Is it Deng Xiaping who created two distinct generations of China
My parents' generation is unique: they were born in the great famine (1950s), had to stop school due to cultural revolution (1966-76), and in early 90s suffered from 'the great lay-off' brought by economic reform. The purpose of their lives is always with other people: firstly they lived for me, then for my grandparents, now for me again.
Here is how my generation (born in 80s) is shaped: being spoied by parents and grandparents as a single kid, given financial support until end of university, (not everyone but) I got enlightening exposure through AIESEC and commenced my international career, now I have a Swedish boyfriend.
My parents couldn't understand my choices since I graduated though they support me whole-heartedly. Partly they want the best for me, partly they don't feel equipped enough to understand AIESEC and my ambitions. Now with an international relationship and my desire for international experiences, I brought more worries and uncomprehensible to them.
On the other side, I am ecouraging my parents to adopt some hobbies: to not focus their attention on me, also to enjoy the next 20-25 years of their life. They are learning a bit of English. And I will take them to travel abroad. Meanwhile, I am also trying to figure out, how I can take care of them when they cannot walk, cook and excercise.
It is almost funny how China has these 2 generations who have very different access towards opportunities thus have drastically different experiences. I don't think I am an extreme or exception. However, I really need to share ideas and support from others who face similar challenges. Maybe I should start a club called 'Bridge the divide of born in 50s and 80s'.
Here is how my generation (born in 80s) is shaped: being spoied by parents and grandparents as a single kid, given financial support until end of university, (not everyone but) I got enlightening exposure through AIESEC and commenced my international career, now I have a Swedish boyfriend.
My parents couldn't understand my choices since I graduated though they support me whole-heartedly. Partly they want the best for me, partly they don't feel equipped enough to understand AIESEC and my ambitions. Now with an international relationship and my desire for international experiences, I brought more worries and uncomprehensible to them.
On the other side, I am ecouraging my parents to adopt some hobbies: to not focus their attention on me, also to enjoy the next 20-25 years of their life. They are learning a bit of English. And I will take them to travel abroad. Meanwhile, I am also trying to figure out, how I can take care of them when they cannot walk, cook and excercise.
It is almost funny how China has these 2 generations who have very different access towards opportunities thus have drastically different experiences. I don't think I am an extreme or exception. However, I really need to share ideas and support from others who face similar challenges. Maybe I should start a club called 'Bridge the divide of born in 50s and 80s'.
posted by Jingwei @ 4:12 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
I think I will be the next one to join this club (eventhough, strictly speaking, I was not born in n80-ties but earlier). My parents are from the same generation, - and this was Soviet Union back then. Change this, the rest in your story - same story for my family. Life dedicated to kids, uncomprehensible changes around them, no hobbies of meaning and still desire to guide the kid aka me.
It is a fine skill to learn how to love your elders without scoulding them for giving their opinion on how you are supposed to live. I think it is only 1 year since I mastered not to boil over some comments.
Hmm...Jingwei, this sounds very very familiar to me. I'll be joining the club too. When you found the resolution to this matter please do let me know :)
Even if formar Czechoslovakia was always European country - so very close, but so very far from freedom untill 1989... My 8years older sister was the first of a familly who could travel to "the west". These stories are so very simmilar guys! And especially they have one factor incommon - "the leader"...
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