article on bridge the gap
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Answers
People born in different ages are different from each other in various aspects. The world is changing at a rapid pace and thus the difference between people born in different times is inevitable. For instance, if we talk about India, people born before independence are different from those born today. There is a huge difference between the thinking of the two generations and why not? There is a drastic difference between the whole cultural, economic and social environment the two have been a part of.
Generation gap is the term given to the difference between two generations. The society changes at a constant pace and hence the lifestyle, ideologies, opinions, beliefs and the overall behaviour of people also undergoes change with time. This change gives way to newer ideas and breaks the unreasonable stereotypes and this in turn has a positive impact on the society. However most of the times it becomes a cause of conflict between two generations.
The parent child relationship is often affected due to their generation gap. It has been observed that the parents try to impose their values and ideologies on their kids while the later want to explore the world on their own. Many relationships have suffered due to generation gap. Several parents and children have conflicts because of their difference of opinions which they must understand is natural as there is a generation gap between them.
Generation Gap is only a difference in attitudes between people of different generations. The Generation Gap is the accumulation of differences, difficulties, and ideas between people born during different time periods. The gap often leads to misunderstanding and lack of trust between the two groups. The elders are more critical of the younger generation with a big stock of complaints against the young and the young mostly tend to ignore the grumbling, mumbling and occasional loud protestations of the older generation. They resent the petting attitude of the elders.
The inevitable progress of time and technologies makes the introduction of new ideas, new belief, new aspirations and new values unavoidable. As a result this difference in the general outlook at life arises which is manifest in the difference of opinions and social values, in addition to the difference mannerism and behavior between young people and older people within the family as well as within the social contexts.
The young people of today get their knowledge from the “internet”, and they hardly read other than light magazines, while the elders of their hard-earned, profound book based knowledge. This difference can best be seen in the difference of interests and hobbies.
The generation gap is the constant struggle of the parents to prevent their kids from doing things that their own experiences and wisdom tell them is going to harm their kids. The kids on the other hand try constantly to prove to the parents that they are equipped to take control of their lives. They want to live a challenging life and do not shy away from aspiring high. This attitude is completely opposite to their parents who want their children to live a simple and comfortable life. Neither is wrong – they are both right in their own premise. The parents blinded by their love for the kids would rather have their own experiences replace the experiences of their kids. Whereas, the kids are convinced that their decisions are right and are based on current situations that the parents may not necessarily be aware of.
Now, how can generation gap be reduced?
– Lots of communication with commitment is required. Communication between different generations is imperative as it helps in resolving issues, understanding one another’s feeling and maintaining faith.
– Much time should be spent together. Family decision should be made after consulting from every member of the family, with this no member will feel left out. Children should be consulted from their early age as it would help them to build self-confidence.
– People should know that respect is a two way process. If someone wants respect, one has to show respect too. People should never hesitate to learn the same thing from different perspective.
Generation gap is nothing but a difference in the way of thinking. If people start to believe in their family, this gap will itself diminish. So take a step forward and try to bridge this widening gap.