STUDENTS AND DISCIPLINE
Elders often lament that these days’ youngsters lack discipline. The youth, however, feel they are not understood by their previous generation. In light of this difference in view, it becomes necessary to examine whether what the elders think is an impressionistic view or a considered opinion.
The word “discipline” means behaviour in conformity with certain code of conduct. In a human organization of any kind there has to be some form of rules of behaviour for its members for a harmonious relationship between each other and for achieving the goals of the organization.
Youngsters largely comprise of students, both school going and college students. In case of school going children, most schools follow a strict code of conduct with appropriate corrective measures for those not obeying the rules. Incidents of indiscipline that deserve concern are therefore negligible at the school level. In colleges and universities, by and large, students do respect the rules of their respective institutions since college admissions are not easy to come. Seen in this light it would appear that the student community couldn’t be accused of lacking discipline.
Most elders are actually offended by the way the young dress, the way they talk, the kind of music they like and enjoy. New and bold attitudes, new leisure activities and habits that do not appeal to the older generation often make them adverse to the behaviour of the young. Most elders say the attitude of the present youth towards elders leave much to be desired.
In a culture of “hi” and “bye” they have forgotten to touch the elder’s feet or say Namaste. These college students have the least regard for their teachers. They are highly westernized or more particularly Americanized and have forgotten our culture and values.
A scrutiny of these allegations show that while some of them are right, certain others appear to be arising out of generation gap. There are people who fail to change with the time and they perceive
any change in others and the environment as degradation of our culture and values. Their allegations against the youth are based more on their own values than the realities of the youngster’s world.
Fashion changes with time. The young dress according to the trend in order to get a sense of belonging and to add confidence to their personality. Like wise, choice of music is something personal and liking a particular type of music does not mean disrespect for the other types. Respect can be shown in different ways. For example one could show courtesy to an elder as much by saying “Namaste” as by saying “Hello” with a bow. It is a matter of difference between the perceptions of some of the orthodox elders and the new generation.
As regards the question of disregard of college teachers, it must be remembered that respect cannot be demanded it is commanded. Being senior does not make one superior.
Admittedly in their youthful spirit some of the acts of the youngsters are frivolous and boisterous and do mfringe upon the freedom and comforts of others. The youth must learn to respect the Law and have consideration for fellow citizens, but no iaW can be enforced by policing.
Taking an overall view of the performance of the young generation one must admit that they have succeeded in ably adapting themselves to the changing time and preparing themselves to meet new challenges. The youngsters are bom in a highly competitive world beginning from their school life.
The youth is very successful today. This could not have been achieved if they were not organized in their minds. They have written their own code of conduct in life and got success. They, therefore, do not deserve to be called indisciplined.