|
It's true when we say that a lot of our
elderly citizens actually live in fear. People are so caught up in
their own selfish lives that our elderly population get over looked
and treated with very little respect. There appears to be a huge
preference or emphasis on youth issues which is okay to a certain
degree but Australia in particular has a huge ageing population as
well. Western Society in general seem to alienate aged persons.
Consider what your thoughts are on the subject after reading this
-
Respect Your
Elders
Why don’t you test yourself? Answer the
questions below and see whether you are also guilty of showing
disrespect to elders. There is no score or marking system; you
alone are your own judge.
Do you enter a room and remember to greet
every single person in the room, including
elders?
When you visit a friend’s home, do you say
remember to take your leave from the elders of that
house?
When your friends come visiting, do you
introduce them to your elders?
[Even if it a simple nod or a ‘Hi’ and ‘Bye’,
do not ignore elders.]
Do you raise your voice when you argue or do
you stay calm?
Do you try to assume control of all activities
at home – not telling your mother where you plan to go out, not
letting your father listen to his favourite radio station, not
seeking permission before changing the channels on
TV?
Do you always stay absent on important days in
the family?
All these are signs of
disrespect.
I’ve heard my own younger cousins asking me
this question, which I too asked, until a couple of years ago – why
should I respect somebody just because he/she is elder to
me?
I have the answers now. Simply put, you should
show respect to everybody, even those who’re younger. But
especially your elders because they are ahead of you – in age, in
wisdom and maturity, in experience and education. Our elders have
done a lot for us, directly or indirectly and most of us owe
everything to their kindness and love.
And when we show them respect, whether it is
by touching their feet, or kissing their hands, or offering to
press their legs, it is one way of expressing our own love and
gratitude to them.
Besides, elders have also been through all the
phases you are going through and know a little more about the world
than you do. However much you disagree with them, give them credit
for their experience.
It is likely that you do not agree with the
beliefs and the sentiments of your elders. But remember that even
this is nothing new. All younger generations have always disagreed
with their elders and it is these differences that bring changes in
human society.
Why, then, do we say that the modern
generation has lost respect for elders?
I think, partly this is because, with changing
times and cultural influences, youngsters no longer know what is
interpreted as disrespect to elders.
For instance, in earlier times, children would
not yell back. Yes, there were disagreements and debates; there
always have been. But youngsters would quietly express their views
and if there were arguments, they would not raise their voices.
Nowadays, children fight back, causing even more aggravation. The
result is an ugly war of words, with each person trying to
out-shout the other.
Another example - according to our tradition,
children do not sit on a higher level than their elders. Therefore,
if there were no space on sofas or chairs, children would
immediately give up their places, and sit on the carpet. In buses
and trains, youngsters were expected to give up their places to
older people.
This is not a question of who has more rights.
It is simply that those who are younger have the strength (or are
expected to) bear discomfort, or tolerate unpleasantness, so it is
natural to show consideration to those who are older and perhaps,
at a slight disadvantage.
And when you do simple things as a mark of
respect, elders become aware that youngsters care for them, and
they respond with affection and kindness.
|
