Some people think young people should follow the traditions of their society. Others think that they should be free to behave as themselves. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
People hold divided views on whether young individuals should conform to societal traditions or enjoy the freedom to express their true selves. While following traditions brings social cohesion and a sense of belonging, I believe a balance that respects core traditions while allowing individual self-expression is the optimal approach.
Those who advocate for tradition-following argue that traditional customs are the accumulated wisdom of generations, acting as a moral and behavioral compass for young people. For example, in many East Asian cultures, the tradition of respecting elders and prioritizing family responsibility helps maintain close family bonds and social order, reducing conflicts between generations. Additionally, shared traditions such as festival celebrations create collective identity: when young people participate in local Lunar New Year rituals or national commemorative events, they develop a sense of rootedness and connection to their community, avoiding the identity confusion that often comes with rapid social change.
On the other hand, supporters of individual freedom point out that rigid obedience to outdated traditions can stifle creativity and social progress. Many traditions were formed to fit the social structures of past eras, and some may conflict with modern values. For instance, traditional gender roles that once confined women to domestic work are now widely rejected; if young people were forced to strictly follow such outdated norms, society would miss out on the contributions of talented female professionals in science, business and public life. Allowing young people to behave as themselves also encourages diversity, which drives innovation in fields from art to technology.
In my opinion, young people should be encouraged to carry forward positive traditions that carry shared human values, such as honesty, mutual respect and care for the vulnerable, while being given space to question and discard unreasonable traditional constraints. This approach not only preserves cultural heritage but also allows each generation to contribute new ideas that push society forward.