Let me share a story. I'm Singaporean Chinese, and in chinese culture, you are supposed to "respect your elders" (pretty much no matter what). If you're rude to elders, they say that you'll be "struck by lightning".
I've come to realise that some older folks have taken advantage of this respect that the younger ones show them, and they're massive dicks! Some of them push people out of the way to get onto trains, they are extremely rude to anyone that's younger to them. So how do these people that do not respect others, get respected "just because they're old"?
They become so entitled, it's disgusting to watch. If you even attempt to correct them or suggest on ways that they could improve on themselves, they'll just say that you're disrespectful and being rude by taking back to your elders.
Personally I feel that such customs should just die. It's a breeding ground for unhealthy relationships and self-entitlement. Sometimes it even becomes a vicious cycle where people feel like they should be assholes when they're older because the older folks treat them like that in the past.
We should all respect one another because we we're humans. Respect should be a choice, and not something dictated by culture.
Thanks for reading, and I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this topic too!
