Letter to the Editor: Bridging the Generation Gap by admitting own weakness & short-sightedness — humility, mutual respect, and understanding are key

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Dear Editor,

I refer to the report, “Generation gap – a bridge too far or are we making too much of it?” (TODAY, May 28).

Foremost, let us get the definition right — generation gap refers to the differences in mindsets, perceptions, perspectives, actions, beliefs, and tastes of members of younger generations versus older ones.

Nonetheless, we can’t deny that intergenerational gaps do exist (from) decades or centuries ago.

Next, we need to do soul-searching ourselves on why do intergenerational gaps exist? Is it because of increased life expectancy in terms of unlimited desires, life quality or standard of expectations in life, rapid changes or progress in society, the effect of political environment and policy, the level of economic activity, development, prosperity, and vulnerability as well as the mobility of society, etc?

Thus, we should mentally and psychologically anticipate or expect a certain extent of the effects of the generation gap, including conflicts and misunderstandings among family members of different generations and the people in the communities.

Although I can’t agree more with a recent poll by the National Youth Council that found out that the different generations have unflattering views of one another, it also found, among other things, that a majority of the different generations see value in the other.

Now, the most challenging, difficult and critical task lying ahead for the society and the authority to take is how to consistently integrate and mitigate the differences or divides among the intergenerational groups.

In my opinion, a right, humble mindset and attitude are the imperative factors and contributions towards mending whatsoever differences among the intergenerational groups regardless of race and religion.

For example, equipping with humility, mutual respect, mutual understanding, openness and sincerity in admitting own weakness and short-sightedness are keys to minimising or softening any conflicts, disputes, and misunderstandings occurred in life among intergenerational groups.

If every one of us can see or find values, merits or strengths in others, and be less fault-finding, how could conflict and misunderstanding occur?

Last but not least, we should humbly emulate — remember and motivate ourselves from a very meaningful quote from Dwight D. Eisenhower, “By mutual respect, understanding and with good will we can find acceptable solutions to any problems which exist or may arise between us.”

Teo Kueh Liang (Mr)

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of The Independent Singapore.