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White
The term respect has many definitions. The one that sticks with me the most is “due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.” I especially tend to focus on the feeling part of the definition.
When we are young, we are constantly told to respect our elders. really understood As a kid, I never that reasoning. I mean, I definitely did not disrespect my elders – my mom would have tanned my hide if I did – I just did not fully grasp the concept.
Now, as an elder myself – ugh, I don’t want to think of myself as an elder, but I’m three years away from 50 and am a grandmother – I actually understand it. They have lived longer and suffered through more than we had, thus, demanding our respect.
What breaks my heart is when I see a person, usually younger, who has not reached the realization on why elders deserve respect. When they show blatant disregard to their elders, especially ones who have lived at least 70 years, it makes my head want to explode.
I believe this stems from how we, as a society, have morphed into a “me first” perspective. Due to the internet and cell phones and every other technological luxury, we have become a generation dependent on instant gratification. We, as a population, focus more on ourselves and how we feel, than our fellow man’s emotions.
On the flip side of the coin, all is not lost with the young generation. Yesterday, as I was leaving the office to grab a quick bite for lunch, I beheld a promising site. I was lost in thought, writing my column in my head – I always mentally write my article before I actually write it – and I saw something that made me smile.
A young gentleman, around 20-years-old, parked in front of the DMV, and ran around to the passenger side to open the door for an elderly lady. I assumed she was most likely his grandmother. It was just so sweet how he helped her get out of the truck. Seeing that gave me hope.
American author William Lyon Phelps was quoted saying, “The final test of a gentleman is his respect for those who can be of no possible service to him.” I believe if we put that quote in our own lives and actions, it could point us in the right direction on how to be a gentleman or a lady. It could assist us in always respecting our elders and fellow person.