Thoughts About Respect
Some people say that you must always respect your elders regardless of they are right or wrong because they have more experiences compared to you while some say (especially the younger generations) that there are times when you have to speak up and stand up for yourself. Which side are you and why?
Messages
Both types of respect can coexist. There are plenty of people in my life I respect but don't agree with, however, I make sure they know that I disagree with them, does that make sense?
There is a way to stand up for what you believe in and speak up respectfully and if done correctly, it's not your fault if the other person takes offense. I may not have the life experience of someone in their 60s but I have experience with things they don't and it's important to not just accept something as fact because someone is older, nor should it be acceptable for them to push outdated concepts because they're older and no one is going to call them on it. If I (someone in my mid 20s) am arguing with my brother (a young teenager), I have to be open-minded to what he is saying because his generation is different than mine.
I will never hold my tongue in an argument but it's important to stay level about it and not get loud about it. Just "I am listening to you but I respectfully disagree".
I say respect other people as human beings. To respect someone as a human being is a given, but to respect someone individually is entirely different. For the first example you help a complete stranger with something, this stranger is a human being and by helping them you are giving them respect. For the second example say you have a friend/relative that you look up to, you give this individual respect because you see what most can not. And on the elder respect thing well treat others how you want to be treated and if they don't treat you the same kick there elderly ass with your wit. Same applies to snot nosed brats just try not to cuss them out. (I f'ed up 6yrs back for doing that)