In my country, we celebrate Youth Day on 12th March, so it’s a holiday!

My message to the youth (in age, at least) especially those in the category affectionately referred to as “Gen Z”, is to be as embracing to other generations as they expect to be embraced, themselves.

Notwithstanding the advent of technological and other advancements, which are generally associated with the times, what remains unchanged is the fact that the time that the younger generation has navigated life is shorter than the older ones. There could be something to learn and appreciate from the older generation.

There is an increasing call to both young and older generations to embrace the diversity in culture, age, geography, values education, experience and so on.

As it takes two to tango, the older generations are also called upon to do their part to contribute to the creation of a conducive environment for healthy relations and mutual understanding between the generations.

During one of my academic interactions on the subject of empathy, I learned the power of reciprocity in relationships. The following example was given:

A parent complained to his seemingly more enlightened colleague, “ I don’t understand my son, he never listens to me!” His colleague allowed him to runt and rave his frustrations about his son and softly asked, “Do you listen to what your son has to say?”

The parent repeated, “Didn’t you hear what I said? My son is the problem, not me!” Clearly, the principles of empathy and embracing diversity were not applied in this case. There would be little or no progress to be made towards positive resolution in the absence of reciprocity in understanding…

Generations should create a common space where they can co exist…

Let’s share!