The Importance of Resolving Conflicts Properly for the Younger Generation

The Impact of Zero Tolerance Policies on Conflict Resolution

Working in a relatively small town, I often come across younger people who exhibit a sense of entitlement and look down on others. While most kids and teens are great individuals, there are always a few who stand out for their uppity behavior. This is not to condone violence without reason, but rather to explore the idea that the lack of physical confrontation in today's society may contribute to the insufferable behavior we sometimes witness.

In the past, getting into scuffles and resolving conflicts physically helped develop healthy diplomatic reasoning within individuals. It allowed those who struggled with verbal communication to use action to convey their point. For instance, standing up to a bully at school by knocking them down when you've had enough, instead of constantly relying on teachers who may be limited by their own restrictions. Of course, having an intermediary to ensure things don't get out of hand is crucial, but where should the line be drawn?

Zero tolerance policies in schools and the constant punishment for even the slightest aggressive offenses may hinder young people from properly working out their problems. By removing these basic human interactions, we may inadvertently be escalating their problems into larger ones, which can lead to more serious issues such as school shootings. It is important to consider whether the absence of physical confrontation is contributing to the lack of conflict resolution skills among the younger generation.

Coldascoffee comments, "The lack of checking someone for running their mouth has bred a large group of the population that think they can say anything without repercussions. I love the meme of the skinny white kid in the face of the Hells Angels biker that says "Mike realized a second too late, that he was, in fact, not on the internet."

This comment highlights the fact that the absence of physical confrontation has allowed some individuals to believe they can say anything without facing consequences. The internet has created a platform where people can freely express their opinions without immediate repercussions. However, in real-life situations, this behavior can lead to conflicts that are not properly resolved.

Let_me_know_22 says, "The kids and teens of today are only insufferable because they are kids and teens! They are neither worse nor better than the generations before them. Teenagers are often selfish, make poor choices, and think they are the center of the world. This phase is a normal part of growing up, and they will eventually outgrow it. It's important to let them be and allow them to learn from their experiences. Many of them will grow up to be great individuals."

This comment provides a different perspective, emphasizing that the behavior of kids and teens is not unique to this generation. It is a part of growing up and learning from one's mistakes. While conflicts may arise, it is crucial to allow young people the opportunity to mature and develop into responsible adults.

Mushrooming247 points out, “Back in my day, the stronger man was always right, and could make the smaller person shut up by assaulting them without punishment,” was not the Shangri-La you seem to think it was. You may have enjoyed that environment, but you need to open your eyes to what that produced. The smaller, weaker men armed themselves, purchased body armor, and lashed out in their impotent rage toward those even weaker."

This comment serves as a reminder that resorting to physical violence as a means of conflict resolution is not without its consequences. While physical confrontation may have provided a sense of satisfaction for some, it also led to a cycle of retaliation and further violence. It is important to consider the long-term effects and potential harm caused by such behavior.

While it is not a call to return to a time where physical fights were the norm, it is worth exploring whether the absence of physical confrontation in today's society has impacted the way conflicts are resolved among the younger generation. By finding a balance between allowing individuals to work out their problems and providing guidance to ensure things don't escalate, we can foster healthier conflict resolution skills and potentially reduce the escalation of conflicts into more serious issues.