I don't like to talk about this subject, because it's one of those almost-always-lose topics, not unlike politics or religion. But unlike politics and religion, it comes up ALL THE %^&*%^ TIME in the computer-centric circles I travel in. And it has impact (in a bad way) all too frequently.
Here's what got me going on this today:
Credit: Dilbert
I can relate to this cartoon. When I was younger than most of the people I dealt with, I frequently encountered ignorant older people who weren't great when they were younger, but now they're old and even more out of it, and desperate to maintain control and authority. That was the pattern. As I've gotten older myself, I now see people substantially younger than I am playing the role of the old guy in Dilbert's cartoon to perfection. What's worse is when they're in positions of power, and they just get their way because of the power, without even needing to wave around modems in threatening ways.
On the other hand, there is no such thing (in reality) as six-month-old technology that simply springs out of thin air. All the stuff that seems new is in fact a relatively minor extension of concepts and components that have been around for a long time, in some cases reviving things that were invented decades ago, but the time wasn't quite right for them. The "kids" usually don't know that. They have no history, no real experience, and they work in a field in which those things are not valued. Every once in a while one of the cool new things that seems like it's going to take over the world really does, but all too often the lemming cartoon above applies. The kids could benefit from a bit of perspective.
Does the old person want to hear it? Generally, no. Does the young person want to hear it? Well, sometimes they'll listen politely and hope the noise stops soon.
I wish I had a trick or technique to solve this problem, but sadly I don't. I just try.
The voice of ratinoaltiy! Good to hear from you.
Posted by: Hazem | 04/27/2012 at 08:20 PM