The essence of generational conflict lies in the conflict of interests. Laws and systems are needed to solve that problem, but we also need a love for others, like brothers and sisters.
"Certainly, after directly experiencing the fragility of our own lives and the world around us, we can say that the greatest lesson we learned from Covid-19 was the realization that we all need one another. That our greatest and yet most fragile treasure is our shared humanity as brothers and sisters, children of God. And that none of us can be saved alone.
Consequently, we urgently need to join together in seeking and promoting the universal values that can guide the growth of this human fraternity." Message for the 56th World Day of Peace.
Generational conflict? Seeing the elderly, we realize that we will all grow old and retire someday. Unfortunately, the current era tends not to welcome aging, which causes conflict. It's often called generational conflict, but it's a phenomenon that has existed in every age. Due to the difference in generation and age, there is a gap between thoughts and values regarding politics, economy, society, and religion.
But age is not necessarily the cause of conflict. For example, the elderly and children are not always uncomfortable with each other. So what is the nature of generational conflict? It's a conflict of interest. What do you think of Korea's national pension system and free subway rides for the elderly?
The areas of interest are the essence of generational conflict. If you are an elderly person with an unstable income and have difficulty driving, there is nothing more grateful than free subway access. On the contrary, the younger generation who heard the news of the rate hike will have no choice but to feel burdened. With the national pension issue, they are sharply confronted because of the difference between those who pay and those who receive. This is where intergenerational conflict and hatred arise. However, the essence is not generational, but a problem of financial drain and distribution. Of course, it's a serious situation.
We need to come up with a plan to finance a sustainable society. But within that conflict, we all have concerns. It's not just a lack of understanding, but the fear of an uncertain future and a hard life. The hardships and unhappiness of life, the alienation, and the sickness are hard to accept, whether you are old or young. So, it is very difficult to resolve this conflict.
The two cores of social conflict are fear and maturity. Everyone is afraid, so they want to protect their interests more desperately, regardless of right or wrong, and that's why conflicts arise. Laws, principles, and systems are needed to solve this problem, but it is not just a matter of know-how. So personal maturity is required. Of course, that also isn't easy but it comes first.
How do I become a mature person? It is possible not only to pursue prosperity and success, but also to introspect, pray, and place importance on values and reasons on matters other than material things. The world is more difficult to live in when we do not acknowledge God and our neighbors. But when we acknowledge the existence of God and our neighbors, the world has hope. So, the important thing for everyone is this. We need each other.
"It is from the conversion of hearts that there arises concern for others, loved as brothers and sisters. This concern helps us to understand the obligation and commitment to healing institutions, structures, and conditions of life that are contrary to human dignity. The laity must therefore work at the same time for the conversion of hearts and the improvement of structures, taking historical situations into account and using legitimate means so that the dignity of every man and woman will be truly respected and promoted within institutions" (Compendium of the Social Gospel of the Church #552).
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