Thursday Real Talk

Can We Meet in the Middle?

Disclaimer: This is solely my opinion based off my thoughts, conversations with my peers over the years, and what I continue to read on social media. I know everyone will not agree with me, and that’s okay. I’m simply sharing my perspective.

I have been thinking about something.

Many of us who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s came up with certain standards that were simply expected. We didn’t make those rules. That’s just how we were raised.

We respected our elders.

We were expected to be on time.

We were expected to work hard.

We were expected to keep our word.

We were expected to be dutiful.

We were expected to be resourceful.

We were expected to be accountable for our actions.

Did we complain sometimes?

Absolutely.

But we still did it.

Those standards shaped our character and how we maneuvered through life.

By the time many of us entered the workforce, we already understood responsibility. We already understood accountability. Nobody had to teach us that once we got hired.

Many of us raised our children with those same standards because we believed they worked.

Now here’s where I start scratching my head.

It appears those standards we were raised with, which many of us still take pride in, this generation identifies as being oppressive.

That is hard for me to understand.

I have worked since I was 12 years old.

We didn’t show up late because we didn’t feel like it.

We didn’t call off for mental health days.

That wasn’t even part of our thinking.

If we missed school or work, we were sick. Really sick. And many times you needed a doctor’s note before you could return.

We addressed people respectfully.

Mr.

Mrs.

Miss.

We didn’t make up our own rules.

We didn’t make up our own words.

I came up in what I call the black and white… right and wrong era.

Today, it feels like everything is open to interpretation.

If you think differently, someone is ready to tell you that you’re wrong, you’re insensitive, you’re old-fashioned, or you need to change with the times.

I can tell you this…

I didn’t grow up with the craziness I see taking place today.

The internet and social media have exposed us to so many different ways of thinking and living that sometimes it feels like everyone is creating their own rules as they go.

Am I saying every new way of thinking is wrong?

No.

I can’t say that.

In fact, I know there have been positive changes.

I just can’t think of one right this second. 😉🤣

But I do think we’ve lost some things that were worth holding onto.

I don’t think older generations should expect younger generations to think exactly like we do.

And I don’t think younger generations should expect us to throw away everything that helped shape who we are.

Respect goes both ways.

Maybe instead of trying to convince each other who’s right…

We simply acknowledge that we were raised differently.

Maybe…

Just maybe…

We can meet somewhere in the middle.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

❤️ Lady Flava

Sending You Positive Vibes From My Tower To Your Heart. 🌻