How your era defines you

Very often, we hear parents say that our children are very unlike our generation. So, how different are they from our cohort? Our current historical cycle began just after World War II where the era of the Baby Boomers started from 1946 to 1964, then Generation X (1965 - 1987) and finally the Millennials (1988 to 2005).

There is a different psychology to each generation as our perspective is never the same as that of our parents or our children. A revolutionary theory suggests that the period of our birth shapes our sense of identity, world view, personal background and circumstances. We tend to have opposing views from the shadow generation that is one removed from us. Each generation‘s values are shaped by the parenting styles which are much influenced by their time. Generational theory reveals that society repeatedly oscillates between over and under protection of our children. This can be seen after WWII, as society was rebuilding itself, its instinct was to nurture the children but as time passed, the agenda changed. From the late 60s to the mid-80s, society focused on adults and contemporary politics such as civil rights, feminism and nuclear proliferation. As these issues moved on, the shift returned to the needs of the child. Since the 90s, the Millennials started to worry most about children health, safety, comfort and protection. Presently, they wrestle for gay rights, racial discriminations and rights, rights and more "God-given" rights...

The Baby Boomers grew up as post-crisis children who are not afraid of hardship. They were very independent as their parents had to work hard to rebuild their lives after WWII. They are also the most creative of all generation with original, idealistic and value-driven voices. Generation X grew up pretty much unprotected and many were marginalized and alienated as young adults. They are politically apathetic, resilient, resourceful and tolerant of uncertainty. The Millennials grew up loved, protected and regarded as special.

Generation X and the Millennials are a whole lot more worldly than the Baby Boomers but that does not make them any smarter or better to handle challenges. Boomers were taught to work our way up to the top. There were lots of opportunities then but everything had a price i.e. to work hard as there is no such thing as a free lunch. We did not dare talk much about hardships and sacrifice as we were growing up in the 60s. Our parents had the exclusive rights as they had lived through the Great Depression where their independence and freedom had been threatened by a war that required significant sacrifices from everyone. But they did not think of themselves as victims but rather strived to provide a better life for their children.

Apparently, it is not so with Generation X and the Millennials as they were taught that it is part of their parents and government’s responsibility to provide a free lunch. They wanted a BMW by the time they were in their mid 20s. They expect the government to provide for their needs. Today, they are beginning to demand “round the clock day care service”. In another decade, they probably consider it as a right to drop off their kids at day care for kids-free weekend! Today, it is a sacrifice when the cable TV, internet or mobile network go off… while the Baby Boomers considered it very fortunate to own a black and white TV set or a telephone line during their time.

Society has become too diverse and complicated without a national goal and role models; hence it is harder for a generation of young people to have any direction. As kids we all made up nicknames for the most strict and demanding teachers but the Baby Boomers would never think of talking back to our teachers and in fact deep inside us, we respected them for what they had taught is even if we did not agree with their methods. We were taught filial piety and to respect our elders. Of course, they also lived up to their part of the bargain too.

Today, many children show no respect to their teachers or elders and speaking their mind is considered a virtue… a courage to hold opposing views. Many parents have to become friends with our kids in order to be able to speak and think in their jargon. We are afraid that disciplining them will close off communication. But by allowing our children to become our friends, we lose the stature that is essential in any structured society. We fail to impart moral values, virtues and survival intuitions. We fail miserably and the day will come when these young peoples cannot differentiate what is wrong and what is right, what is good and what is bad. Yes, society changes with every era, but is it for the better? I wonder… I am glad that I am part of the Baby Boomers and I kept my bargain as a role model parent to my children... I survived and yes, we Baby Boomers are the champions!