Program for April 17, 2011
GENERATION GAP
As human society develops, new technologies and economic models emerge, redefining what is and what is not possible and cool. The result is a big gap in understanding between generations in terms of social relations, attitudes and ideals. This is what we call “the generation gap”.
The generation gap leads to many problems in our society and within our families. If we do not deal with these problems properly, misunderstanding and mistrust between different generations will be amplified, which will have negative effects on family relationships and weaken social fabrics.
Discussion Questions
In your group, you may discuss any topics in which there’s a difference in opinions and attitudes between generations. You can contrast between your generation and the generation of your parents. You can also do the same with yours and the younger generations.
Some possible topics:
- Study & Career: Do you think there’re differences in the definition of “success” between generations? What are the “cool” jobs, nowadays? Why do you think the younger generations prefer flexibility and exploration over stability? How do you convince your parents to respect your choices?
- Entertainment/Socialization: What is the preferred source of entertainment for younger generations: internet or TV? Why are subscriptions to printed newspapers declining? Why is socializing on the internet (and mobile phones) more convenient? Should we get our parents involved in some online activities?
- Love/Sex/Marriage: What is the appropriate age for the first kiss? Is sex before marriage okay? How do you accommodate your parents’ wishes while keeping your identity?
Vocabulary
- gap (noun):
- nghĩa đen: khe hở; nghĩa bóng: sự khác biệt, khoảng cách
- emerge (verb):
- nổi lên, xuất hiện, hình thành, định hình
- redefine (verb):
- định nghĩa lại, thay đổi quan niệm
- amplify (verb):
- khuyếch đại (cả nghĩa đen lẫn nghĩa bóng)
- attitude (noun):
- thái độ, quan niệm, cách tiếp cận, cách nhìn nhận
- accommodate (verb):
- (trong ngữ cảnh bài này) thỏa hiệp, dung hòa, cố gắng đáp ứng yêu cầu, mong muốn của ai đó.