What happened to humility?

Okay. So, today I might rant (just a little).

Penpal Gigi is a positive space where we chat about plenty of subjects in a light and solution- oriented manner. Except for today. Today is just a good old fashioned rant! Positivity will be back next week, I promise.

As you have probably read in my 'About Me' section, I place great importance on respect and humility. I come from a family and culture where cherishing others, especially those older than you, is a must. In my own little mind, the elderly are treasures and, if we sit still for a moment, we will learn valuable lessons and acquire wisdom.

That being said, when I look at today's youth, I sometimes find myself wondering: Why is it that nowadays young individuals feel like they know it all? Granted, this is a smart generation who has access to an unprecedented quantity of information at the tip of their fingers. But why is it I find them particularly dismissive towards any opinion coming from others?

What is always like this? Were we as… smart-ish as these late-teeners and twenty-somethings we encounter today? Maybe I am just old and tripping? But I am only in my early thirties...

I recently realized that I have an individual in my entourage whose presence I can barely tolerate anymore. Now; stay with me, as I am not here to complain nor badmouth a specific person. However, I am here to shed light on a strange phenomenon I am witnessing more and more with the younger crowd.

Anyone who knows yours truly will confirm to you that it is tough to get under my skin. It is difficult for me to start disliking somebody, let alone cringe at the very idea of their presence. Consequently, I have been in my thoughts lately trying to figure out how come I let myself come to this point. And it suddenly hit me. This person has zero listening skills, doubled with the certitude of mastering all topics.

Have you encountered a similar personality? Perhaps in your family? Your circle? At work? They cannot for the life of them let a conversation happen without displaying their knowledge. They hardly sit and absorb their interlocutor’s opinions, expertise or experiences without contributing in a suffocating manner.

I would like to stress that these are not inherently bad or mean people. They are just a product of their time and their environment. See where I am going with this?

In an era where everyone is encouraged to be a business, share their thoughts and opinions on social media, and is praised for the smallest thing, no wonder their perceived importance is heightened. No wonder they do not pause be attentive, no wonder they do not pick up on non-verbal cues. Because, well, we do not need to do that in front of a screen!

The screen. Our silent, inviting, non-judgemental, non-challenging friend. I for one could go hours on end ranting about screens being the modern devil, but I digress.

The effect of screens and social media on young immature brains who have never heard of hanging on someone's words to learn is just an inevitable disaster. These brains are strangers to two-way dialogues and I find it pitiful; and sad.

Long gone are the days where two generations could sit, exchange, and leave the conversation edified and more knowledgeable…

So now that I have let it all out, how about you?

What makes you upset about people? What do you have a hard time dealing with?