Why Must We Respect “Elders”?
This notion seems ingrained in us — especially in the Indian context — as naturally as language itself, even woven into our pronouns and forms of address.
Yet, I often wonder: what exactly is the virtue in them that we are asked to “respect”?
What contribution did the person in question make to having been born before me? Did they struggle or choose to be born earlier?
Are we honouring the achievement of having merely survived longer? If so, then I should revere all who are older than me — even by a minute — and, by extension, every living being “elder” to me: trees, dogs, worms, fungi, bacteria!
If it is “life experience” that deserves respect, must I respect an old recluse who has never stepped beyond her home? Experiences come with time, yes, but not necessarily with effort or awareness.
If we claim to be respecting “wisdom,” does wisdom automatically accompany age? And if we encounter wisdom in someone younger, would we respect it all the same?
Think, people, think! It’s time we, the younger generation, stopped being so hesitant before “elders.”
I do not mean to sound arrogant, but perhaps the pity lies with the world — and your parents — for having had to endure you for so long!
So I repeat: age is only a number.
Society engineers these hierarchies early on. It’s not just about age — the same applies to assumed positions of authority.
Why does “bossism” persist in a free society? Why does the old master–slave mindset still survive in workplaces? I work with you because it benefits both of us — that’s where the equation should end.
I truly wish to do away with these hollow honorifics: Sir, Madam, Honourable, Venerated…
What nonsense!
Respect must be a choice, not a reflex. Only when one chooses freely to honour another does respect become real — not when it is drilled into children as a rule of obedience.
In this regard (pun absolutely intended), Western society might be a little better off.
When will we outgrow this crippling fear of conformity — this anxiety to obey without question?
No comments:
Post a Comment
Share your thoughts with us! You are most certainly free to disagree!