It's often difficult for us to argue with elders. Because in South Asian culture (perhaps, other cultures too), it is considered disrespectful to answer back. I have never understood how it is considered communication when you are not allowed to 'answer back.' I mean, wouldn't that be a one-sided conversation? Are you always just supposed to listen? Are you supposed to mute your thoughts, feelings and opinions because someone is a lot older than you?
At an early age, we are taught not to argue with our parents and to respect our elders. Just because someone was born in 1972 doesn't give them wisdom or a free pass to unlimited respect. I mean, isn't respect affiliated with your actions? Don't we lose respect for people when they betray our trust?
I have never understood why it is such a big deal in our culture to tell your elders that there may be a teeny-tiny possibility they could also be wrong! If you never tell them, how will they ever know? Telling someone about their shortcomings in a polite manner should not be associated with disrespect. Disagreeing with what they want you to do isn't disrespecting them.
Live your life simply, man. Don't complicate it. In the world of today, it seems that everyone is in a very defensive mode. Nobody is ready to hear anything from anyone. Why can't everyone just act out of love and understanding? Be willing to listen to people - because that's when understanding takes place. It is so common sense to say that communication is a two way street. But then again, common sense is not so common.
Views will always differ because there are so many different types of people in the world. Be it a family dinner table or a business round table - one should realise that disagreement does not automatically imply disrespect. Also, one should LISTEN with an open mind before speaking. And in the worst case scenario, you can always agree to disagree. So, why get defensive?
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