This is a generational commentary, not a political one. As I watched the vice-presidential debate, I was struck by the stark difference in generational perspectives. Like Tim Walz, I am in my lower 60s. Like it or not, I see things a certain way. I’ve been shaped by my time on this earth. It’s impossible not to be. But seeing a 40-year old and a 60-year old side by side crystallized something for me. What did a 40-year-old teach the older generation?
1. All is not lost. I observe palpable panic in my generation about the perplexing problems and cultural shifts of the 21st century. Alarm reaches apocalyptic proportions as hopelessness for the future begins to dominate hearts and sends my peers into argumentative tizzies. Vocal disagreements and divisions disrupt family dinner tables, coffee groups, and online chats.
Not so much with the upcoming generation. I have two daughters just a few years younger than J.D. Vance. Their generation admits that the issues can be perplexing, but they believe they can figure them out. They are willing to converse and collaborate with the variety of voices and opinions to reach a solution they are convinced exists. While my generation shouts, “Impossible!”, the upcoming generation says, “We’ll get through this. All is not lost.”
2. Conversation isn’t compromise. The new generation is not afraid to converse, deliberate, and be seen with people who hold opposing opinions and beliefs. Strong in their convictions and unswayed from their cherished beliefs, the upcoming generation can talk about hard things and forge a way toward solutions.
While my generation is inclined to circle the wagons and cut off contact with people on “the other side,” the new generation says, “Let’s talk and see where we land. Maybe something good will happen.” They won’t surrender principles, but they’re not afraid to put everything on the table and talk it out. Their primary concern is not what other people will think of them, but how they can walk with their fellow humane beings toward agreeable outcomes.
3. Compassion isn’t selling out. The new generation is comfortable with showing love and care to people who may have polar opposite values and positions. They’re not selling out their principles; they’re being humane. They’re not trying to gain a foothold in order to coerce someone into their own position; they’re just exercising common decency and showing love.
My generation tends to be afraid that showing compassion will open the floodgates of permissiveness. We fear the slippery slope and throwing the baby out with the bathwater (we even use those phrases). But the new generation is courageous about taking some heat for being the Good Samaritan. It’s the right thing to do and doesn’t mean they’re selling out all they hold dear.
I noticed these three dynamics in the vice-presidential debate and I observe them in the new generation of men and women with whom I am privileged to serve. Of course, the new generation isn’t perfect. They have flaws and blindspots—and will admit to that fact. But they welcome the insights and experience of my generation. In fact, they value advice and embrace mentoring. But take warning: If we marginalize the new generation, if we quiet their voices and refuse to make room at the table, they will find solutions and make a way through the wilderness without us.
Why settle for our generational worries and squabbling when a new generation is reaching for the baton in order to help all of us cross the finish line well?
As a member of that younger generation I would love to agree with you. However, what I saw in that debate was a 40-year old going back to the age old playbook of blaming the country's problems on immigrants. Whether its the Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Jewish, or even German immigrants blaming the immigrant is a sure fire way to get some groups of people fired up.