In many respects, I feel like I am a digital native; that is
I grew up with computers and the digital age and feel very at home in the
“digital” world. Others might identify themselves as digital immigrants, in
which they had to move from one world into the digital world.
And like the stories I read of immigrants moving to the
United States, there is a strong desire of the “old world” customs and language
and traditions to be upheld, respected and practiced. Those who emigrate from,
say Mexico, and do not speak English will often desire their children to
practice the traditions and language of Mexico. And it is very admirable, but
it is also very difficult to navigate.
Building on this example, it is often the case too that the
children surpass their parents in the use of the English language. This quickly
turns the tables in the relationship. It is now the parent who is dependent
upon the child to communicate to the teacher or to the soccer coach. The child
is forced to live in two worlds – one they are born into (America) and one that
is expected of them to live into (Mexican).
In many ways the digital native/immigrant is much the same
thing. Often children surpass their parents in knowledge of how the internet
and technology work. Adults are dependent upon the child to set up Facebook
accounts or explain Twitter or even run a DVD/TV.
I surely not the first to point this out by any stretch of
the imagination, but it is becoming very real in the UMC that the younger
clergy are being asked to live in two worlds. We are asked to live in the “old
world” with the customs and expectations that are a part of that and then we
are expected to also be fluent in the world were born into which sometimes does
not even speak the same language of our parents (search “L337 speak” and you
will get the picture).
And so to my “old world” friends, do not decry the lack of
respect of the “new world” or hint at how technology, while okay, is really the
root of so much evil.
And to my “new world” friends, do not admonish the tradition
and wisdom of the “old world” or hint at how older people, while okay, really
are an obstacle to “progress”.
We are all learning together.