Cheers

While the ‘separation anxiety’ that ensues is the stuff of plays, books, movies, songs, and more lately, tagging-as-art, all is eventually put right when each group faces a common problem and each draws on what skills they have to solve it. ie Experience + energy + fresh thinking (if we are going to go all Network on it)

It is an oversimplification to say that “Young people see possibilities and no problems – until it all goes wrong, at which time they see no solutions.” I draw this point from some very sombre reading about youth suicide.

What we say to each other really does matter. The ‘how’ – is always going to be negotiated from one generation to the next.

There does appear to be a distinct lack of respect in certain quarters and an arrogance that is complemented only by the level of ignorance and disregard for differing opinion.

Being born in 1978, I apparently scrape through as a Gen Y-er. I was encouraged by my family to do well, have ambition and take advantage of the opportunities I had. However, I consider that I was brought up well enough (by parents who are now in their 60′s) to understand and respect the wisdom and experience of other generations. This may have contributed to me being a little too submissive in certain circumstances, but common courtesy, manners and politeness can go a long way.

Those I consider to be the ‘jumped-up’ Gen Y-ers definately fall in the younger section of the group – possibly even on the cusp of the next generation. There is a level of expectation and a ‘what I want I can have’ attitude that is not matched by any sense that effort needs to be put in to achieve goals. Partner this with a lack of loyalty and a blinkered ‘I’m right, you’re wrong’ sentiment and you begin to build a picture of the more ruthless, unpleasant Gen Y-er that I’m certain exists.

In contrast to this, I choose to spend time with and have grown up with some great Gen Y-ers who have a lot to offer but, although ambitious and confident, recognise the need to listen to and learn from others and have gained success through doing exactly that.

Close friends, both here and in the UK, have (for the most part) been brought up with strong family support and values, and an understanding of what is socially, morally and ethically right and wrong, which is what I think some of the ‘Jumped-up Gen Y-ers’ have possibly been lacking.