Respecting Elders
Chris King : Many Asian cultures are highly influenced by Confucianism and Buddhism for at least several centuries. Korea is one of the countries that Confucianism heavily contributed to the establishment of characteristics of Korean social standard. This social standard stresses very heavy and strict vertical social relationship moral values. In general, Older person is expected to be on higher position in the society.
One of strange scenes that people may discover is greeting: Koreans particularly bow each other when they recognize others on the street. This is the way Korean people greet others. In detail, it is a way they express their respect to older people. Even language format is different when they speak to older person.
This cultural value is originated from Asian philosophies believing that older people have more experienced that can make wiser decisions. Elders worked hard to improve the society for their early lives. Their physical ability may be less efficient, but their experience and intelligence is much more effective and useful. I don't mean that this strict cultural standard absolutely can make people respect elders. However, considering the corruption of moral value between different ages nowadays, Isn't this cultural aspect helpful in creating better relationship between ages.
One of strange scenes that people may discover is greeting: Koreans particularly bow each other when they recognize others on the street. This is the way Korean people greet others. In detail, it is a way they express their respect to older people. Even language format is different when they speak to older person.
This cultural value is originated from Asian philosophies believing that older people have more experienced that can make wiser decisions. Elders worked hard to improve the society for their early lives. Their physical ability may be less efficient, but their experience and intelligence is much more effective and useful. I don't mean that this strict cultural standard absolutely can make people respect elders. However, considering the corruption of moral value between different ages nowadays, Isn't this cultural aspect helpful in creating better relationship between ages.
Queen P.: So much of culture is environmental. Even though I am probably considered an uncouth American I grew up with the same habits as both of you, although probably not as 'dramatic' as Chris. I was taught by my parents to call them Mom and Dad, and Grandma and Grandpa, my aunt, Aunt and Uncle etc. I haven't been exposed to this 'lack of respect,' described, I am going to attribute this to my religion, which like my parents, teaches respect. My religion not only teaches 'respect' elders, but respect all people. As Aretha Franklin sings, R. E. S. P. E. C. T. find out what it means, and respect all people!
Kevin: I agree with you that, within in the cultures among East Asia, we respect the elders. However, I think that we should just give blind respect to them. Their advice and experience are valuable reference to us but the community is always changing. Innovations happens all the time. Just like what Chairman Mao said, " The world is yours and also ours. However, the world is truly yours because you are the future of our nation." A young and energetic society is a healthy one but one country controlled by older people are going down hills, just like what Japan is experiencing now. Their leaders do not have courage to change. However, in contrast, the Chinese politic leaders become younger and younger. I like these changes.