Generation Superiority Syndrome

The phenomenon where the current generation (parents) think that they are superior compared to the next generation (their kids) is very common. Especially, in terms of their work ethics, hard work, morality, respectfulness, and the difficulties they faced in their life parents feel that they are better compared to their kids, without having any data to support this claim. It is so common that almost every kid has to listen to parents or other elders complaining about how their life was much more difficult, how they worked their asses off to reach where they are, how they started with nothing, how they used to respect their elders much more compared to these kids, and also listen these elder's whining about how morality has eroded over time. I call this phenomenon "generation superiority syndrome" (GSS). 

Under the GSS, the current generation thinks exactly the opposite of what reality is. They assert their claims assertively taking full advantage of their seniority without providing any data or apple-to-apple comparison. Some of the common symptoms are: they completely discount the challenges faced by the next generation and only focus on their own difficulties; they also ignore improved moral standards of the current world and love to talk fondly about the good old days, no matter how regressive those days were; they also don't miss any opportunity to point out how they are not receiving the respect they deserve for their hard work and sacrifices. I know these things because I suffered from the same syndrome. It is true that there were hardships in my life, I immigrated to a completely unknown and strange country, had to chart my own path with my family, and faced many uncertainties. But it is also true that my kids also have to face their own challenges that may have been more difficult than what I faced. Glorifying our own challenges and diminishing our kids' challenges is a mean thing any parent can do, but many parents do this all the time without realizing the impact of this on their kids. Different generations face different difficulties and hardships. Many times, they are not comparable, hence difficult to judge which one is harder. Sometimes physical comforts are better, but psychological difficulties are harder, sometimes there is more money but there are more distractions. It is hard to find apples-to-apples comparisons, but people suffering from the GSS don't care about these things, they just like to harp about their greatness and sacrifices. 

If you are a parent or guardian, please check from time to time if you are suffering from the GSS. If you are, please take corrective measures before your kids realize that you are a jerk without any idea what kids are going through. Please acknowledge your kids' difficulties in the same way you want to get acknowledged your own. Be cognizant of the fact that every generation has pushed the boundaries on various fronts compared to the previous generations. Remember, just a few decades back women were not allowed to work or go to college, but now they can, at least in most countries. So, it is clear that our forefathers did not have superior morality standards compared to the current standards. Let's give credit where it's due and offer constructive criticism where it's needed. Most people who suffer from GSS don't even know about it, so don't be one of them. Good luck and happy parenting.

Thank you for reading and please share your views on this topic. 

© Vinay Thakur, All rights reserved, Vinay can be reached at thevinay2022@gmail.com