"Young vs Old"

      Is it always true, from old people's point of view, that teenagers are reckless  and need constant observation? Are elderly people correct when they put endless blame on those young men? On the other hand, are teenagers always innocent? Are they being misunderstood by those around them? And more importantly; does the "young vs old" conflict exist in every society?

Well, if you're a parent I could hear a deep sigh! If you're a teenager I could see your index finger on the mouse looking for the "close" button! But hold on young man I might be on you side!

The relationship between old and young generations seems to always have been a matter of complaint and dissatisfaction from both sides in all societies. Why is it that? Is it because old people have a wide experience and can see what can't be seen by young people; and therefore they don’t want them to start from the scratch?! Or is it that young people are energetic and prefer to get things done their own ways?!

It wouldn't be a contradiction if we say: both are right! It means that we need for the old people to understand the fact that their experience is highly respected, but at the same time we should give a space and let teenagers try new ways. They might come up with new ideas. History tells us that great ideas have, most of the time, come out from young minds. Posing constrains all the time on teenagers and putting them under pressure will only produce a generation of hypocrites; who do what they don’t believe in, or criminals; who rebel against all the values of the society.  

Parents and educators are advised to read books or take courses on how to deal with this age. This age has certain psychological and mental changes that should be taken into consideration. For example, teenagers love privacy very much; a notion that doesn't have a room in old people's mind-- armed with the Victorian famous saying "children should be seen, not be heard!"-- Young people like to have a margin of independence. They want to experience the manhood themselves, but it's a different manhood from that of the elders! They don’t reject the values and norms but they look at them differently. Is that a right attitude?! Well, it might not be so, and that's a complete different matter of discussion.   

Anyhow, moderation and keeping balance is the bottom line. Elders should give ears to teenagers, and teenagers, in return, should adopt diplomacy when it comes to dealing with the elders. In other words, mutual understanding and willingness of compromise should be a motto for this relationship to be healthy and transparent. Unless they implement these rules, there wouldn't be any development, and deterioration will gradually sneak into that relation and turn it into a hell.