LETTERS: The way I see it, youngsters' energy, creativity and desire for meaningful impact are universal qualities that transcend generational (implied or defined) boundaries.
Instead of simply submitting to this age-old cycle of scepticism on our youths, let us provide the younger generation with the opportunities they deserve.
By giving them the chance to prove themselves, we not only break the cycle of baseless critique but also nurture an environment where generations collaborate, learn from one another, and collectively thrive.
Recent social media videos have sparked discussions about the younger generation's general knowledge and priorities.
Some argue that teenagers can instantly recognise pop culture icons like Jisoo from Blackpink but struggle with identifying historical figures like former prime minister Tun Abdul Razak.
This has led to concerns about the perceived decline in intelligence and patriotism among the youth.
But, I am pretty sure if the same so-called social experiment were to be conducted among the youths in the 1960s, they were more likely to recognise John, Paul, Ringo and George of the Beatles, as opposed to, say Burhanuddin al-Helmi, a leading political figure of the time.
It is crucial, therefore, to approach such conclusions about our youths with a broader perspective. Remember that today's teenagers were born and subsequently grew up in a digital age where information is at their fingertips.
They have been adept at navigating the digital landscape, conducting Google searches, and utilising online resources. A quick Google search could easily provide them with insights about Tun Razak's role in our history.
The landscape of learning has evolved. Rote memorisation and regurgitation of facts are no longer the sole markers of intelligence. Instead, today's education encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to connect seemingly unrelated dots.
The younger generation's familiarity with technology allows them to access information quickly and the focus should thus be on synthesising new ideas and collaborating with others.
In conjunction with the National and Malaysia Day, I believe it is timely to not gauge intelligence and patriotism through stereotypical eyes.
Let us acknowledge the evolving nature of knowledge and generational differences. Let us recognise that the youths ways of expressing their love for their country might be different from ours, but that does not diminish their significance.
By embracing their potential and giving them the chance to contribute to the nation, we should be able to bridge the gap between generations, and pave the way for a more harmonious and collaborative future, as per the visions set out in Malaysia Madani.
For the older generation, we were once young too, weren't we?
Dr Nahrizul Adib Kadri
Associate Professor
Faculty of Engineering
Universiti Malaya
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times