As a child, I was constantly told to “respect my elders” because they were supposedly wiser than me.
But do they still possess that wisdom today, or was it only true when they were teenagers themselves?
The same individuals I’m supposed to respect often dismiss my views, instruct me to stop discussing my feelings and demand respect simply due to their age.
The “elders” I’m expected to respect still use language that is considered offensive today and frequently stereotype millennials and Gen Z based solely on news reports and false information they hear.
Or they simply only focused on the mistakes we have made. Like they had never made mistakes when they were children.
The people I am supposed to respect, tell me that they bought a house at 18, were living by themselves with plenty of money to spare. So what’s my excuse?
The people I am supposed to respect say that “every woman is supposed to have children” and then get mad when teenagers are stating that they don’t want kids.
The people that I am supposed to respect try to force respect.
Respect is not something that should be automatically given.
It must be earned. This principle will always hold true.
Teenagers cannot be expected to respect individuals who do not show them respect in return.
