Don't Forget that When You Point a Finger at Gen-Z, Four Fingers Point Back at You

We have noticed a new trend that is becoming common to hear a lot of complaints about Generation Z.

They say that Generation Z has no vision, are rude & lack respect for their elders. Sadly they are stereotyped as screen-addicted, physically inactive & entirely uninterested in outdoor sports.

They also are selfish, lack basic table manners, show zero dedication in the workplace & view work only as a tool for earning rather than a place to contribute to the organization they work for.

They lack a sense of national community, are highly individualistic & are prone to drugs & liquor addiction. Sadly, the list of grievances is too long to list it here.

But, when we hear all this, the first & foremost question that should come to our mind is, who is responsible for this?

Is this generalization of these flaws entirely accurate? If so, were there really no misfits in earlier generations?

The answer to these questions holds the key to understanding why a small percentage of Gen-Z seems to be struggling to cope up with society.

Before we compare the earlier generation to Gen-Z & blame the newer generations, we must look in the mirror.

The ecosystem, the environment past generation has built for their descendants.

Technologies are changing speeds with no brakes or control and naturally will lead to inevitable developmental outcomes.

As the law of physics says, “Every action has an equal & opposite reaction”.

Naturally this applies to societal shifts too.

Let me break down the generational actions that have caused the current Gen-Z reactions, point by point:

1. Changes in Architecture & Social Ecology:

Earlier Generations:

Grew up in independent houses & surrounded by gardens & were not crammed into high-rise flats. Most did not own a TV, so they had to walk to a neighbor's house to watch a cricket match or a movie. Well, the question is was it not sad not able to own your own T.V?

Yes, but there was other advantages to not owning one. It forced socialization & created natural outlets for outdoor games & physical movement there by keeping them from turning into couch potatoes.

That does not mean all houses should not have T.V. To think so is very wrong. This T.V part was mentioned to point out the advantages & disadvantages of technology.

Environmental Psychology proves that spatial constraints directly impact human behavior. Open spaces encourage exploratory behavior & physical health, while cramped, isolated living breeds sedentary habits & screen addiction & reliance.

2. The Space Constrains – Earlier Generation Schools Vs. Modern Schools:

Earlier generation schools had sprawling classrooms with massive playgrounds.  The fact is also students carried heavy bags full of books walking miles to schools which in advertently built physical, mental endurance & resilience.

This type of school environment encouraged students to have free minds & engage in physical games on large grounds. Schools too had school teams for cricket, hockey, football & other sports. This encouraged children’s to engage in healthy competition in these sports building a strong social adaptable personality.

This present generation schools children’s are often cramped into tiny classrooms. The old traditional playgrounds have disappeared with schools interested in adding building for more classroom and more children’s & more earnings. New schools being opened also are following this. Playgrounds has disappeared & in its place single artificial turf on a terrace, fenced with high grates so children don't fall off.

It is a shame & sad it resembles a prison more than a place of learning.

Kinesthetic (body's ability to sense its own movement, position, and muscle actions) development has been found crucial for a growing brain. When we don’t provide space for active sports, children are deprived of the physical exertion necessary to burn off stress hormones (cortisol) & generate natural endorphins.

3. Disappearance of Parental Attachment

It was traditional in earlier generations for one parent would go out to earn while the other remained home to raise the children. This allowed for continuous monitoring, behavioral correction, feeding of warm healthy food & importantly the ingraining of values, integrity & physical activity.

The present generation are completely different, both parents are often working. Six-month-old babies are left at day-cares, with babysitters or in preschools.

Parents return exhausted from commuting & working. Undoubtedly they love their children but the crucial physical touches & emotional connections are limited sadly ‘Rationed’, creating an emotional distance.

Well it is like admiring a beautiful person or scenery on your mobile phone screen & trying to touch it. Is it not a poor substitute for the real thing?

There is science behind why early physical proximity to parents is vital for emotional regulation. Lack of this connection reduces the production of Oxytocin (the bonding hormone), sadly there by leaving children feeling emotionally adrift.

How Did We Get Here?

How was this Situation created?

The answer is the Illusion of the West.

How did Indians reach this tipping point? We were not like this?

Well, it all started with us blindly “Aping” the West.

Through English movie & later Indian movies we had started seeing flashy houses, cars, designer clothes, bars & luxury hotels.

We were sold the illusion of a "Paradise on Earth," where wealth guaranteed unlimited happiness.

We did not pause to think, instead we too started running relentlessly behind wealth, sadly leaving behind our rich cultural heritage & core values as secondary baggage.

Sad but true, we failed to look at the other side of that same coin.

Broken families, a rise in orphanages, old-age homes & jails filled with juveniles, rampant drug addiction & health crises like AIDS.

Were those at Jantar Mantar "Misfits"?

Let us study it with an open mind & if it is true who is responsible for such “Misfits”

We recently saw the NEET protesters at Jantar Mantar which sadly projected rudeness, violence, vulgarity & filthy behavior.

But touch your heart & ask yourself.

1) How many of them were actual students?

2) How many had even appeared for the NEET exams?

3) How many genuinely possessed the ability, dedication or were worthy to become doctors?

You already know the answer.

How can we label the entirety of Gen-Z as misfits based on this?

Honest fact is 95% of those specific individuals exhibiting that vulgar behavior were misfits who crawled out of toxic environments like insects.

They lacked the presence of engaged parents, dedicated teachers & positive peer groups.

Many were drawn to the protests merely to enjoy free food, drugs & illicit activities.

They shouted out their deep, unresolved life frustrations, screaming but which reflected about the love & attention their parents failed to give them at the right time.

Sadly, their vulgarity & filth were directed at the wrong people, in the wrong place, backed by those who simply wanted to use them as mindless “ZOMBIES” for political agendas.

When we point our fingers at Gen-Z and generalize them, never forget that 95% of Gen-Z is actually good, capable individuals, while only 5% are the loud misfits.

It is a deeply shameful & tragic position for parents in their middle age to have to hide their faces in disgust because the children they gave birth to brought them shame at places like Jantar Mantar.

There are  Solution - Be the Legacy You Want to Leave

All the 100% of Gen-Z requires a positive, nurturing environment & strong cultural roots, just like earlier generations had.

What they need is not your constant judgment. But, what they need is YOU.

They need your love, hugs, guidance & occasionally strict correction when required.

Guidance can be given  if you actively practice what you preach.

Be the Role Model:

Children do not learn by being told what to do but instead they learn by observing & mimicking the adults around them.

Yes, Children grow up aping their parents.

They will be tomorrow exactly what you are today.

Do not expect anything different or more from them if you do not embody it yourself.

Yes, you might be able to provide them with the expensive education or business capital you never had.

But the honest fact is that you absolutely cannot expect integrity, good behavior, strong values, culture & the fear of God or the understanding of Karma if you do not exhibit those traits in your own life.

Start with:

1) Live a life of unwavering integrity & strong values.

2) Engage in physical activities.

3) Spend quality, screen-free time with your family & friends.

4) Take your children on outdoor outings, to tourist places & to the places of worship of your faith.

5) Show them what real life looks like outside the borders of a mobile phone screen.

Do the above & watch the incredible difference it makes when they grow up.

Instead of pointing fingers, you will be proud that you are leaving behind a human legacy truly worth being proud of.

This Blog is by the Author Jeevan Gopalan: 

Please contribute your useful insights and thoughts/comments. I'll include it in this article, and it will also help me better my writing. This is necessary to motivate me to better my writing.  Also, you must share with others or my efforts would be in vain.

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