The Generational Divide: A Lament
Isaac Megbolugbe
December 9, 2024
As someone who has cultivated an artistic, creative, and intellectual disposition, I find myself increasingly disconnected from the language and culture of the younger generation. Their words, lyrics, and mannerisms often strike me as simplistic, lacking in nuance, and even crude. I confess that my initial reaction is one of judgment and resistance.
Unfortunately, this generational divide has also affected my relationship with my son. He misinterpreted my lack of enthusiasm for his generation’s culture as a personal rejection of him and his identity. I struggled to reconcile my traditional values of humility, respect, and patience with the arrogance and bombastic mindset that often characterizes the youth of today.
The chasm between us seemed insurmountable, particularly when it came to their fascination with the darker aspects of the internet. I felt that their lack of presence of mind and empathy, choosing instead to rebel and abandon their elders, was a profound betrayal.
As I reflect on this experience, I realize that I struggle to muster empathy to reengage with those who have rejected me. Perhaps this is because I know that life’s complexities will eventually catch up with them, and they will discover that the world is not as simplistic as they once believed.
