Before the Internet was highly used, the age gap that occurs between generations was more prominent, and more segregated if that’s the correct word. One saw it in bars; one saw it in even churches. The "generations" seemed to band together, often talking about the younger "babies or whippersnappers" depending on their generation's terminology, and remarking how things were so much 'better' in their time.
The only cross over’s were those who tended to identify more with generations other then their own. Usually this was really the younger person identifying more with the older generation, but occasionally you would see and older person crossing the 'gap'.
Online this gap is not readily apparent in most places, except in forums. Forums are where the generational age gap is suddenly becoming more and more apparent. Consider forums to be 'today’s' bars and clubs. You will find all sorts of interesting combinations.
The question is, can there be a good co-mingling of generations on one forum to where someone who can remembers voting for Ronald Reagan, someone who remembers vividly celebrating the fall of the Berlin Wall, can co-exist and enjoy with those who barely remember Hurricane Andrew, or the great Turkish earthquakes of the late 90's.
I think there can be. Call it my optimistic views, but I believe if we try and put ourselves in others shoes that we might learn from those older, but also younger then ourselves.
Take the Anime craze that has gone on in the world, and starting to show itself on Elliquiy. When I see Anime, I think 'cartoon'. To me, if its a drawing that is animated its a cartoon. I have been forcefully reminded several times that there is a difference between cartoons and Anime, though I myself do not see the difference. But on the flipside those of the older generation probably view my generation as an equal enigma.
I also believe that much of our views on morality and openness depend largely on our generation. I know that there are exceptions to this, but take myself for example. I am one of those people who always identified with the older generation. I was happier volunteering at the nursing homes in the summer and chatting with the people there then going to the public pools and chatting with kids my own age. So much of my views are heavily influenced by the "older" generations. My friends tend to be my mothers age rather then my own.
Perhaps that is why I find 'cyber' to be a bit more then I am willing to experiment with? Perhaps that is why I find myself applauding those who have spoken of being virgins still on these forums, and I find myself shocked when they themselves express dismay over this fact?
Perhaps we each should step back and try to push the edges of these gaps, to try and span the time that separates us. Experiment with the "Younger" generations interest, try something that the 'older' generations find exciting. Not just on forums, but in every day life.