One value that I just can't agree with our country losing, even though I don't disagree with the logic, is respect for our elders. I don't care much for this "I need a reason to respect someone" mentality because I see it as petty. Everyone is entitled to at least a basic level of respect. Now whether or not I like them, admire them and value their opinion is a different matter. I don't need to like someone to treat someone with at least a basic amount of respect and dignity.
However, I have trouble valuing the opinions and expertise of baby boomers relative to their parents. I think one thing that is wrong with my generation (I am 22) is that the baby boomers resented the strictness of their parents and in fighting to overturn discrimination, inadvertently made certain necessary social values (such as moderation, respect for self and others and respect for authority) socially unacceptable. Yes, people should be free to express themselves, but is it really ok if they are pushing it to a point at which they try to make others feel inadequate? Yes, people should be able to be able to express themselves sexually without feeling restricted by religion, but does that mean that all inhibitions should be thrown to the wind? Should we really lose our sense of community just because we don't agree with everything our community and leaders say and do?
Surely, change is good, but it's always wise to remember the values that brought us here in the first place rather than completely abandon them.
Does the youth in America respect the older generations?
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One value that I just can't agree with our country losing, even though I don't disagree with the logic, is respect for our elders. I don't care much for this "I need a reason to respect someone" mentality because I see it as petty. Everyone is entitled to at least a basic level of respect. Now whether or not I like them, admire them and value their opinion is a different matter. I don't need to like someone to treat someone with at least a basic amount of respect and dignity.
However, I have trouble valuing the opinions and expertise of baby boomers relative to their parents. I think one thing that is wrong with my generation (I am 22) is that the baby boomers resented the strictness of their parents and in fighting to overturn discrimination, inadvertently made certain necessary social values (such as moderation, respect for self and others and respect for authority) socially unacceptable. Yes, people should be free to express themselves, but is it really ok if they are pushing it to a point at which they try to make others feel inadequate? Yes, people should be able to be able to express themselves sexually without feeling restricted by religion, but does that mean that all inhibitions should be thrown to the wind? Should we really lose our sense of community just because we don't agree with everything our community and leaders say and do?
Surely, change is good, but it's always wise to remember the values that brought us here in the first place rather than completely abandon them.