have we lost respect for the wisdom of our elders?

Originally posted by nixie_nox
Just because someone is older, doesn't necessarily make them wise. I find a lot of society's ills can be traced to the baby boomer generation. While they did many great things, they did a lot of damage as well. The parenting styles alone make me cringe.