’More Disillusionment With Adult Values’

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32302, 21 May 1970, Page 12

’More Disillusionment With Adult Values’

Disillusionment with many of the values proclaimed by the adult world is growing in New Zealand, according to an editorial in the latest issue of i“C.0.R.5.0. News," the 'official publication of the New 'Zealand Council of Organisations for Relief Service Overseas and the New Zealand Committee of the United Nations Freedom From Hunger Campaign. “When our actions don't mirror the values we claim to hold, then disillusionment often turns to cynicism, to banner waving demonstrations and, occasionally, to violent, direct action.”

j The editorial says that ' radical, apathetic, idealistic, i cynical, amoral and passive i are only a few of the diverse ’ terms used to describe the i youth of today. “Judging by these conflicting comments one wonders whether youth as a separate entity exists at all. But although some young people have opted out of society and 'do not seem very interested in climbing back in, the greatest number is eager to gain more awareness of society’s problems. “Many young people are amazed when they see that unprecedented technological (progress does not go hand in hand with the establishment of justice and peace on earth. They see, too, how little is provided for the welfare of mankind’s under-developed two-thirds." | The editorial says that the 1 over-reaction of some extremist youth groups might make it easier for a while to dismiss young people's criticism of priorities, but these groups were only the headline makers. A host of young t people were giving practical expression to their idealism. An example was the criticism from the 1 per cent aiders who successfully started a movement to get a planned programme of increased international aid included in the policy platforms of both major political parties. “New Zealand youth groups are taking a hard look at international affairs and j bringing in practical action programmes either in the form of protest in this country or support of projects in developing countries. “Youth’s often critical attitude may appear abstract, violent, irrational, immature or even negative and lacking in perspective at times, but if it forces our society to reexamine materialistic priorities our young people will have made a major contribution to the creation of a better world for all mankind,” says the article.