I think, I feel, I care

Gee Gee..maybe the term is losing its meaning with the increasing feel of agelessness most people are experiencing now with youngsters growing old quicker and elders quickly revisiting their yesteryears in their thoughts and actions.

Then where does this so called phenomenon of "generation gap" exist if we were to say it does?

As an answer, all I have to say would be that- it is still existent- both in secrecy and out in the open. Out in the open many would oppose but the thriving existence of orthodox families all over the world can not be ignored. Though yes, I accept that the number is deceptively reducing.Strangely enough the number of secret gaps are increasing i.e. those who proclaim that they have closed the generation gap and are one with the other- party may I say? but in actuality are merely camouflaging the difference to present a nice happy pappy pink picture to the gullible image conscious prejudiced society.

Coincidence eh?

FIGURE FIGURE!!

lol.. of course not- mere conversion or may I say tranformation?

Generation gap exists as a frame of mind. It is no real issue.The whole issue of generation gap arises only when there is a conflict of ideas which happens to coincide with an age difference. at least, this is my opinion and yes, I mean coincidence- no sarcasm invloved in that statement. (shocking I know.. sigh.. what to do? )

How can it be solved?

Very simple.

Five simple steps to bridge the so called "generation gap" and lead to a healthy happy and secure relationship :-

1.Listen.DONT HEAR.Pay attention to what they are saying

2.Take an interest in what the other person, elder or younger is telling you even if it would normally be of no interest to you. It gives the other person a boost, increases their confidence in you and actually does a great deal to bridge the gap- both in thoughts and bond.

3.Weigh what they tell you with unbiased logic - the most difficult solution but the most effective one.

4.Do not start pressing your views and opinions on them.Make it a
discussion- a dialogue not a monologue.

5.React to what they are saying but if it involves you blowing your top, I would strongly advise you to calm down and address the issue when you are cool and decide your top would definitely stay on .Many things which initially anger you may indeed be a perspective you are unaccustomed to seeing and may be even ignoring its existence.In other words, a perspective or thought or idea which goes against your own ideals or ideas and more often the wrong way rub on your ego by going against your way of doing things.A break in your system of sorts. Something like a speed bump in your conversation and common knowledge goes that after every speed bump the road continues. Such should be the nature of your conversation. Even in a situation which triggers your anger, exercise your maturity- if you dont have it- better late than never and excuse yourself, mull things over and then react. I can gaurantee you would take a turn in the conversation most of the times unless you are soo atrociously dogmatic to consider the other person's inputs.

Just as i take leave of you-

Remember-

A lil smile + A lil hug + A patient ear + Clear Communication = A bridged "Generation Gap"

Hopefully, these lil tips would help you

The following article is from page 10 of Sunday Times of India dated October 14, 2007 –Bangalore edition.

School kicks out HIV+ student

Kolkata: A primary school student in West Bengal was thrown out of his school after being allegedly humiliated by his teachers because he was HIV-positive, his mother said.
The 11-year-old-boy, a resident of Baruipur on the eastern fringes of the city, was admitted to a school in the same locality 20 days ago. The mother alleged that initially the school authorities were reluctant to admit the boy. After admission, he was made to sit on a separate bench and his classmates were told to shun him, she said.
“Last Saturday, the school officials told me to take my son away as he could infect other students in the class,” the mother said. IANS

The authorities refused the child admission because he was HIV Positive.

Do we have authorities who are so ignorant and prejudiced?Are we right in entrusting our country’s future in the hands of such authorities?

Why the unrequited taboo about the disease? Just because one of its means of transmission is sexual? That’s why the taboo?
Infection with HIV occurs by the transfer of blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, or breast milk. Within these bodily fluids, HIV is present as both free virus particles and virus within infected immune cells and yet we prefer to stick to one mode of transfer and create a fuss.

Like in this case,what crime did the little one do to suffer this prejudice? Is it his fault? Definitely not.

And the more alarming fact is that the “over-cautious” school authorities told the child’s mother to take her son away as he could infect other students in the class.I am pretty sure that the school authorities were aware of the fact that there was no fault on the child to fall prey to such a malicious disease. Yet they deprive the child of a normal childhood. Why? Why do they deprive this child his right? The only difference between him and the other children is that he is infected with HIV virus which weakens its immune system. In fact, only untreated HIV-infected individuals develop AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and die and about one in ten remain healthy for many years, with no noticeable symptoms. Treatment with anti-retrovirals, where available, increases the life expectancy of people infected with HIV. It is hoped that current and future treatments may allow HIV-infected individuals to achieve a life expectancy approaching that of the general public

Yet the child was shunned and denied his right to be a normal child.Early childhood is of utmost importance in the pschycological development of a person and it’s a well known fact. By denying the child the right to be free, to have friends, to crack jokes, have fun and live the best time of his life, The school authorities have denied a child a potentially bright future. Imagine the hurt of the child when he was shunned and made to sit alone. Can you even imagine the hurt? Or can you imagine the hurt of the child’s mother when she came to know of it?

As sad as it may sound already, things sound worse when we realise that the “over- cautious” school authorities were creating much ado of the child’s disease and instead of encouraging the other children to accept the disease and the child, were infact encouraging them to shun the child thus making the child feel uncomfortable and insecure about himself.

It hurts. Right here. In my heart.

It should- in yours too.

This child could have been our brother

Would we shut up then and accept it?

Would we? WOULD we?

NO WE WOULDN’T.

AND WE SHOULDN'T

Please. Spread the message. They are normal people. every one is unique and their infection is just another unique characteristic of them. That’s all. Don’t shun them. In fact the joy you would be giving them by accepting them and treating them like normal people will be unbelievable. Please. It doesn’t take much from your side at all. Just a smile and a few words. Please. Please. Please.

On a closing note- I have a question for you-

Would you shun them if they were your own family?

If you answer yes, im sorry but to me you are no human.

Some news we got to read!!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071002/od_nm/alaska_rats_dc

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/HealthScience/Roaches_dont_like_mornings/articleshow/2417447.cms

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2007/09/27/seethroughfrog_ani.html?category=animals&guid=20070927100000

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/03/0317_060317_two_headed.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20878717/ - EEW!! BUT INTERESTING ALL THE SAME

animal and human linking news!!

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/HealthScience/New_diabetes_drug_from_lizard/articleshow/2417712.cms

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20516185/ - OH MY GOD?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21154952?gt1=10450 - THIS U GOTTA READ!!! I FOUND IT HILARIOUS!!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20822849/ -- "Wat a wet rescue eh pussy?"

and one purely human news

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/HealthScience/Genes_affect_response_to_money/articleshow/2422062.cms

Manners, etiquettes, courtesies…

Heard of it?
Practice it?
“ In formal situations” is one answer I have heard sufficient times.

Just a little tip- and take it to be a back shot for those who think manners, etiquettes and courtesies are ONLY for formal situations AT ALL TIMES- showing the people around you that you are aware of these practices and follow through would make you appear a more refined person. Just my opinion. I accept extensive use of manners might seem too artificial in a very close relationship and can be reduced- but not cut out..not completely.

Just a few things which I more or less regularly practice and think it would be nice for more people to practice-

Things which you can say-

• Use words- please and sorry- you don’t lose anything.. even if the person asks you not to use it- ur persistent use might, who knows, influence them to become more polite..
• Thank you. Now here is something I read in a professional set up and acquaintances, “thank you for ____ “ makes a better impact and “Thank you” has a more profound effect than a simple thanks even when it comes to domestic relationships
• Wish good morning or afternoon or night..no harm wishing right?
• AND most importantly- SMILE when your saying any of the above 3 else it doesn’t mean a word.

Coming to things which you can do-

• NEVER cross your legs in front of a person who is elder to you!! There is no more way of showing disrespect. Well, apart from talking back that is. AND YES, boys, it does apply to u as well.
• Girls plz don’t spread out your legs and stand or sit- one main thing- it looks horrible!!!! And being an eye sore isn’t really polite is it?
• When in a seating situation, give preference to pregnant women, elderly and children in that order. GIRLS, this applies to you as well!!
• Men and women, listen up, there is a place called a washroom which you may very well use to touch up your make up or freshen up.
• When you are going out with a group of people, or even a single person, it is polite to excuse yourself if you really have to attend the call.

There are a lot more which I am unfortunately not able to recollect.. will definitely update.. plz do pass the msg..

Let the world polish their manners and rock on their charm

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071001/ap_on_fe_st/brazil_surrogate_grandmother

Im shocked with this. I do remember that a similar sort of incident happened some time with in the past 2 yrs. One way you look at it, it seems nice that the mom is willing to do it for her daughter but bearing your own grandchildren? Nothing exactly wrong with it.. but for some reason it aint settling right..not with me atleast
god bless the family..

ps- wonder whether the kids would call their granny, granny or mom