The Role of the "We System" in Shaping Millennial Morals and Values
The Role of the "We System" in Shaping Millennial Morals and Values
Background
Growing up in the 1980s, the "we system" was a fundamental part of many communities. This system fostered a sense of collective responsibility and unity, where every adult had a role in the upbringing of the children within the community. Any father or mother from the neighborhood was regarded as a parent to all, with the authority to correct, suggest, or discipline any child. This collective approach to child-rearing created a network of support and accountability that was instrumental in shaping the morals and values of millennials.
In such communities, children learned early on that their actions were subject to the scrutiny of multiple adults, not just their own parents. Reporting any disciplinary action taken by another adult to one's own parents was often met with additional punishment rather than sympathy. This reinforced the idea that the community’s collective values and rules were paramount. It instilled a deep sense of respect for all elders and an understanding that one’s behavior was a reflection on the entire community.
A personal story from my primary school days illustrates this well. In our neighborhood, there was a prominent, well-educated man who took a keen interest in the academic performance of the local children. On the day school report cards were issued, he would stand at a strategic spot, the only entrance to our neighborhood, between noon and 2 PM. He would intercept each child returning home to check their report cards.
His approach was straightforward: underperform, and you would face the sting of his cane. Perform well, and you’d receive a handshake and free passage home. This ritual made him a renowned disciplinarian in our community. Although self-appointed, his efforts were appreciated by all parents, who saw the value in his strict but fair oversight. The mere reminder of his cane was enough to make many of us focus on our studies, leading to better academic outcomes and instilling a strong work ethic.
This collective discipline and support system significantly shaped our generation. We grew up understanding the importance of respect, hard work, and accountability. The "we system" helped mold us into responsible adults who valued community and collective well-being.
In contrast, Generation Z has grown up in a different environment. The communal living and collective child-rearing practices of the past have given way to more individualistic lifestyles. High fences now separate neighbors, and the once ubiquitous "we system" has largely disappeared. This shift towards solo living and the decline of community oversight have contributed to a decrease in the shared morals and values that were once nurtured by collective responsibility.
The absence of the "we system" means that today's children are less likely to experience the same level of communal guidance and discipline. This lack of a supportive and accountable community framework is one factor leading to the erosion of the strong morals and values that were once the hallmark of close-knit communities.
In summary, the "we system" played a crucial role in shaping the morals and values of millennials, fostering a sense of community responsibility and collective discipline. Its decline has contributed to the individualistic tendencies seen in Generation Z, highlighting the importance of revisiting and possibly revitalizing these communal practices to nurture strong, cohesive communities once again.
