Generational divide

MSC archived stories - June 15, 2024

I believe most of us, sponsors are from the generations of 'Baby boomers' (born between 1946 and 1964) and 'Gen X' (between 1965 and 1979). I fall under the latter, and since my generation Gen Y (aka Millennials – 1980 to 1994), Gen Z (1995 to 2009), and Gen Alpha (2010 to 2024) – the latest being the largest generation in human history, over 2 billion people!

My 'sponsor world' spans across Gen Z (2) and Gen Alpha (16) encompassing dynamic and vibrant cultures, religious beliefs, languages and custom. The sponsorship opened up window not only to interact with my predecessors (i.e. some of you) and successors (the children/youth) but also to understand vast experiences of different generations living together across the five continents.

I recently went to see a classical Chinese dance, performed for the first time in my city of Glasgow by Shen Yun Performing Arts celebrating thousands of years civilisation (recommend if you haven't seen – www.shenyun.com), so I asked two of my Gen Alpha members, Derek and Fatima in Guatemala, both at same age to share something similar with me.

Derek is more of a "city boy" whereas Fatima is a Maya tradition girl. How they responded to my question was fascinating (added to media). I feel that Derek into seeking 'success' and Fatima into seeking 'value' in life. Albert Einstein once said, try not to become a man of success but rather become a man of value. I'm the kind of Fatima nature because of our very rich cultural influence from childhood. But, on the other hand Derek's response clearly shows Gen Alpha characteristics of technological savvy and environmental awareness.

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