Our role model, our example, our paradigm, whatever the younger generation may call adults, can be hypocrites at times. There are so many instances where adults tell us to act certain ways, or hold their views, but then in the end they contradict themselves. This isn’t a one-time occasion, this is an everyday affair. Adults convey this image of “the right way”; however they do not always follow their own expectations and examples.
For example, doctors will tell you what is wrong and right for your health, but then you can go to the hospital and see them outside smoking cigarettes with other doctors. To me, that is being a hypocrite because I don’t understand how someone can teach others to be healthy and do the complete opposite of what they preach.
Then on the highway anyone can clearly see the hypocrisy of police officers disobeying the law by speeding without using their flashing lights. Another example of officers exhibiting unsafe driving behavior are turning on their lights in order to go through a red light then immediately turning them off without actually attending to an emergency.
Also, I don’t appreciate when teachers tell us not to do wrong activities outside of school, unless they themselves experienced it and have something to offer as advice. But don’t tell me to not drink, smoke, or party when there was a time you did the very same thing as me, as a teenager. I think it is a nice gesture to teach good things, but how can anyone learn from their own mistakes without experiencing it for themselves?
Adults might try to portray this ideal character for children to become in life. So if adults want a better youth to arise from teens, it is better to be straight forward with everything and be real. Don’t beat around the bush, just tell us the truth. Being able to hear what older people have experienced may happen be more useful.
Not everyone is perfect, so what makes parents, teachers, or any adult that matter try to be someone they aren’t? Teach the younger generation knowledge that you have experienced, not just rules and laws.