“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal
Interview
It seems like social norms change annually, nowadays. It can be exhausting and confusing trying to keep track of how we’re supposed to behave in various situations, but for young people who haven’t been around to see these societal shifts, what they’ve observed is completely normal. We all have cell phones, we all should have social media accounts, and we should all be available 24/7.
Older generations, however, have a harder time accepting some of the changes that have come along, and recently, Redditors have been sharing some of the things they wish would become normalized again. Below, you’ll find some of their most insightful responses, so enjoy reading through and be sure to upvote all of the thoughts you agree with.
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The art of conversation. Just because I disagree with you on something doesn’t mean I don’t respect you.
Not being accessible all the time. Just because I have a cellphone doesnt mean I want to answer it at the supermarket, or while cooking dinner. Or while driving. Thats cool that my boss checks emails in his tesla driving 20 mins to work but I would rather not. I need a break
Before cell phones, if someone didn't answer the phone we'd just say, "Oh, they're not home," and that was normal. Nowadays, I wish it was just as normal to say, "Oh, they're not answering their phone," and just leave it at that.
Classes in high school like wood shop, home economics, culinary, machine shop, etc and just trade school training in general for those who don’t want to go to college.
US: standardized test scores are tied to funding, so no time for skill development (either manual or critical thinking). Kids learn that life is only about obedience to ham-fisted metrics analysis.
We can thank George Bush for that and his No Child Left Behind program he signed into law during his first presidency. 😒😒 And that's why I quit teaching. I taught reading and math to the lowest 20%, 3-5th grade at a low income school. My kids weren't learning shìt using the core curriculum so I taught them vedic math strategies and they picked it up IMMEDIATELY! They were suddenly having success in their home room class!!! One of their teachers asked what I did that these kids have done a 180° and I told her "vedic math". I was asked to please stop teaching that cuz it's not on the standardized test. So I let them know that would be my last year teaching; I can't actively stiffle my kids' learning, fùck that! They've created a system to keep the populace stupid and inept cuz stupid people = a cheap labor force.
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EVERY graduate I know who goes into trade school generally has work before completion. Trades are SCREAMING for people. I tell students they can start at 45k/yr with little or no debt and they jump on it.
Yup. I keep telling every kid in my life. Learn a trade. You'll make good money quickly, have little to no debt and it'll be way harder to automate your job away. None of em listen though.
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I was the first female to take the auto shop classes and autobody classes offered in my high school. I didn't pursue it as a career, just wanted to know the basics and to be aware if someone was trying to rip me off when I took my car in for service that I couldn't do myself. Some people might look down their nose at someone's going to trade school to learn to be a plumber, however even the highest executive is going to panic when that toilet water just keeps rising and rising...
Most Australian high schools have all or most of those? My school had engineering, metalwork, woodwork, home economics(cooking, sewing, etc), business and careers classes, and a lot more, including quite a few classes for certificates in hospitality and other things. That was a rural school as well
Mine too! I don't like that they have removed the Vocational Certificate of Applied Learning out of schools though.
Load More Replies... My teen is in an auto shop class now, and it's their favorite part of the day. I love that they are learning a trade that will always be in demand, pays well, and that they are thrilled with.
Still the commenter seeing this as second best. We should view this as they do in Germany where people are encouraged to do such things and they are respected for doing so. I was told that they so greatly respect engineers (you have to get approval to even be CALLED an engineer) that you use it as part of your name in the same way a professor would. So instead of Professor Schmidt it would be Engineer Schmidt..
Odd. Just checked two different HS systems in two different states and both have vocation programs. One a red state, the other blue.
I have lived in AL, GA, and FL... nearly all tge schools down here have career tech/early trade schools to help transition into adulthood. People who say otherwise are out of touch.
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Maybe the schools in the Midwest United States are different, but all the schools I've taught in or visited during college taught these kinds of classes. They aren't called the same thing they were when I was in school, though. Now they are called Family and Consumer Sciences, Industrial Technology, and Agriculture Sciences.
My school has a trade school attached so you can get a high school and trade a school education
Those classes, in hindsight teach and expose you to many useful things that you need throughout your life. Even just knowing how to use a hammer or sew a button.
These classes are good for everyone. People going to college also need to know how to cook, make a budget, build furniture, etc.
Job Corp still exists but unless you have been a student there or worked there or know someone who has most people have never heard of it.
Honestly, if you can make a living with that trade and enjoy it, less student debt or none to worry about! 👍
Maybe in the US, here in Germany we have mandatory wood shop, home economics + cooking, art and technology lessons throughout the whole years of High School. Depending on the field and reached degree we also have to go 1 - 3 years to a job related college. (I went to an advanced econmics college and cut one year of the mandatory 12 overall years in school that way)
I work at a school in Texas that has an insane trade program. Full wood and machine shop areas with a large auto shop with 3 full bays. The kids can get out of their senior year fully certified. Way better than what my school had. And the culinary hall has a full restaurant style kitchen. These aren't just still alive they are growing and thriving.
Now they teach c**p they'll never need, with lashings of fear, and gender disphoria, we all went through weird phases, explored sexes freely, then grew out of it, or not, naturally.. As intended..
Those things were still standard 20 years ago. But the reality for skilled labor is that over 7 million jobs have sat unfilled for decades. Most pay you while you're trained (north of $22/hr) which takes 6-12 months. They should be offered, but it's not that much of a hinderance that they're not given the current job market. -
This should never go away not everyone is cut out for or wants to do programming. Or other computer related studies.
The high school in my area has a wide array of wood shop and other trade related classes thankfully. It needs to come back if it's becoming uncommon. College isn't worth it.
Haven't learned anything in highschool I actually want to study in college
Huh??? In my school we have all of those and more, except machine stuff/trade school because there's a nearby trade school that collabs with the normal highschool. We even have a class where you RUN A PRESCHOOL to learn about childcare
People who go to college will never cook for themselves? And won't they have household economics problems? Whoa.
Both of my kids' high schools offered these courses as electives (different schools, different districts). My son did culinary for 2 semesters and got a community College level certificate for doing it. Should he decide to continue in the field, it's earned credits to his associates at a community College. His school also offers a medical assistant certificate. My daughter graduated high school with an auto mechanic certificate that grown people pay $45,000 for. In my daughter's district it should be noted that the further west (rich) the school was, the more higher earning the programs where. On our end, auto mechanics, one over nursing, next one web design, further west and most wealthy architecture.
My son (36yo) and I (55 F) were just talking about this yesterday. The lack of opportunities for kids to learn about trades, and the hyper focus on sports programs makes it difficult for kids who don't fit the mold. If they are not academically gifted and on their way to college or an athlete, they are unlikely to find their path until they leave high-school; plus they may spend extra time and money trying different things before they discover their niche. "Back in my day" in high school we had a variety of classes to help us in the real world. Home ec, auto mechanics, woodworking, metal shop, drafting (architecture,) string orchestra, brass band, art classes, photography, debate, business skills, child development, and more. We had so many choices. I wish kids today could enjoy the same variety.
Though "book smarts" is my thing, I chose to teach at a vocational high school specifically because I so deeply believe in the need to promote and value all the different intelligence. And all kids can benefit from exposure to these different skills.
My high school had only been accepting students for a year (brand new school) before home econ and auto shop got the axe. There are countless articles $hitting on millennials for lacking "adulting" skills, well, it wasn't teenage millennials who got rid of those classes.
Or who just want to be able to do some things for themselves like cook and mend.
My high school has that. There are two “career centers” that students throughout the district can sign up for classes like those mentioned above for one of their electives. They get bussed off campus everyday for either 1st and 2nd period or 3rd and 4th period.
(American here) instead of stem or home economics, there is a whole class about the medal of honor. dead serious. wasted a whole semester with that several years ago🙄 we did technically have home economics, but the whole time it was spent researching colleges and figuring out how to apply to colleges (in middle school mind you) instead of learning basic home skills?
Around here there is a shortage of electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. We wait a couple months to get them to come to the house. Plumbers make $150 an hour now.
Must be a western thing as none of these classes exist in any highschool in my country
Wood shop sounds similar to design technology and culinary sounds like hospitality and catering
I’ve seen some high schools and middle schools with culinary, but none of the other ones
All the high schools here have at least the first three. I'm sure there's probably wealthier or more specialised schools with machine shop, too.
Load More Replies...We reached out to the Reddit user who posed the question, "What things are seen as weird by the younger generation that we need to normalize again?" and lucky for us, u/Kvassalskaren55 was happy to have a chat with Bored Panda.
As far as what inspired him to start this conversation, he shared that he was just bored on a Saturday and decided to post something on Reddit. "I thought of a question to post in r/askreddit, but I had no idea that it would get this popular," the OP shared.
Can we re-normalize using headphones while listening to music or watching videos in public? Please? I should be able to study on campus without having to listen to someone else's s**t. I can't even go to the campus library without someone blasting their s**t.
Obviously not old enough to remember 'ghetto blasters' (yup, REALLY called that) These were extremely large radio cassettes with big speakers played at full volume everywhere from the 70s onwards until personal stereos became a thing. Before that it was 'portable wireless radios' These go back to the early 60s. Again, people have ALWAYS been a******s..
Being able to fix things yourself-sew hems and small holes, fix a toilet or garbage disposal, etc
We were also curious what Kvassalskaren55 would answer to his own question. "I think we should normalize talking to each other more," he shared. "I think today’s generation is missing out on getting to know people face to face. You never know who is behind the screen, it could be anyone."
On the other hand, the OP is appreciative that homophobia has become much less socially acceptable. "Everyone should be able to love whoever they want without facing backlash," he told Bored Panda.
Not having everything you do in public recorded.
Two random people arguing? Gotta record it.
Bad car wreck? Don't help. record.
Natural disaster? Don't run, stay and document it until someone has to rescue you, then get the rescue for maximum likes.
Same with concerts. I don't understand how people can't just watch a concert and enjoy it. Does anyone ever go back and watch their phone footage anyway?
Affordable housing.
Wall Street investors have been buying up housing all over the country just to make money on excessive rents and the tight housing market, which they contributed to making.
As far as his thoughts on the responses to his post, Kvassalskaren55 says he agreed with many of them. "There were a few that surprised me," he noted. "Those were the ones where people said that they were tired of people thinking that they are available at all times. That they need a break."
Having the decency and manners to verbally cancel plans or say you’ll be late in a timely fashion that’s respectful of the other person’s time and effort, instead of framing ghosting people as some kind cute personality quirk.
Being stood up or ditched on a date are as old as dating itself, but the RSVP was a contract that could only be violated at the peril of never receiving any future invitations
Actually owning the things you buy. Having the right to tinker with your devices.
Too damned many companies jumping on the product as a service bandwagon and it needs to stop. For instance, you pay (typically dearly) for a option on your new car, but you then need to pay a fee/subscription to use it? Not in this world, that's absurd.
Not having social media. Apparently now not being on whatever sites is a red flag.
Being able to handle the slightest bit of social interaction. I’ve met some Gen Z who damn near have panic attacks when making a call for delivery, let alone speaking to people they don’t know in public. Some seem to think every interaction with a stranger is potentially life threatening. The anxiety levels in that generation are off the charts.
I find the introvert memes tendency horrifying and relatable at the same time. Being an introvert myself I understand the struggle, but it seems to me it's getting worse and worse, triggering anxiety if you just let it be your lifestyle.
Knowing how to cook, even if that knowledge exists so you don't starve.
Agree knowing how to cook is a learnable skill you don’t need to be a chef.
I feel like u can't just talk to random people anymore. No one seems approachable. My mum talks to anyone wether she knows them or not. I notice alotnof the older generations are much more open to random chit chat
Some people just don't want to be bothered when they're trying to go about their day.
The hustle culture needs to go. We need to normalize working while keeling in touch with family and friends, not working yourself to death. Also, how about lowering house price, eh? It’s a dwelling, not a money making machine.
A house used to be a home not an investment for profit. It annoys me when real estate agents talk about selling a home, it is the house not the home being sold.
Pensions. The ability for current and future generations to retire.
All that has happened is the companies have shifted the risk from them to you. If you can get such good returns, they can too. Of course in most plans you do not contribute. Just more evidence of poor money management on their part, and how criminal underfunding is.
Talking to people in-person, and asking people out, and not being a f*****g weirdo if they say no.
Apps and social media have caused so much headrot.
Holding your phone to your ear when talking.
Just working out in a gym without the need to record yourself
Again, it's not an abnormal thing to go and not record. Going to the gym without recording is normalised.
**Getting to know your neighbours and connecting with the local community.**
How many of us actually know or have talked to the people next door?? It used to be so common to introduce yourself at least, nowadays it’s just weird and considered off-putting, making it much harder to build a strong sense of community.
This generation tends to be very isolated generally, and considering how actively hostile modern urban design is, it tends to discourage people from going outside and meeting people. This is also coupled with the rise of social media and a general sense of paranoia about feeling constantly watched, since everyone basically has a miniature recording device in their pocket. It decentivizes people from striking up more friendly conversations, due to fear of being recorded being cringe or whatever and going viral. Honestly the pandemic has f****d social skills beyond belief, but let’s get real here, the loneliness epidemic predates Covid by a long shot, quarantine just put it into hyperdrive.
I think knowing your neighbours should make a comeback. Along with neighbourhood block parties and potlucks. And for gods sake, can we please make less suburbs and anti-homelessness benches, and more free/affordable public infrastructure while we’re at it??? It’s been said already, but look at the outside we built, no wonder kids don’t want to go outside anymore.
Again depends on country and background. Low income areas in my country have good social networks and high income areas have neighbours who barely interact and mostly hate each other.
Taking your clothes to a tailor instead of getting new clothes
That individuals matter, not what groups people can be pegged as belonging to.
This is only true of individualist (ie western) culture. In Africa our community is the most important thing.
Vulnerability. Sincerity. These things seem to get lumped in with "cringe" when they shouldn't be.
Texting back too quickly is apparently a thing to younger folk? Whereas I see it as the ultimate sign of respect and interest when you're having an engaging conversation. There's so much second guessing about presentation and interest levels that many forget that it's cool, fine, and normal to just be honest with feelings and pursue them as long as they're reciprocal.
What kills me is "punctuation is aggressive" and "ok means you're mad." WTF kids?!?
Telephone skills, not fearing making phone calls
Emails and texts are too easy to ignore. I feel it takes twice as long to communicate via email.
Go to the park and join a bunch of strangers in playing a game whether it be touch football, throwing the Frisbee, even a game of TAG.
Uhh no. I would never walk up to strangers playing a game and join them.
Anyone else concerned with the lack of empathy and aggressive narcissism that are being displayed recently?
Yep. I feel those "Corona- years" have done more harm than good. 😢
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I am so sick of all of this "generational divide" b******t. "The boomers are this!" "The Millennials are that" "Gen Z is blah blah blah" can we all just please stop and reflect and realize there there and bad Apples in every single bunch and that doesn't mean the whole barrel is bad? I know PLENTY of "boomers" who are some of the kindest more understanding people around and I e met some Gen Z who would soon slit your throat than give you a kind look. It has nothing to do with what year you were born! It's how you're raised. And truthfully I will never consider myself a Gen Z. I am simply a younger person who will hopefully live to become an old person some day. That's it
Once again Generation X is forgotten. That one is true.
Load More Replies... SO much of this is really Boomers reminiscing about their childhood and not realising it seemed better because they were a child. Then there's the inherent criticism of the 'youth of today' I'm Gen X but even I can see that the current generation are the very best of us. Who saw us all through the pandemic doing all the frontline jobs? Not my generation, that's for sure. Who is more accepting of people for who they are? Again it's the 'young people of today' Good on them, nostalgia is a lie..
I hate to tell you this, but where I live, it was both the middle-aged and young transport drivers, supermarket cashiers, chemists, street cleaners, rubbish collectors, and above all health workers who got us through it. The less experienced younger people need the older workers' experience and stamina, or do you think that a whole bunch of 20-somethings just rolled up one day and took over? Enough with the generational labels, every workplace needs a mix of younger, creative, energetic people, trained and supported by more experienced staff.
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Listen, y’all, the economy is shot, corona ruined our social skills, and you can’t be anywhere without spending money, we would way rather be doing things in the world but we’re broke and many of us are disabled
I used to think our species would die from pollution and global warming, but reading these comments makes me think, the the extinction will come from nobody daring to get to know anyone, så no children will come to take over. I am a bit sarcastic here maybe.
Working on my own computer. Before windows, I could ask Doss what was wrong and it would tell me and I would fix it. After windows I could go to Microsoft help and always get trained answers. Now, I go to Microsoft help and they let any idiot on the Internet provide answers. One has the weed the actual help out from the junk.
Better title would be old people complain and suggest what they think young people must find odd because it's no longer the only acceptable option.
Yeah yeah yeah, the kids these days. Have a Werther's Original and shut up.
Sorry but gen z and alpha rule nothing. Most can't even make a phone call without experiencing crippling anxiety.
Anyone else concerned with the lack of empathy and aggressive narcissism that are being displayed recently?
Yep. I feel those "Corona- years" have done more harm than good. 😢
Load More Replies... I am so sick of all of this "generational divide" b******t. "The boomers are this!" "The Millennials are that" "Gen Z is blah blah blah" can we all just please stop and reflect and realize there there and bad Apples in every single bunch and that doesn't mean the whole barrel is bad? I know PLENTY of "boomers" who are some of the kindest more understanding people around and I e met some Gen Z who would soon slit your throat than give you a kind look. It has nothing to do with what year you were born! It's how you're raised. And truthfully I will never consider myself a Gen Z. I am simply a younger person who will hopefully live to become an old person some day. That's it
Once again Generation X is forgotten. That one is true.
Load More Replies... SO much of this is really Boomers reminiscing about their childhood and not realising it seemed better because they were a child. Then there's the inherent criticism of the 'youth of today' I'm Gen X but even I can see that the current generation are the very best of us. Who saw us all through the pandemic doing all the frontline jobs? Not my generation, that's for sure. Who is more accepting of people for who they are? Again it's the 'young people of today' Good on them, nostalgia is a lie..
I hate to tell you this, but where I live, it was both the middle-aged and young transport drivers, supermarket cashiers, chemists, street cleaners, rubbish collectors, and above all health workers who got us through it. The less experienced younger people need the older workers' experience and stamina, or do you think that a whole bunch of 20-somethings just rolled up one day and took over? Enough with the generational labels, every workplace needs a mix of younger, creative, energetic people, trained and supported by more experienced staff.
Load More Replies... Listen, y’all, the economy is shot, corona ruined our social skills, and you can’t be anywhere without spending money, we would way rather be doing things in the world but we’re broke and many of us are disabled
I used to think our species would die from pollution and global warming, but reading these comments makes me think, the the extinction will come from nobody daring to get to know anyone, så no children will come to take over. I am a bit sarcastic here maybe.
Working on my own computer. Before windows, I could ask Doss what was wrong and it would tell me and I would fix it. After windows I could go to Microsoft help and always get trained answers. Now, I go to Microsoft help and they let any idiot on the Internet provide answers. One has the weed the actual help out from the junk.
Better title would be old people complain and suggest what they think young people must find odd because it's no longer the only acceptable option.
Yeah yeah yeah, the kids these days. Have a Werther's Original and shut up.
Sorry but gen z and alpha rule nothing. Most can't even make a phone call without experiencing crippling anxiety.
