ART BY JOSEPH MENDOZABy CLAIRE LAW
STAFF WRITER
Making tamales with grandma every Christmas has become an obstacle for social progress. Here is why…
Traditions and beliefs often illustrate the stories of a family, teaching children where their family came from or give them insights into their cultural or religious history. For example, giving children red envelopes on Chinese New Year is meant to gift them with prosperity. Additionally, researchers have consistently discovered that families that engage in frequent traditions report stronger relationships and unity than families that have not established rituals together.
The older generations are trying to preserve their legacy and what they built by guiding the new generation every step of the way; but, at the same time, they risk not letting the younger generations have their own freedom. Old traditions and ideas can be very distasteful to younger generations for several different reasons. As the world has changed, the beliefs of people have altered too. Due to this, the younger and older generation’s ideas and beliefs may conflict.
In the past, some cultures expect the children of the family to participate in arranged marriages at a young age. For example, older generations in a family believe that everyone should marry early to ensure they can raise a family. Many times, older individuals may associate a perfect family with the woman staying at home, and the man working to provide for his family. Nevertheless, many children rebel against this tradition because they are growing up in a society where gender fluidity and equality are prevalent. In addition, many in the younger generation would never rush into a marriage, decreasing the priority of tying the knot. Many do not want to jump into a life commitment, but would rather have longer relationships with their partners before being married.
Although family traditions and beliefs are important to pass down to every generation, not every person would believe in the same ideas. As Tila Tequila, an American television and social media personality has said before, “I think every person has their own identity and beauty. Everyone being different is what is really beautiful. If we were all the same, it would be boring.”
Everyone is created to possess various personalities and ideas for a reason, or the world would be boring and bland. in fact, our world is diverse because every single person thinks differently from others. Additionally, it seems that every generation brings changes to society; likewise, we should not stifle individuals of the future to the traditions of the past.
Hence, while traditions and beliefs are essential to pass down to younger generations, it is always important to keep in mind of the trends today. Traditions and beliefs represent your family and shape who you are. However, as the years go by, the minds of the uprising generations are evolving too. In conclusion, the world is ever-changing, and so too are the minds of the younger generation.