The great East-West cultural differences, instead of making for misunderstanding, aroused great interest in communicating between the new generations of the two countries.

Stereotype

Self-centered? Spoiled? Rebellious? Now do you still remember the stereotype?

Let's look back. People can still remember that the "post-1980s generation" was once known as the "new humans." Therefore, the "post-1990s generation" became the "new new humans" since they might be different from their predecessors.

The tag somehow showed society's disapproval of the young generation.

However, as far as I am concerned, each generation has its unique rebellion, if it is rebellion.

For the "post-1990s generation," so-called "rebellion" means imagination, open-mindedness, courage and innovation.

Times are different and the different environment and atmosphere no doubt shape the new features of the young generation. I believe it will shape the new era while it also has been shaped by the new era, no matter in China, in USA, or in other countries.

The Young Leaders Conference thus provides a good perspective for us to observe the true nature of the "post-1990s generation" and of the new era.

Kipling said, "East is east, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet!" But now, a century later, the two have met. More important, this meeting is not a choice between East and West. It's a real cross-cultural encounter, selecting each one's best and making it our own.

And this encounter just took place in the amazing "post-1990s generation," in us.

(The author is an 11th grader from Shanghai Nanyang Model High School.)