One recent speaker lamented the challenge of relating to their grandsons. They mostly turn a blind eye to the political persuasion of the speaker, writing that off as “fuzzy thinking.” The speaker makes no bones about how much they love the grandsons/ grandchicos. They increasingly find themselves failing to address the pressing real-life issues of today that concern them most. This fight has led the speaker to reflect on the deeper significance of generational divides in tackling complex social issues.
At a recent commemoration for HIV/AIDS, the speaker reflected on his experience and what he wished he could discuss in an impactful way with his grandsons. They also recalled the staggering emotional toll of having to lead 40 funerals in a single year. This loss experience deeply impacted their view of life and death. The speaker wonders how many others share similar experiences that seem invisible to younger generations, making it difficult to bridge the gap in understanding.
To bring it all home, the speaker focused on real examples of discrimination that same-sex couples face, particularly around hospital visitation. They think that too many people are currently blind to this problem unless they’ve been affected themselves. This experience has certainly deepened their understanding of empathy’s essential importance. They learned that the way we need to approach advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and health issues is through compassion and mutual understanding.
“I can explain it to you, but I can’t understand it for you.” – Eleanor
The speaker is trying to center that raw frustration. They’re passionate about sharing their lessons and experiences, but they understand that they can only impart so much knowledge from afar. The intergenerational disconnect is magnified as young adults and practitioners approach conversations rooted in underlying values and lived experiences.
The speaker’s reflections make for a thought-provoking consideration of communication across generational lines. What can young people do to promote understanding in the face of opposing worldviews? They highlight the importance of patience and open-mindedness, arguing that conversation is a key ingredient to closing these divides.