In my article, “Gaps between the generations and in living standards in GAP region” (Feb. 8, 2012), I featured a comment by Douglas in Illinois who had responded to my article “Sometimes differences are not just cultural” (Jan. 31, 2012). “My great-grandmother spoke of society in terms that mirror those of your article,” he wrote. It is true that the generation gap along with cultural differences have always been with us. In our different age periods and cultural diversity, value development has different areas of focus. We all know that our values have a significant impact on all that we do and think.
Let me just share this bit of information to help us see how our values are developed over time. For example, generally from birth to about age 7 children learn by seeing, absorbing and accepting. You have probably heard the expression, “Monkey see, monkey do!” The same can be said about humans -- children see, children do! Then from about age 8 to 13 children look for role models or heroes. Ask any child at this age who he wants to be like and he will give you a straight answer and reply with a few names.
From about age 15 to early 20s values are influenced by socialization with their peers. Lots of experimentation, observation and making decisions about what they want to do with their life and what kind of person they want to be is being processed. This is the time when parents most often hear their teens say the phrase, “But everybody else is doing it.” After the mid or late 20s most young adults have decided about their life and values are set. Usually these don’t change unless there is a significant emotional event or life-changing event. A popular saying used for those in this stage of life is “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
In different cultures you can also see values being formed in similar ways: Some nationalities tend to learn more by following by example; and other nationalities strive to be like those of some other nationality whom they have high regards for, and then you have a few cultures that really don’t change much at all. The latter would be places like North Korea or Cuba.
Globalization is helping us better understand each other and be more aware of cultural diversities and generation gaps.
I came across this set of “New Rules,” which are taken from George Barna’s work, “Generation Next.” Barna has published the results of a nationwide survey of American teens that have their own respective culture, giving an accurate picture of where today’s youth are and where they seem to be headed. You will find some of the rules seem to be contradictory; others are a paradox.
Bear in mind that these “New Rules,” as they are referred to by Barna, are being practiced by youth who have not yet experienced the reality of life on their own. I have observed some of these being put into practice by Turkish youth, too. I found it interesting to contemplate them, bearing in mind the generation I belong to and my nationality, which is both Turkish and American. Try it for yourself and see what you think and how you feel about the “New Rules.” Here is the list:
New Rule#1: Personal relationships count. Institutions don’t. New Rule#2: The process is more important than the product. New Rule#3: Aggressively pursue diversity among people. New Rule#4: Enjoying people and life opportunities is more important than productivity, profitability or achievement. New Rule#5: Change is good. New Rule#6: The development of character is more crucial than achievement. New Rule#7: You can’t always count on your family to be there for you, but it is your best hope for emotional support. New Rule#8: Each individual must assume responsibility for his or her own world. New Rule#9: Whenever necessary, gain control -- and use it wisely. New Rule#10: Don’t waste time searching for absolutes. There are none. New Rule#11: One person can make a difference in the world -- but not much. New Rule#12: Life is hard and then we die, but because it’s the only life we’ve got, we may as well endure it. New Rule#14: Express your rage. New Rule#15: Technology is our natural ally.
I have given some generalizations of generational portraits and cultures to just raise a few issues and to point out that the clash of values is not just cultural but generational as well.
Note: Charlotte McPherson is the author of “Culture Smart: Turkey, 2005.” Please keep your questions and observations coming, I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman’s readers. Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
