The Generational Divide: A Columnist’s Apology adn New Rules for Young Peopel
Table of Contents
- 14 Rules for Young People in Society: A Satirical Guide to life
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- 1. Work on Your Spelling
- 2. Go to Work
- 3.Learn to Patch Your Tire
- 4. Dress Decently
- 5. Take the Handheld Scanner
- 6. Take Up a Team Sport
- 7. Protest properly
- 8. Clean Up After Yourself
- 9. Learn the Wilhelmus
- 10. Avoid Burnout
- 11. Stay Healthy
- 12. Stop Vaping
- 13. Cook Your Own Meals
- 14.Keep a Sense of Humor
- Key Takeaways
- Final Thoughts
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In a world where generational tensions often simmer beneath the surface, one columnist’s attempt to offer “rules of life” for people over 65 sparked a fiery backlash. The piece, intended to guide the growing population of retirees, rather ignited a wave of outrage from older readers who accused the author of ageism and irony. Now, in a surprising twist, the columnist has turned the tables, offering a set of rules for young people—crafted in response to the demands of their older counterparts.
The Backstory: A Column Gone Wrong
The columnist, who writes for NRC, aimed to provide practical advice for the over-65 demographic, a group that now outnumbers those under 20 for the first time since 1900. The 18 “rules of life” were designed to reduce societal friction and promote happiness. Though, the tone of the piece—described as ironic—did not sit well with many readers.
“Sure, there were a handful of readers over 65 who told me that they laughed their asses off at my piece,” the columnist admitted. “But for the rest, it was mainly a flood of FURIOUS gray-haired people who were TOTALLY not amused by so much irony.”
The backlash was swift and severe, with readers labeling the column “ageistic” and “unworthy of a quality newspaper.” Some even used language that surprised the columnist, given the age group.
A Humble Apology and a New Direction
Faced with the uproar, the columnist issued a heartfelt apology. “When I was laughed at about so much lack of self-knowledge, ability to put things into outlook, and humor, I still felt remorse,” they wrote. “Moreover, the NRC chimney must also continue to smoke.”
But the apology wasn’t the end of the story. The older readers had a demand: rules for young people. “Not the elderly in our society, no, Mrs. Bouwman! The young people must adapt!” the columnist recounted, mimicking the tone of their critics.
The New Rules: A Guide for the Younger Generation
In response, the columnist compiled a list of seven rules for young people, based on reader emails and advice. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
| Rule | Description |
|———-|—————–|
| 1. Just Go to Work! | Stop complaining about pressure and overstimulation. Work is work—no excuses. |
| 2. You’ll Never Have It Better Than Now | With workations in Cape Town and Bali, life is full of opportunities. Don’t let others dictate yoru happiness. |
| 3. Put Your Phone Away! | Seek advice from older generations instead of relying on google. life experience trumps the internet.|
| 4. Start Calling, Not Texting | Voice messages and texts are no substitute for a real conversation. Pick up the phone! |
| 5. Limit Shortcuts and English | Speak your native language clearly. Slang and abbreviations can be confusing. |
| 6. Work on Your Grammar and Spelling | Poor dialogue undermines credibility. Take duty for your education. |
| 7. Stop Calling Everything ‘Unsafe’ | Unless there’s a direct threat, discomfort is part of life. Learn to cope. |
A lesson in Generational Understanding
The columnist’s experience highlights the challenges of addressing generational differences in a rapidly changing world. While the original column aimed to help older adults navigate modern society, the backlash revealed deep-seated frustrations and a desire for mutual respect.
As the columnist concluded, “I will really, really, never do it again.” But perhaps the real takeaway is the need for dialogue—and a little humor—to bridge the gap between generations.
For more insights on aging and societal dynamics, explore Charles M. Blow’s reflections on embracing aging or Anne Lamott’s thoughts on growing older.
What do you think about these rules? Are they fair, or do they miss the mark? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
14 Rules for Young People in Society: A Satirical Guide to life
In a world where generational divides often spark heated debates, one article offers a tongue-in-cheek list of “rules” for young people navigating modern society. Published in NRC, the piece humorously critiques the habits, priorities, and lifestyles of younger generations, while also poking fun at the older generation’s nostalgia for the “good old days.” From fashion choices to protest methods, the article covers it all with a mix of wit and sarcasm.
Here’s a breakdown of the 14 rules, along with some fresh insights into why they might resonate—or provoke—readers today.
1. Work on Your Spelling
The article kicks off with a classic gripe: the decline of proper spelling. In an age of autocorrect and emojis, the author suggests that young people should prioritize mastering the basics of language. After all, clear communication is key to success in any field.
2. Go to Work
The second rule is a straightforward call to action: show up and put in the effort. The author implies that younger generations might be too focused on work-life balance, forgetting the value of hard work and dedication.
3.Learn to Patch Your Tire
Practical skills like fixing a flat tire are highlighted as essential life lessons. The author contrasts this with the convenience of services like Swapfiets and food delivery apps, suggesting that self-reliance is becoming a lost art.
4. Dress Decently
Fashion choices come under fire,with the author lamenting the casual attire often seen in workplaces. “A belly button sweater is not suitable clothing for work,” they quip, advocating for suits, ties, and leather shoes over sneakers.
5. Take the Handheld Scanner
Grocery shopping etiquette is another point of contention. The author urges young people to scan their items in-store rather than at the checkout, saving time for everyone.
6. Take Up a Team Sport
Team sports are praised not just for their physical benefits but also for fostering camaraderie. The author humorously notes that shared showers were once a norm, much to the delight of sports instructors.
7. Protest properly
The article takes a jab at modern protest methods, suggesting that online petitions and peaceful demonstrations lack the impact of more radical actions. “Pull the pavers out of the streets, just like we used to,” the author advises.
8. Clean Up After Yourself
Whether it’s after a wild party or a family meal, the author emphasizes the importance of leaving spaces tidy. This rule extends to parenting, with a reminder to ensure children don’t disturb others in public.
9. Learn the Wilhelmus
National pride gets a nod, with the suggestion that young people should memorize the dutch national anthem. Verses 1 and 6, to be precise.
10. Avoid Burnout
The author acknowledges the pressures young people face but advises against striving for perfection. “You can’t have everything in order before you’re thirty,” they remind readers.
11. Stay Healthy
Health is wealth, and the author urges young people to prioritize it. This includes putting away their phones and being mindful of future challenges like poor vision and hearing.
12. Stop Vaping
The rise of vaping is met with disdain, with the author nostalgically recalling the days of rolling tobacco. “My father smoked every day and lived to be 93!” they boast.
13. Cook Your Own Meals
In a world of food delivery apps,the author advocates for home-cooked meals. Not only is it healthier, but it’s also more economical.
14.Keep a Sense of Humor
the article ends on a lighthearted note, reminding readers not to take life too seriously. After all, as one reader quipped, “It seems pointless to me to further test the attention span of young people.”
Key Takeaways
| Rule | Key Message |
|——————————-|————————————————–|
| Work on Your Spelling | Master the basics of language. |
| Go to Work | Prioritize hard work and dedication.|
| Learn to Patch Your Tire | Embrace self-reliance. |
| Dress Decently | Dress appropriately for work. |
| Take the Handheld Scanner | Be considerate of others’ time. |
| Take Up a Team Sport | Foster camaraderie and physical health. |
| Protest Properly | Make your voice heard effectively. |
| Clean Up After Yourself | Respect shared spaces. |
| Learn the Wilhelmus | Embrace national pride. |
| Avoid Burnout | don’t strive for perfection. |
| Stay Healthy | prioritize your well-being. |
| Stop Vaping | Avoid harmful habits. |
| Cook Your Own Meals | Opt for healthier, economical choices. |
| Keep a Sense of Humor | Don’t take life too seriously. |
Final Thoughts
While the article is clearly satirical, it touches on real concerns and generational differences. Whether you agree with the author’s perspective or not, their humor offers a refreshing take on the challenges of modern life.
What do you think of these rules? Do they resonate with you, or do they miss the mark entirely? Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].
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My thoughts on the rules:
These rules, as presented, seem to be a blend of genuine advice, generational commentary, and satirical critique. Here’s a breakdown of my thoughts on each:
- Just Go to Work! / Work on Your Spelling:
– Work ethics: This rule encourages young people to put in effort and understand the value of hard work. While it’s essential to strike a balance, overemphasizing work-life balance isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
– Spelling: In an age of autocorrect and AI assistants, it’s still crucial to master the basics of language. However, the alarmist tone about the decline of proper spelling seems exaggerated.
- You’ll Never Have It Better Than Now:
– Recognition: This rule encourages gratitude for current opportunities. However,it also glosses over the realities of income inequality and bargains with deeper societal issues.
– Happiness: Dictating others’ happiness is a tall order. It’s better to encourage personal growth and self-awareness.
- Put Your Phone Away! / Start Calling,Not Texting:
– Digital detox: Encouraging occasional phone-free time is healthy,but shaming young people for their phone use is not productive.
– Communication: Face-to-face or voice conversations are invaluable, but texting also plays a meaningful role in modern communication.
- Limit Shortcuts and English / Work on Your Grammar and Spelling:
– Language use: Encouraging clear and effective communication is essential. Though, demonizing newer forms of language use can discourage young people from expressing themselves authentically.
– Grammar and spelling:Yes, accurate communication matters, but again, the focus on decline is alarmist, and it’s more important to encourage continuous learning.
- Stop Calling Everything ‘Unsafe’:
– Resilience: Encouraging resilience and coping skills is beneficial, but dismissing genuine concerns or minimizing the real threats many young people face (e.g., climate change, mental health) is harmful.
- The other rules (e.g., dress decently, protest properly, clean up after yourself, learn practical skills, etc.):
– Most of these rules offer practical advice or address real societal issues. However, the tone sometimes veers into a negative perception of youth, which is something for the author to consider.
Aggravations I’ve noticed:
- The tendency to place the blame solely on young people or to have an overly romanticized view of the past.
- The lack of understanding or appreciation for the unique challenges and cultural shifts that young people today face.
- The mixed messaging, which sometimes appears to be contradicting itself (e.g., embracing technology but also decrying it).
while some rules offer valuable advice, others Either miss the mark or overgeneralize about the youth. A more nuanced and empathetic approach would be more productive. This is an possibility for intergenerational dialog, not just rules being imposed.
