There is always a love-hate relationship between one generation and the next.
The older generation complains that “children of these days” are lazy, ungrateful and obstinate. The younger generation on the other hand find the older generation tedious, clueless and wary.
The intergenerational war has always existed.
While the younger seek novelty and adventure. The older seek stability and safety.
The reality however is that the older generation was once young and stupid. But life has subdued them over the years.
Like the Israelite army who had lost many battles to the philistines, they become too cautious and ineffectual. Until a libidinous and inexperienced young David steps up to the plate and does the unthinkable; going to war with a sling and a few stones. An unwise move, any veteran would tell you.
Sometimes fear is disguised as wisdom.
So really the intergenerational conflict is a birthing process, a process of creating new narratives and new heroes.
The young are grasping the mantle from the old. The process is naturally punctuated with defiance on the part of the younger generation and reluctance from the older generation. But it is a tussle that must happen.
In things fall apart, Okwonkwo was disappointed in his son for not being like him. He considered him lazy and effeminate. The boy added salt to injury by converting to a new religion.
However, in the end, Okwonkwo could not survive in the new social order.
But His son did.
Life is life
Fabio is a mental health professional, researcher and lecturer of psychology at Kenyatta University.