What do we young people know about heroes and suffering? Looking back
at history, I think we owe the greatest respect to our (grand-)parents and
ancestors, but also to old people in general. Or perhaps it's my recent
interest in Confucianism ;)
In times of peace
In times of wealth
We young lean back
Lazy and spoilt
We do forget
Who founded these lands?
And who forged this peace?
Who worked their whole life,
That you may live thus?
Respect the old
Never forget
They fought for you
They sacrificed
And spilled their blood
It is from their sweat
That the fields are green
It is from their tears
That your freedom sprang
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Written by Bottleblondesurfer (3433 comments posted) 27th October 2007 |
| Can we still have a bit of respect if we haven't done anything special? I quite like the idea of being respected. |
Written by maipenrai (784 comments posted) 27th October 2007 |
I think that people who do no wrong to others, who look after their children, parents, who give respect to others. ordinary Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bloggs deserve respect along with those who have served or done outstanding service for their country/ community.
I have a total dis-respect for celeb culture and so called celebs, 99.9 are total garbage, nobodies who will never do anything of worth in their sad lifes. |
Written by stevetroster (1588 comments posted) 27th October 2007 |
| We should respect, regardless. |
Respect
Written by Josie (2823 comments posted) 27th October 2007 |
| Age has no place when it comes to respect. People earn respect at any age, young or old. There are many young people today who deserve a lot more respect than people give to them and many old people who have done dreadful things. Nothing to do with age, but with the type of person they are I'm afraid. There are murderers in this world who are old. |
Written by Fledermaus (3448 comments posted) 27th October 2007 |
Thanks all.
Wait! I didn't mean that only those who are so brave they are unmatched in history deserve honour. I meant the people maipenrai refers to too.
Looking at the standard of living and the things people lived through though, we have a lot easier life than people of the older generation. I haven't achieved anything yet. All of you have. No matter if that is having children, building factories, fighting wars, paying tax or whatever, you contributed to the nation you live in and helped build this world for young people like me.
Maybe I should just speak for myself, but I do think young people often forget just how incredibly good their life is and that they owe it mostly to the old. |
Written by tpowell (105 comments posted) 27th October 2007 |
I agree with all the above but I do think that it is terrible the way we treat our old people, they deserve our respect but in this country we seem to view them as a hinderance.
If you're young and beautiful you get noticed but the elders of our country are ignored.
In so called 'primative' cultures the Elders are respected for their wisdom and learning and are placed high in the ranking of their villages, the young learn from them and stories and learning are passed down to the next generation.
Tracey |
Written by maipenrai (784 comments posted) 28th October 2007 |
| In Afghanistan, out in the country the tribal elders get tremendous respect, if you want to get something going you have got to get these guys on your side otherwise no go. |
Written by Fledermaus (3448 comments posted) 28th October 2007 |
Thanks Tracey and maipenrai.
Tracey: Indeed. And I think it's only logical that Elders (or just old people) are considered as wiser, as they have had more time to make mistakes. At least they know what not to do.
maipenrai: That's probably why the Americans so desperately want to get them on their side. Seems like they are the only ones who can bring some stability to that country, simply because people listen to them. |
Written by Phil (6828 comments posted) 28th October 2007 |
Older people are often ignored/passed over as irrelevant. My father (72) is convinced that since he passed seventy, even the health services are showing a lack of interest.
I don't think it matters what their history is, they are human beings.
Your piece seems to have stirred a little debate - well done.
Phil |
Written by Fledermaus (3448 comments posted) 28th October 2007 |
Thanks Phil.
Hm, perhaps I should replace 'respect' with 'honour'. For indeed everyone needs respect, but for honour one has to do that little bit extra (which does not have to be very special, as long as it is something).
It's realy shortsighted to treat old people badly just because they are no longer strong or beautiful. Most of us will eventually be old ourselves some day.
" Nowadays or a man to be filial means no more than to provide his parents with food. Even hounds and horses are provided with food. If a man shows no reverence, where is the difference?" -- Analects 2.7.
So what to think of people who are so selfish they don't even do that? Perhaps they should seriously rethink their attitude.
And perhaps I should myself drop by to see my grandfather more often...  |
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