Cultural Changes in Generations
Reyes 1
Christina Reyes
9/26/12
English 1A
Mrs. Nelson
Compare/Contrast Essay As time continues to pass by, our world inevitably changes with it. Generations come and go, each having values, attitudes and lifestyles within individuals that separate them from other generations. This gap between the old and young people has been slowly growing, thus beginning to cause a drastic shift in this modern age. Cultural changes are apparent from generation to generation through the evolution of appearance, relationships and mannerism. Social trends, media and culture have been a constant influence in the behavior and views of people. For that reason, the importance of appearance has been a strong unchanging element in one’s lifestyle. Before in the older days, people had dressed conservatively. It was to show respect and hold a sense of dignity. In an individual’s overall presentation from fresh clothing to their polished shoes, the previous generations dressed “traditional in style or manner” that had “avoid[ed] novelty or showiness” (Dictionary). People followed the norm and rules of being conservative. However, this perspective of appearance in people has changed today. The way that people dress leans towards a more independent attitude, as seen when they have a tattoo, dyed hair in an untraditional color, or a body piercing in a place other than their ear lobe. Culture, along with media, create a different set of values that differ in each generation. Another change within the generations had been how different relationships have progressed in both dating and marriage. Back in the day, dating had been a tradition of courtesy and gentlemen-like manners, such as the man paying for the meals and opening the door for a
Reyes 2 lady. People during that time had wanted to settle down and get married with the idea of living happily in a house with a picket fence. However, the way that relationships work nowadays has greatly changed. In our advancing
Christina Reyes
9/26/12
English 1A
Mrs. Nelson
Compare/Contrast Essay As time continues to pass by, our world inevitably changes with it. Generations come and go, each having values, attitudes and lifestyles within individuals that separate them from other generations. This gap between the old and young people has been slowly growing, thus beginning to cause a drastic shift in this modern age. Cultural changes are apparent from generation to generation through the evolution of appearance, relationships and mannerism. Social trends, media and culture have been a constant influence in the behavior and views of people. For that reason, the importance of appearance has been a strong unchanging element in one’s lifestyle. Before in the older days, people had dressed conservatively. It was to show respect and hold a sense of dignity. In an individual’s overall presentation from fresh clothing to their polished shoes, the previous generations dressed “traditional in style or manner” that had “avoid[ed] novelty or showiness” (Dictionary). People followed the norm and rules of being conservative. However, this perspective of appearance in people has changed today. The way that people dress leans towards a more independent attitude, as seen when they have a tattoo, dyed hair in an untraditional color, or a body piercing in a place other than their ear lobe. Culture, along with media, create a different set of values that differ in each generation. Another change within the generations had been how different relationships have progressed in both dating and marriage. Back in the day, dating had been a tradition of courtesy and gentlemen-like manners, such as the man paying for the meals and opening the door for a
Reyes 2 lady. People during that time had wanted to settle down and get married with the idea of living happily in a house with a picket fence. However, the way that relationships work nowadays has greatly changed. In our advancing
Cited: "Conservative." Dictionary.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2012. . "Marriage Rate Declines and Marriage Age Rises." Marriage Rate Declines and Marriage Age Rises (2011): n. pag. Pew Research Center. D’Vera Cohn, 11 Dec. 2011. Web. 26 Sept. 2012. .