SIR GUESTLING THORN

I have a question? Let me preface it by saying I know times change. We are less formal and more relaxed in our social interaction, which is as it should be but when did the young stop being respectful to their elders? I understand that respect has to earned. When I was young (admittedly a long time ago) we were taught to have respect for our elders and treat them with deference. It was a natural respect born of the fact that they were older and had simply lived longer. I am not suggesting the young are beholding to us (indeed I have written many times how we have let them down and especially the mess that is Brexit, after only 54% of those who voted took us out) no certainly they have a lot to hold us to account for. The question is one I pose simply to understand the attitude of those who are  younger, to what is now, a much larger ageing population? I do not interact much with the younger generation since I retired. In my last job at Curry’s there were many youngsters working there often on a part time basis. A few were hard working and interested in the job but most seemed to be there simply because they needed to earn some money and did as little as possible and only when they had to. They were lazy and disinterested and although one or two were prepared to listen, many seemed to care little about the knowledge that could be passed on. One or two had far greater knowledge on specific subjects especially computers but that was to be expected, technology is largely in their hands. I found them to be uneducated in particular about history or the world and especially about politics (having said that at their age I had no interest in politics either) They were woefully ignorant about many things, perhaps my expectations were to high! Let me clear, I am not saying they were stupid, quite the reverse most were highly intelligent and had studied or were studying at University. They just lacked any real interest in the world in general. There are many younger people who are interested in the world and do engage in it and many, I am sure who have a deep respect for their elders but the prevailing attitude from my experience is one of a “couldn’t care less” attitude, which saddens me! In the end I suppose that attitude is one that we, their elders have given them and lets face there are precious few examples of anyone older to whom they can look up to in public life!

Stay well