September 2011 edition

> download the September 2011 edition of the Public Sphere newsletter (PDF, 472KB)

Editorial

Shakespeare’s words of nearly 400 years ago suggest a chasm always lies between those who are young and those who are old. Is this so? Some argue that the young and old are always engaged in an inter-generational battle characterised by misunderstandings, miscommunication, and mistrust. In every period of human history some of the ‘old’ can be heard commenting on the disconnection, antisocial behaviour, vandalism, disaffection, boredom, drinking, hanging about, lack of motivation, and risky behaviours of young adults in their society. Only the times, contexts, and behaviours vary—the implications of the critique are the same.

Today, some situate the ‘chasm’ in a fight for the same government dollar in a world of financial insecurity and instability. Both young and old have the same rights—to an education for life, a fair wage, good health care, equal justice, lifelong wellbeing, to be heard, to belong—and yes, to change our world!

Today’s ‘old’ have shaped the world into which today’s ‘young’ have been born, just as they themselves were born into a world moulded by the sum of the thoughts and actions of their own parents and grandparents. So, today’s young people are our children; each one deserves to be here; each one should expect and to be supported to live a good life; each one needs to feel loved and to love; each one should feel at home in the community in which they live. Whatever our age, we all share in the same ongoing human dialogue in a world that remains uncertain and risky; but also exciting and hopeful. We feel and react differently, but we share the experience of life. Who am I? Who will I become? Will I/we be ok? What if … ?

Those of us who are ‘old’ can’t really understand what it means to be ‘young’ in 2011. Some of our children will struggle; most will succeed. All will become ‘us’ one day. So, let’s give them a hand as best we can.

By Judith Christensen (Manager, Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit)