You Shouldn’t Ask Any more From Us
We’ve paid our dues.
Upon reaching a certain age we look around and we are not all that happy.
We look at the condition the world is in and think that we might offer some advice but it appears that our input is not needed as much- maybe not needed at all. We even see resentment when presenting our viewpoints, our thinking.
This is kind of a rude turnaround since folks with maturity have done their share of trying hard to leave a legacy all can be proud of, not one with internal strife, demeaning attitudes and an uncaring society.
The “Silent Majority” should be able to reflect on their contributions without shame or guilt and watch with satisfaction how the fruits of their labor are caring for the current crop of society.
The vast majority of such citizens have earned their stripes to that end- their viewpoint remains most valuable- their thinking, their input is still valuable, worth sharing.
The populous, however has found itself in a position that I don’t believe any other generation has experienced for a long, long time maybe never.
The popular word that describes the state we’re in is polarized.
There is no middle ground where moderates can hang their hat. There is no safe harbor for folks that feel they are only partly so and so and the rest undecided.
They are part of the diminishing non-polarized of society.
We see divisions between siblings, between parents and children, between Millennials and Boomers and Between Gen-X and the rest of the world. Where once were negotiations there now are confrontations and standoffs.
Discussions with differing opinions at all levels were at one time held with civility. We could nod and say that one’s opinion has merit but I don’t see it for myself. “Could you tell me why you feel that way?”
Few went away angry.
Now, “ It’s my way or the highway!” Or, “If you don’t like it get out.” Possibly “Who asked you for your two cents anyway?” finally, “Love it or Hate it that’s the way it is.” No middle ground here, just contentious positions and belligerence.
Most of us can only shake our heads. Maybe it was always this way but we were looking at it through rose colored glasses.
No, I don’t think so. The scene isn’t the same anymore.
Two of my kids are teachers in public schools- one in a middle school and one in a high school.
I asked them a question separately: “Are you seeing a change in attitudes in your classrooms? Are there divisions between classmates?”
They both said pretty much the same thing.
Kids attitudes have become more belligerent, or just the opposite, or non-caring.
A lot of the kid’s parents aren’t nearly involved as much as when we were kids. Parents these days are often content to hand over raising kids to surrogates.
They said they spend a lot of time acting like parents, instilling values, showing how responsibility is important, discussing what honesty means, having respect for others or even separating physical confrontations.
“What do you see as a way to make it better?”
Once again they responded similarly- Find a way to get the parents interested in raising their kids, they said. We teachers shouldn’t be doing it for them.
Teachers are there to educate- not to raise children.
Thanks for reading
