In a guest article, Gen Z columnist Aleigha General examines some of the gaps in values and beliefs between young Caymanians of today and their elders.
Contemplating issues from same-sex marriage rights to religion and mental health concerns, she asks if the concept of traditional ‘Caymanian values’ has room for the evolving views of the islands’ young people.
Bridging the generation gap
Caymanians today, just like every community before and around us, have to grapple with the changes that come with new streams of thought, new generations and new ways of living.
You could chalk that up to globalisation and outside influences or simply different people with their own agency and personality. Either way, we exist in a society that is in a state of constant change and it’s about time we discuss how these changes have shaped the way we interact with one another, along with how we perceive ourselves as a nation.
If we want to properly understand the gaps that form between generations and their ideologies, it is important to first look at where certain ideologies stem from. In the Caribbean specifically, some of these more harmful thoughts are the result of colonialism, slavery and religious indoctrination.
This is not to say that those with religious beliefs support slavery or oppressive practices – quite the opposite, in fact. It is to recognise how generations of continuous pressure to conform to a seemingly biblical and European standard of existence has trickled down into the mindsets of some of our older loved ones, resulting in beliefs like Christianity being the only acceptable understanding of ‘God’; homosexuality being inherently sinful; and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, simply being the absence of a God or the church.
An island divided
This is where young people and their elders find themselves divided. Our small islands can be seen as a sort of echo chamber for thoughts that some view as cornerstones of the Caymanian community, such as Christianity.
The problem with this view is that people who do not subscribe to these seemingly ‘Caymanian values’ are removed from the wider image of who can be and who is a true Caymanian.
This demographic often includes much of the younger generation, resulting in the youth not feeling welcomed in their own community.
Of course, if you don’t feel welcomed somewhere, you’re more likely to neglect taking care of that environment and ensuring that it’s a nice place for you and your loved ones because, to you, there isn’t space for your ideology and, by extension, you.
So, our political scene, for example, is found lacking in young Caymanians who want to impact Cayman positively. Every year, we witness droves of our students go to the UK, the US and Canada and never return.
Have we ever stopped to ask ourselves that maybe the lens through which we view our young people and what they think is important could be the cause of this?
Are the children the future?
We are told from primary school to young adulthood that we are the future of this country, and yet many of the ideals and ‘cornerstones’ of Cayman do not reflect us or what we view as integral to a welcoming society.
The government has made great strides to provide opportunities for young Caymanians, but the change that is needed extends beyond scholarships and summer internships.
Organisations such as the Youth Ambassadors, the Cayman Islands Youth Assembly and the Alex Panton Foundation are leading the charge in this process.
Through initiatives such as the Youth Candidate Forum last April, young people were able to voice their thoughts directly to potential ministers in a setting that made them feel safe and heard.
This is key to bridging the gaps between older and younger Caymanians. If more young Caymanians feel they can express themselves on platforms other than Instagram and Facebook without being castigated as a sinner or someone with loose morals, then real conversations can be had.
For too long, we have clung to ideas that have been polarising and unproductive for many in our society.
When will we listen to the youth? When will we listen with intent to understand and maybe even change?
Yes, it is natural for people from different eras to disagree on certain topics, but that disagreement should not be at the expense of our people’s mental health, their devotion to their community or the relationships they have with their family.
It is human nature to shift and change to better suit our wants, needs and ambitions, similar to that of a caterpillar in metamorphosis. In order for Cayman to truly expand its wings and fly as we all want it to, we must embrace these changes and, in turn, embrace one another.
The youth want to have these conversations with their elders, but the window for this discussion is closing. If we do not act soon, our youth will seek community and love elsewhere, much to the detriment of our society.
So, my question for you, Cayman, is which will you continue to choose, your youth or your pride?
- Aleigha General, 18, is a recent graduate of John Gray High School and Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong. She is currently studying Sociology at the University of Derby in the UK.
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