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To compare today’s child, teenager, to the one who grew up a mere two dozen years before, you would see remarkable change. As I was discussing with a lovely patient of mine during my volunteering at the local hospital the other evening, society seems to have opened up a great number of new dimensions to the world of the adolescent. Before today, who had heard of half the medical conditions which today hungrily buzz around, it seems, the majority of the young population? It’s not only on a scientific basis which I comment- in perhaps a deceptively gradual transition, we have successfully closed the void between child and adult. I like to compare it to history; the arcane state of the English Church after the Protestant reforms of a very Catholic Henry VIII, for it mirrors the government’s advances which have left teenagers progressing in life without any real ‘place’ in the community.
To make some decisions, we require the knowledge of life lessons and prudery learned from their subsequent outcomes. A fine example- university. Which university? Which course? Narrowing down the choice is easy part, facilitated nowadays by numerous publications and friendly ‘careers advisors,’ in their designated school library corners… It is the prospect of making a choice which will affect that young individual for the rest of his or her life which is daunting- to put it lightly (as to retain the ‘light’ humour of the article.) We are still children, but we are being made to act like adults. Can that really be asked of us?
I target a familiar area. And, although I will always feel strongly about the twisted relationship I feel is that between education and politics, my opening argument covers a much wider range of subjects. I argue, ‘is it really the advances in science which have allowed us to discover new conditions which always existed?’ or is science again the shield for making excuses to the consequences and side-effects of society’s culture on our young generation? I’ll let you decide.
A student of history, I thoroughly enjoy delving into the psychology of the subject. After all, history is the study of people. This is why I love it. As to choose a civilisation or clique which I thought lived most harmoniously, I would bet on the laity (peasant population) of Tudor England. I’d do so, not for the obvious lack of glamour and hygiene, but for their blissful ignorance towards outward life. To them, tradition took hold from the minute you were born, and such a path was not argued. They did not know different, they had not tasted change. I compare this to the lives of children in the recent past- my opinion is that in many respects, they were much more guarded and naïve, protected. They got on with things. In addition, their lifestyle often included a lot more discipline and growing up earlier as far as money management and chores were concerned. Children were far less spoiled.
It seems the sugars of today’s fruits is rotting young minds. Admitting that I have a tendency (in reality, an urge,) to exaggerate issues, I’ll continue to state that kids probably won’t agree to reverting back to the ‘good times’ by surrendering their consoles and material company. Is there a solution?
Sara was born in Bologna, Italy, and moved to Buckinghamshire at the age of twelve. She learned English by developing a love of reading Stephen King (who, to this day, remains one of her favourite authors,) and watching Cartoon Network. Never taking an interest in fictional work, Sara developed her style analyzing of casestudies such as that of Ruth Ellis, coincidentally bearing her passion for the subject of History. Although careful not to rule any period of the past out, her favourite material includes the European Reformation and the men behind Hitler. Quickly, the study of History aroused questions that Sara took to answer by delving into the field of philosophy, concentrating primarily on Albert Camus and, before him, Jean-Paul Sartre. Most recently, it seems she was finally made peace with the world of fiction and eased her critical eye, adding authors like Philipa Gregory and Samson to her bookshelves.
» left by Avis Ward(11,364) Avis Ward (2 years 127 days ago.)
Sara, you're an amazing young lady. You have what we say in the states, "an old soul." Your wisdom far exceeds your years. This is an excellent article filled with a fair comparison of today's child and yesterday's child. The easy answer to the question asked at the end would be, "Jesus." His name embodies the totality of our human existence. Of course, there must be instruction and study and a desire to know Him.
I hope you're having a terrific summer. Great on you for volunteering at the hospital! Respond to this comment
» left by Ben Jones(6,839) Ben Jones (2 years 125 days ago.)
Sara thanks for sharing an interesting read; I share your passion for discussing history!
I'm always interested when people say it was the "good old days". Was it really? I think that the youth of "today", whichever day that may be, is pretty much the same as the youth of "yesterday". They still enjoy playing, they generally aren't keen on homework and they talk back to their parents when they can get away with it. They're kids, as it should be.
I liken it to crime rates which everyone seems to think have increased dramatically over the years. Certainly we are exposed to more crimes and the more horrific the better as far as media outlets are concerned. Yet this is more a change in communication and information than the actual crime rates. We see and are aware of more crimes, but that doesn't mean that there are more crimes.
In the same way I think that every generation claims that the one before was more polite, more respectful and had better manners. But I doubt that is actually the case, sorry to the oldies, don't worry, I'll be one soon.
Similarly, people claim that children are growing up faster and at an earlier age. That they are exposed to sexuality sooner (perhaps they are better educated about it), that they have to deal with adult concepts at a younger age and with adult pressures sooner.
Yet we need only go back a few generations and it was reasonably common for teens of 14 or 15 years of age to be married or working full-time. Go back a few more generations and you have cabin boys, chimney sweeps, squires, maids and child brides forced into arranged marriages.
The flipside is when people claim we are more enlightened and civilised. Again, are we? We have corporate global greed, wars, world hunger on a scale never seen, global warming, poverty and famine just to name a few.
Times may change, but I think the one constant is human nature. This is why history will ever repeat itself. Just my two cents worth.
» left by Sara O'Rourke(799) Sara O'Rourke (2 years 125 days ago.)
That is the one true question I adore to discuss- would history really be worth the study if it didn't repeat itself? Would it be true history if it didn't? Of course not! History is the study of people. You would think that, coming from an arguably arrogant race (we think we are very advanced) we would learn from mistakes dotted around in history, but we don't. If anything, we get worse?
On another note, I think that kids today think they are more adult than they realise. This is due to a combination of exposures, I'm guessing. But nonetheless, it urges them to act in a certain way. And yes, it is certainly comparable to the generations of youths before us, but it cannot be the same. Whether we like it or not, I think the kids today are very different, in mindset and in activity. What you are picking up on, and I appreciate that you do, is the minority who retain past qualities.
» left by Leah(12,705) Leah (2 years 114 days ago.)
I don't agree that children of today are different to yesterday as that suggests evolution and as you yourself know evolution doesn't happen in such a short time frame.
What is different is not their nature, but their nurture, the things they are exposed which will have some influence in shaping them.
We cannot say life is tougher now as in days of old, kids as young as 5yrs old were working in the mines. In some countries young children are still 'working' adult jobs and operating machinery, acring for siblings and living alone on the streets. In the war torn years children had to brave and were witness to a lot just as the children of Iraq are now. Some children are being taught in the present day to be soldiers age 7 to fight in battle.
Children are different around the world not because their nature is different but because their environment is. Environments around the world have always differed. What is true to say is that 'SOME' Kids today have it easier
in many regards than in days of old, but that depends what you are comparing, and for others it is TRUE to say it is considerably harder.
» left by kim (2 years 17 days ago.)
Yes, I liked this article because I am a returning adult studying psychology and needed to know how mothers working effects children. This gave me some great points to add to my paper. Respond to this comment
» left by janet (4 hours 38 minutes ago.) New Comment!
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