Is it a sign of being disrespectful?

August 10, 2010 9:21am CST
I know that people who are older than us should be respected and be treated with right manners. But sometimes, there are people who think that yes, they're older so they're always correct ( even when so many are already opposing ). Is it disrespectful for somebody younger to point out the wrong doings of older people? For me, it isn't a sign of disrespect. Its mainly pointing out that they're not always on the right side. I've had an argument with someone like that and I just couldn't bring myself to shut up especially that I think I'm correct. What about you? What do you think about this?
1 person likes this
11 responses
• United States
10 Aug 10
As long as you do it in a respectful manner, choose the right words and not offend it is right to stand up for yourself, also weigh the pros and cons what will I get out of this? will I look back on this and think I should or shouldn't have done this? after asking yourself those questions than go from there and do what you think is right.
@niairen01 (1018)
• Philippines
11 Aug 10
I agree with ceekay. ^.^ If you are too correct someone whose older than you you must tell them in a respectful way too. like for example: "I understand your view about this and that, but I think you got it wrong about this." don't just blunt out "no! you're wrong! how can you say blah blah!" be polite... in this way when you get old, younger people will respect you as you did before. karma. ^.^
11 Aug 10
Hehehe , I did went overboard with that situation, never before have I shown such kind of manner towards people older than me. She's really just too much to handle and I just simply gave her a taste of her own medicine. Even some of my colleagues got surprised by my actions because they've known me as someone who can keep it cool in hot situations.
• United States
11 Aug 10
I agree with you. They have this saying, They older you are the wiser you are". That is so not true. You have to give respect in order to get it in return.When an older person disrespects me sometimes I let it go, but if they contiue I have to put them in their place. Sometimes I feel bad but, I say to myself that I am grown just like them. I havce to tell them that, "I respect you and you do the same for me".
11 Aug 10
I did think about what I've done with that incident but since many have also argued with her and she seems to be winning all the time because everybody has given up. I can't just sit back and let her do it to me also. Now, even though that she still doesn't quite admit to her mistakes, when she talks with me, she knows when to keep her guard up because everything she says against me, I can have them bounce back to her.
@grayxenon (1313)
• Philippines
11 Aug 10
nope, but sometimes the way you deliver criticism can be disrespectful and arrogant at times.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
11 Aug 10
I would say that elders are more experienced than us and there is no substitute for experience, so we should understand that they are right most of time.
@ANIME123 (2466)
• United States
11 Aug 10
Well yes you always have to treat elders with respect, but I will not respect a person that is yelling in my face and saying bad words because that is just disrespectful to me. I think it really has to do with the case depending because humans are humans and I think that we are all pretty much equal and make our share of mistakes. Well that's my opinion pretty much.
11 Aug 10
Well, that's really true. You will be treated accordingly to how you treat others too. :)
@aurorastorm (1131)
• United States
10 Aug 10
I am of the opinion that anyone can be wrong whether they are young or old and just because someone is older does not mean I have to agree with them in order to still be respectful. The important thing is it is okay to disagree, but to do it in a tactful way. I think older people should not feel like they can do anything they want and treat people rude just because they are old.
11 Aug 10
That's what I think too, If I am honest enough to admit my mistakes, I think others should be like that also. :) But some can really have pride as high as walls that they don't like to bend down and accept their faults.
@yiyun_h (183)
• United States
10 Aug 10
In many Asian countries people are taught to "respect" elders by pretending "less knowledgeable", always. And whoever are older should be very careful about their behaviors in order not to show any mistakes... This is a cultural phenomenon that I dislike. Of course, we should respect others, even when we point out their mistakes. We would adopt a rational manner which is focusing on the matter of fact, instead of focusing something personal. But again, simply pointing out someone's mistakes or, "wrong doings", is not disrespectful act, regardless this someone is older or younger than us.
@sach143_u (859)
• India
10 Aug 10
Friend yes of course we should give respect to the older people but whatever all they won't be right because they are also human beings and human can do so many mistakes and if elder do any mistake then younger is having rights to initiate that one and he can point out the things what the elder is doing mistakes so that in future he should not do. But whatever the elders do some will be right and some will be wrong.
@kukueye (1759)
• Malaysia
10 Aug 10
that way i don talk or discussion with elder people.Sometime if cannot avoid i just listen and offer no comment if possible.They usually don ask about your opinion just ask they will answer long and lengthy and take notice.Advice that can be used will be take note, while others throw into rubbish.Elder people are touchy and sensitive sometime about this things so better listen only.
@dlcbeth (12)
• Philippines
11 Aug 10
For me it's not a sign of disrespect. You just want to correct him on something he believe he is right. We just have to accept that it is not easy for them to accept their mistakes.Sometimes they already get your point but they will not show it because of pride. Let us just not insist to them our points, let's give them some time to think of it without opposing them.
• Philippines
11 Aug 10
Correcting somebody older than you is not a sign of disrespect. It is exercising ones freedom to do what is right.But bear in mind that everything should be done in a very cordial manner.