How we address our elders is totally inconsequential and that is a
fact. How we treat them, however, is highly significant and deserves a moment
of deep reflection. Traditional society has always paid heavy emphasis on
respect and that is the kind of society we are vehemently turning our backs on.
Aping the west with all the ideas and ideals depicted through the media, which
in no way is representative of the real spirit of the culture there, has become
the centre of our young lives. The language, the attitudes, the attire... not
our own anymore... yet the cry for individuality. In an age of selfies and
social media, getting online and adapting to our surroundings is not only okay,
but required to an extent, but what is that extent? Where do we draw the line?
Respect is the foundation of everything social, cultural, psychological and individualistic. By this I mean, this one tiny 7-letter word can be the answer to most if not all difficulties we face in life. Respect, like every other concept, is learnt and we can’t expect our kids to find the respect switch and turn it on automatically. Learning about respect too, is a process and like most processes, starts with oneself. Respecting ourselves is very important and an utmost necessity. Respect for self is a wonderful place to start. Knowing how you expect to be treated and wanting that treatment can set the tone for how others will be treated by you. Everyone deserves respect and it is each one’s duty to oblige.
Respect is the cornerstone of every flourishing society. Stroll down
the paths of history and analyse the cause and effect of everything, the good
outcomes have a respectful catalyst, the bad... an absence of it. Fast-forward
to 2014 and voila... rape, murder, violence, fraud and corruption dominate the
scene. Step back and think, would the culprit indulge in such acts if basic
respect was ingrained in him/her? Working every day with young adults is always
an amazing experience. An interaction with these youngsters is what guided my
cognitive processes to direct their attention to respect. The openness with
which they told me they see their parents and elders around them calling the
attention with the snap of the fingers, and the passion with which they
expressed being bothered by this inhuman act, sent me into a deep contemplation
about how, as adults, our every action is being observed and absorbed, and we
always tend to grumble about how disrespectful our kids have become. Let’s give
our children something to model. As we all know... Respect is commanded and not demanded...