When I was 20-25, the 50-60-year-old people of that time were saying: “what has the youth become nowadays? In the past they were ashamed, respect towards elder people existed, and now? They do not take us into consideration at all.” Now the people of my age tell exactly the same about today’s youth. They have forgotten that they have also been young and suchlike rebukes were voiced in their address as well. The change of roles is natural – today’s youth will tell the same after 30-40 years.
The difference, nevertheless, is in the speed of the changes. I was attending the first class with an inkwell and feather, and now I transmit my thoughts primarily by the internet. I was born in a country and appeared in a totally different state at 30 (and still, I do not regret, as compared to the people of my age). What I try to do from the professional perspective at the moment – I would not call it teach, but give advice to my younger colleagues, it will become old enough irrevocably evermore. In case of the former generations the changes did not happen so fast and “tectonic”. People had been writing with feathers for centuries, living under the same political system by dozens of years, studying with the same textbooks.
And this dynamic era, when the knowledge is more affordable and the speech is more free via the internet, brings forth the new generation, which is better than us overall (do not get surprised). Of course, it is an important factor that they live under a system where taboos and stereotypes are fewer than a few dozens of years ago. Consequently, I not only do not join the grumbles of my generation, but the opposite, am happy with and proud of the new generation.
The movement which has been initiated by several dozens of young people, I am not in favor of fighting for the Armenian boys not to go to army – “die the science in their hands”, I do not think it is admirable in the current condition of Armenia. However, I will prefer the youth having any objective (even wrong), aspiring to self-organize, initiating movements, over them sitting at home and thinking simply about everyday issues.
The sole threat is falling under the influence of cynics and opportunists. It is also very natural, of course. However, for an eye with experience it is evident when someone believes in something and proceeds from certain principles, and when believes in nothing and plays games.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
