Are our youth really the new heroes of the future?
From Picture Book to Instagram: Creating a New Generation for the future.
From Picture Book ideas on Instagram to a New Generation creating the future.
A simple Google search will show that inter-generational conflict is greater today than in the 70’s and 80’s. It is almost as if the older generation see all the pent-up emotional attitudes of their teen-age years, boiling over through young adults and teens. But it seems the older generation is doing okay in handling it or, so they say. Significant changes between generational interests, mainly due to technological advancement, environmental awareness, and extreme focus on human rights issues, creates not only a gap in communication interest, but also the way young lives are moulded around completely different identity values, than those of their parents. That is the thing about assigning opinions about characteristics to groups of people, when too much attention is placed on popular media trends and commentaries on popular blogs that become the so-called leading experts on relational issues and personal development. The self-help culture popularized at the turn of the century has now reached its climax with the assistance of knowledge exploitation and copy-write enthusiasts flooding the internet with opinions to generate income (thanks to Covid regulations). But the meaning of self-help has also shifted between generations, from a focus on personal growth and improvement, to an “I will find the answers myself” attitude and approach to life. No longer is expertise seen as necessary to facilitate healing, or essential to secure financial and career stability for myself. But are generational stereotypes not creating an obstacle for transformation? For example, if the younger generation feel they’ve got a message for the world, then they should speak, address, and promote their ideas to the older generation of influencers, instead of secretly sharing their ideas among friends for the sake of likes.
But easy come, easy go.
After reading so many reports (Googled), about how people treasure the differences of one group of people, or generation, from another as unique identity, we can easily give up hope that there will ever be equality and openness, or mutual respect between old and young. Generational Identity stereotypes give us a sense of belonging and motivate peer appeal for action to bring about change in the world. But there is plenty of prejudice going around as well. Generation Z say others don’t understand them, and so they live in silence, whilst Millennials are fighting for equality and media driven Social issues, and feel the older generations are to be blamed for everything that is at fault (even for their bodies struggling to adapt to the newest artificial healthy vegetarian food trends). Ironically, with plenty of prejudice against old and young alike, it destroys the concept of equality, and unless there is a change in attitude to work and live in harmony together, our youngest heroes will not affect change in the World. In fact, most of the so-called differences we think we see between people, whether age related, sexual orientation, ethnic background, or eating habits for that sake, are all manufactured by popular sub-culture notions, or generational stereotype activists that blog for entertainment and self-help exploitation, instead of building a harmonious society.
Astute readers would have already figured out by now that less bias and more kindness is the only way we can create a future where there is a space and purpose for existence. So we can grudgingly carry on pointing fingers at differences, and carry on feeding our isolated perspectives, and build a case-study of evidence to justify our unique separate generational existence, “for we are the only ones that are special you know”. And that is exactly how social sub-cultural identities are created, to give our lives a sense of belonging and meaning. That is until a new trend comes along, maybe they are the new “Atlanteans” that can live on land and see with built-in advanced technology. And then all live equally with high income salaries without the need of first gaining qualifications, or work experience. It’s not needed because they are the “New Mutants” of the future with innate abilities that don’t need skills development. But beyond fantasy and Science fiction, there is a possible future world with priorities that serve unisex relations, and a multi-ethnic society that is happy! Sounds great, that is until the money runs out! The question raised is whether satisfaction and happiness can be linked to financial stability, or whether it is more related to how we interact with each other. And whether the way we engage with each other again is driven only for the benefit it provides (mostly financial gain), or is it due to the necessities of communal living. But then the Global pandemic enforces social distancing, while digital interaction eliminates the need for social contact, avoiding the schlep of coping with other people’s little annoyances, only because I’m perfectly cool in my “own” space? Adding the economic pressures, and because money happiness quickly ran out, anxiety soars. And now there arises a need to learn how to deal with anxiety, because we don’t know how, and maybe we don’t want to live harmoniously with others. That is until we are forced to live within a confined community?
What is the issues we need to face before we can create a new future?
The question is, how do changemakers deal with the challenges and resolve accumulated stress that affects their lives. In general, change agents seek out possibilities across all aspects of life to have a positive impact on society, and question the norms that might pose barriers to implementing their ideas for social impact. The first idea that changemakers stand for is to turn their values into practical principles that help to resolve tension, anxiety and provide guidance for ways that would bring transformation. But how do we live in harmony in society? How do we resolve the bias that prevents dissociation between ethnic groups and eliminate generational biases to promote acceptance and kindness to all, no matter if he or she is your out-dated granny. And what can we do that would eliminate prejudice and inequality, and instil an attitude of sharing and caring as opposed to private accumulation of wealth. And what would bring back recognition and appreciation for the assistance of experts, and would seek steps to implement our expression of concern for a green environment and preservation of life beyond Facebook posts. It’s easy to philosophize about climate change, it is not so easy to plant a forest. It is easy to speak about how you want others to respect your values, it is challenging to accept the values and norms, and habits of another as equally valid as yours. It’s easy to be a social activist about social issues, but different to demonstrate the values underlying that idea through your attitude and actions towards others. If we still live with a mentality that “I need to get rid of every problem element out there”, then maybe we need to start by addressing the problem attitude and prejudice in ourselves first, is it not? This is why personal development is so important to promote harmony and peace. Because if we are not able to carry out the fundamental spiritual principles that promote unity in our own lives first, then neither can we demand others to live in accordance to our expected preferences either. Don’t you think?
Here is the problem that we face.
In spite of the affectionate happiness fun posts found on Instagram and Facebook, statistics shows that the majority of Teens and Young Adults are suffering from depression, steroid and adrenalin addiction, and anxiety leading to isolation and suicide. Psychology Today states that this group has greater levels of stress and psychopathology than any time in history. History show that older generations have lived through previous dilemmas, war, poverty, recession and economic scarcity, pandemics, family disputes, crime, and the list goes on. And yet they have survived and are well-equipped to provide the needed emotional support during difficult times, if the Millennials are willing to embrace the hand extended instead of asking Google for solutions. And if the younger generation get out of their “obsessive comparison disorder”, and interact more with the older generations, they will be more understood, respected and solutions would be offered to their cause for change. Secondly, we are all struggling, yet we are all struggling to make it appear like we are not struggling. The world is in the state that it is, because we have never applied the principles advocated through Religious groups and Transformational Organizations. Instead, changemakers and social activists that have done the pioneering work for the equality and recognition of human rights we enjoy today, those same people were mocked, ridiculed, and prosecuted in the same way many young people oppose the helping hand extended. And yet, statistics indicate that young people are in a mental health predicament. But the new generation of the future avoids distinct prejudice, and association with a specific identity label. They are people who understand the principles of harmonious community living, and are able to live inter-generational without age distinctions and prejudice (equality), and they can demonstrate priorities that respect unisex relations, religious liberalism, and yet are spiritual multi-ethnic, racial diverse society.
How do we overcome very real & hard problems?
In a previous article [here], I discussed the basis for successful change interventions, and how can we create a society that is better enabled to deal with the challenges we face today? Boaz & Fox (2014), stated that societies don’t change in themselves if the people themselves are not willing to change first, and then the people will change what and how they do things to cultivate a transformed environment. Reformation movements, and young activists that shout out Instagram “Me too” posts, have come and gone, and still National and International Governmental systems are not fit for purpose to create and sustain a ‘New Earth’ global community (Roche, 2016: [s.a.]). Faced with the current pending recession and looming economic crisis, disharmony among people, and political instability all over the World, the role of transformative, or developmental leadership, is not the single responsibility of a system that have failed to serve the needs in society. What’s needed is a new kind of thinking about the approach of society to transformation.
Transformative leadership manifests itself as the effort made by every individual to establish sustainable goals for the modern world where all are equal partners in the learning journey. This approach is a key dynamic often debated among Millennials that long for transformation in their communities. For the new generation of leaders are challenging systems thinking, and are calling for mentors with an out-of-the box business and educational approach to guide and support them. Angone (2015, Online), states that if we want to find significant answers to real life situations, we need to start with the right questions, to the right people (Not Google). By communicating and being interested in the values that everyone represent, independent of which generation you are, and remembering that we are looking for an intergenerational new society, in that way we can adapt and move forward into purposeful activities that allow each other space to express who they are, without feeling offended if they are different, or disagree on “my” perspectives on things. Neither will we take offence if the other “me too” in you, don’t live up to the expectations of my beliefs. According to the World Happiness report 2020, we need to bring meaning back to the activities we engage in.
When we allow ourselves to have your own flavour and unique signature in life, without playing the blame game, or judge another, we can move forward. But if you struggle and feel that your life has lost its purpose, and don’t know the road ahead, then it is time to find yours. You can read more about it [here]. Spiritual and mental well-being is fundamental for career and relational success. Part of this journey home is to invest in personal development. You can learn how to “Live your Truth” through our Mastery Coaching course [here].
Lastly, it is paramount that we revisit the principles of healthy community living. Harmonious Living, Obunobunye, is a one-day seminar for small groups that can be done online, or in small groups at suitable venues. Contact me for more details. There is a way forward, and it is not found on Google. We need to learn to engage instead of isolate, we need to tolerate instead of segregate, we need to serve, rather than self-serve. I trust you agree that we need to find the courage to move from a childhood picture-book approach to life on Instagram and Facebook, to active participation that seeks real life solutions. Should you need to discuss possibilities for a better future, please feel free to contact me directly at info@metalifecoaching.co.za.
References.
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Boaz, N; & Fox, E.A. (2014). Change leader, change thyself. McKinsley Quarterly, March 2014. Available at: http://www.mckinsey.com/global-themes/leadership/change-leader-change-thyself. Accessed, 11 May 2016).
Dimock, M. (2019). Defining generations: Where Millenials end and Generation Z begins. Facttank, Jan 17 2019. Washington, DC: Pew Research Center. [Online]. Available at: https://pewrsr.ch/2szqtJz/
Henriques,G. (2014). The College Student Mental Health Crisis.Psychology Today. [Online]. Feb 15 2014. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/theory-knowledge/201402/the-college-student-mental-health-crisis.
Helliwell, J.F; Layard, R; Sachs, J.D, & De Neve, J.E. (2020). World Happiness Report. Amazonaws. [Online]. Available at: https://happiness-report.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/WHR20.pdf
Kashani, J.H; Canfield, L.A; Borduin, C.M, Soltys, S.M; & Reid, J.C. (1994). Perceived family and social support: Impact on children. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 33. (pp.819-823).
McPherson, M; Smith-Lovin, L; & Brashears, M.E. (2006). Social isolation in America: Changes in core discussion networks over two decades. American Sociological Review, 71. (pp. 353-375).
National College Health Assessment. (2020). Reference Group Data Report. American College Health Association. Dec 28, 2020. Available at: https://www.acha.org/documents/ncha/NCHA-III_Fall_2020_Reference_Group_Data_Report.pdf.
Raphelson, S. (2014). Amid the Stereotypes, Some facts about Millennials. NPR [Online]. Available at: https://www.npr.org/2014/11/18/354196302/amid-the-stereotypes-some-facts-about-millennials
Roche, C. (2016). What is Transformative Leadership? University World News, April 2016 (409). [Online]. Available at: http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20160412200253987. (Accessed, April 2016).
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