Members of Hong Kong's so-called "Y generation" feel they are creative (有創意) and IT savvy (note 2), but weak (軟弱) in the face of setbacks (挫折).
Some 510 youths belonging to the Y generation - those born in the 1980s and 90s - answered a survey by Love Psychological Education, a project funded by the Li Ka Shing Foundation's "Love Ideas Love HK." Another 420 respondents over age 31 were canvassed (兜攬) for their views on the younger generation.
The survey was carried out (note 3) from June 26 to July 3, with respondents comprising 52 percent male and 48 percent female. Of the Y generation, 75 percent admitted (承認) that they are weak in facing setbacks and give up (note 4) easily. They also agreed they are poor in facing criticism (面對批評) and lacking in self-management (自我管理).
However, more than 90 percent said they are creative and competent (有能力的) in information technology. Of the older generation, 75 percent shared similar views (認同) of the younger ones. About the same percentage also acknowledged that the Y generation's high creativity and ability in finding resources (資源) through the internet and other media.
"[Older people] would like to tell them [the Y generation] to be humble (謙卑), listen to their seniors, dream less and be more practical, while they rarely encourage them and say they can do it," said project initiator (倡議者) Indie Chung Cho-bun. He added that further understanding between the two generations starts with public encouragement.
"The results show that the public is not totally negative toward the Y generation. They are just highly demanding (note 5) of the young people, with much advice on improvement, but little encouragement," Chung said.
From good to better English:
(note 1) Y generation=80後和90後。X-generation 是60後和70後 (The generation following the post-World War II baby boom, especially people born in the United States and Canada from the early 1960s to the late 1970s).
(note 2) IT savvy=精明的；能幹的；有見識的。IT是information technology (電腦科技)。 savvy 得同義詞有astute, cagey, canny, knowing, perspicacious, shrewd, slick, smart。Victor is a guy known for having no public relations savvy=Victor一些公關智慧都沒有。
(note 3) carried out=進行。Victor was carried by Emily’s innocence=Victor被Emily的純真迷住。The motion is carried=這一提議業已通過。Music has carried Victor away=音樂使Victor陶醉。Mo Mo hasn't the funds to carry out his design=Mo Mo沒有落實他的計劃的資本。Carry through =堅持到底，支持到底。
(note 4) give up=放棄。give a big hand= 拍手喝采。give a hand= 提供幫助。give and take =互相讓步妥協。give away=洩露。give ground=讓步。give in = 投降、屈服。give one's word=承諾, 保證。give oneself up =自首。give rise to= 引起, 使發生。give someone a break= 給某人一次機會, 給某人一次優待。
(note 5) highly demanding=要求很高。Demand=要求，請求。demand an interview=要求會面。in demand=有需要，銷路好。present one's demands=提出要求。
Victor’s View: Many Hong Kong parents are like “tiger moms” who demand first-class performance from their children. This approach sometimes backfires and young people become rebellious. I think it’s better to use both “carrot and stick”.
(Victor Fung Keung, director of HK Baptist University’s M.A. in international journalism program, has published 4 books on English-enhancement [the latest, titled <<學會演說、改變你的人生>>, was published on July 18] and plans to write 6 more by the end of 2012. Write to him: deanfungenglish@gmail.com)
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