have been reflecting on the social norms I was raised with and the intergenerational change I have seen in my lifetime. I recall gender roles being very clear as a child, little girls played with dolls and wore dresses while little boys would play with toy cars and trucks and wear blue jeans and sneakers. I recall being reminded by well meaning relatives to “sit like a lady.” I remember being praised for being sweet and pretty, but never for being assertive or for doing things outside of my gender role. I witnessed my mother bear the majority of home labor, child care and nurturing, and working a full time job but not seeing that kind of emotional and physical labor from the males in my family. I remember feeling resigned to the notion I would have to do the same, never really ques Itioning why things were that way.
It is with a relieved heart that I see those things are beginning to change as our society embraces the necessity to share the workload in order to raise happy, healthy, well-balanced children.
While we still have misled dress codes, ridiculous gender role expectations, and sentimental (but not pragmatic) beliefs about how others should look and behave, we are becoming more tolerant as we learn more about diversity and tolerance of differences. There still may be wage gaps between genders and racial groups, but now we are talking about it. The news seems to be covering never-ending battles about protecting the rights of the very people that need it most: the refugee, the trangendered, women’s health, and more. We now have conversations about LGBTQI+ people rather than immediately shouting “Sin!”, we accept that people come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and see value in others despite age, race, religion (or lack thereof), and ability.
It seems we are beginning a shift toward a more strengthsbased perspective, and I must say--It’s about time!
I have been lucky enough to have participated in parenting three beautiful humans and have seen things change even in their lifetime. My oldest children are shining examples of the hope I have witnessed embodied in Generation Z--the things that raised eyebrows of the generations before do not seem to be an issue with these young people: gay marriage, reproductive rights, tattoos and piercings, failing to fit in with others against one’s own self interest, and doing things “as they should be done” are ridiculous in comparison to things we should be outraged about. Rather, this generation is voicing true concerns, such as climate change, racism, the power of the privileged few, inequality, social injustice, and troubles facing the economy.
I cannot help but feel relieved when I think of a future where our differences no longer separate us, but draw us together in celebrating the beauty that is in others. This inspires hope that we may be able to see the things that truly matter rather than the superficial, and focus on doing the best for the whole rather than a select few rulemakers, the elite, and the wealthy.
This generation and their passion for what is just, fair, and right puts the apathy of other generations to shame. We all would do well to adjust our viewpoints to try to see things through the lens of this generation, as they are our future: they are hard working and smart, they are “woke” and passionate, and they seem to be doing a fine job so far.
Sarah Mears-Ivy brings 13 years of experience in the field of human sciences and advocacy.