Young people in the workplace don't have the skills to debate, disagree and work alongside people with different opinions, Channel 4's chief executive has said. Speaking at the Royal Television Society's Cambridge Convention, Alex Mahon said 'particularly post-pandemic' Gen Z youngsters 'haven't got the skills to discuss' and 'haven't got the skills to disagree'.
And to what does she attribute this phenomenon?
The Channel 4 boss cited the time youngsters had spent 'being out of colleges' during the pandemic, meaning they had not been exposed as much to 'people with a difference of opinion'.
As regular readers of David Thompson's blog will know, it's hardly likely to be a skill they pick up there...
Last year Channel 4 carried out research which showed these youngsters are less tolerant of others' views than their parents or grandparents. The study found that young people could therefore be said to be 'less liberal' than their elders. The research branded this phenomenon as the 'rise of the Young Illiberal Progressives' or 'Yips'.
Their parents and grandparents learned real tolerance, where you may not have liked a lifestyle or viewpoint, but you respected a person's right to it. And crucially, where you weren't expected to celebrate it.
But of course in the good old days, other people were more tolerant of their parents opinions as well.
ReplyDeleteSome older people are pretty intolerant.
ReplyDeleteJohn Snow at Channel 4 news shouting "F the Tories," being an obvious example
"But of course in the good old days, other people were more tolerant of their parents opinions as well."
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed. Perhaps that was a mistake?
"Some older people are pretty intolerant.
John Snow at Channel 4 news shouting "F the Tories," being an obvious example"
Good point!