Teneisha Johnson
Intergenerational Equity: Protecting the Future of Cultural Continuity
Have you ever given serious thought to the future of the planet? Perhaps you might have considered your own future or the future of your children?
When you considered the future, whether in an already developed nation or the future of developing nations- what challenges, recommendations or positive attribute do you envision?
See my previous article: Are you wasting your time? (The Age Clock Concept: In Time with your Lifespan)
Unfortunately challenges like nuclear, biological and ecological threats are predominantly the main focus.
If you think about it, ecological challenges such as global warming and toxic substances from industrial waste polluting the water supply in the sea or plant life is also of great concern.
Another challenge, are the persistent diseases such as AIDS and Cancer. Within certain parts of the world, either one or both of these diseases are rapidly increasing.
Many nations may now display natural behaviors of fear, helplessness, suspicion, denial or even avoidance.
However, I strongly believe and recommend that in order to create intergenerational equity we need to focus on creating international collaborative efforts to slow down or combat these threats.
Another key focus that I believe to be important is the protection of our children’s future.
Creating and supporting positive human growth in terms of national values, ideals, political systems and cultural characteristics, will help to form cohesive (I love that word) relationships within communities and societies.
Security should also be paramount.
How well a nation provides protection and safety for its people says a lot about the value being placed on human life.
Regrettably, there are countries characterized by fear, war, every day violence and danger.
Such places are unable to provide an adequate sense of national security which in turn stifles economic prosperity by deteriorating investor confidence.
Some nations are famously known for their capacity to provide a sense of connectedness among their population.
Whether at home or abroad, they are always eager to socialize with each other and perhaps create that important emotional and psychological support for each other.
There are many countries that I am proud to say enjoy and display this very important characteristic.
Some nations or cultures are well known for how well they communicate with one another towards purposeful goals and show great respect towards their leaders.
There is a collective sense of the culture’s expectations and important values such as equality, human rights, justice or environmental protection are supported and encouraged.
I strongly believe however that a mature community or nation should consist of many of the above statements.
There should also be a national plan aim at getting that country to a level where they are aware of the existing needs of their people and are taken steps to actively plan (Not just for today, but 50 years from now) on carry out actions that will lead the next generation into the desired positive change and improvement based on global standards and circumstances.
Please note however that I am no expert and I am well aware that it is easy to write these points but sometimes difficult to coordinate and execute the ideal plan or vision for the future.
Sometimes there is an unexpected crisis or event which may occur and plans are diverted to facilitate the unexpected.
Understandably this is what life is like sometimes.
Unfortunately, we still have many communities struggling with cohesion, safety, security and trust.
I sincerely believe that some of the reasons may be lack of communication, cultural biases and stigmas, racism, classism, and general disrespect of other people’s privacy and/or property.
A healthy and strong nation is the reflection of its people.
As an individual, I accept this personal statement as my truth:
• To practice reflecting self-control and dignity within myself
• To display pride for my birth country while showing respect for others
• To treat other people, their property and my environment with respect
• To assist with fostering community and cultural pride
• To protect, promote and ensure community safety and security
• To strengthen my leaders by showing them respect, support and my personal favorite (providing much needed prayer)
• To practice empathy and understanding
• To abide by the laws which govern the community or nation and show respect for those charged with upholding such laws
• And finally, but certainly not the last, to have respect for human life
I hold the above statements true and keep them within my heart as I live my life every day.
I strongly believe as a community or nation wishing to create intergenerational equity and cultural strength and continuity, having quality schools and education is vital for this to take place.
See my previous article: Night School-Day School/ The Power of AAA Dow Jones Performances (Aptitude + Ability + Ambition)
Intergenerational equity is therefore created as we develop our children’s capacity to live and lead more fulfilling lives within the society.
Intergenerational equity is also created by providing people with the necessary skills to enable them to get and keep productive jobs.
Intergenerational equity is created and maintain when individuals make use of academic knowledge learnt to assist others in the society.
Intergenerational equity is also created and maintain when positive types of moral socialization is allowed to flourish.
Schools are very useful in any society and they serve the communities in many ways.
Most parents focus their living arrangements around a particular school in order to facilitate the daily functions of the family.
Schools also provide many educational programs and physical activities for children and is also considered a safe and protected environment.
I pray continually that it stays that way.
According to my continuous research on education, the basic aims of education should be the same for everyone.
History stated that Plato (429-347 BC) who was born in fifth-century Athens thought that people of power would need a much more thorough education than anyone else.
A similar perspective was apparent in Britain’s Aristocratic time period, where the expansion of education was only sufficient enough for the mass population to become a more productive workforce but not enough to rebel against the ruling classes or people with Aristocratic Titles.
Today however, basic education should be the same for everyone and opportunities for higher education should also be promoted and extended to those in need of such a gift who are willing to show adequate passion and ambition.
I believe education is very important for cultural continuity and it helps to promote equality, creates respect for a society’s standard of living and highlights each person’s basic human right.
Ultimately the aim for education rest on our values and our concepts of what makes for a good life both as an individual and as a society.
For a general idea of values and aims form the National Curriculum of England visit their website: www.nc.uk.net
Please note however that we do not all share the same cultural values and there will always be debates as to what concept is considered more effective and efficient for each specific culture.
