by Andrea Hirsch

Created on: May 02, 2008

Our elders have gone through a lot in their lifetime.

I think it is important to respect our elders because they have experienced life and gone through a lot more than we have. I think history has shown that we are a successful, rich country. I don't think we would have the freedom and the respect from other countries if it weren't for our elders and their sacrifice to get us where we are today.

I respect my grandfather because he was captured and taken to a concentration camp during World War II. My grandfather escaped from a camp, ran into the woods and went into hiding for a year. My grandfather is one of the lucky Jews that survived because he had the will to live. Why shouldn't he be respected?

I respect my parents because they are the ones that brought me in this world and have taken care of me until I was able to take care of myself. I personally have a lot of respect for my parents because they did a lot for me over the years. I wouldn't have the education without them. They got me where I am today and I am sure it wasn't easy for them. I believe they deserve thanks for everything they have done for me and thus deserve my respect.

The idea of the importance of respecting our elders raised many questions in my mind.

Do most even know what respect is?

Wikipedia defines respect as taking into consideration the views and desires of others and incorporating it into your decisions and being truthful to people.

Why shouldn't we respect anyone?

I think everyone should be respected unless given a reason not to be. When you meet someone for the first time are you disrespectful? No. Why should you be? I think everyone deserves a chance and once you get to know the person you can decide based on your own values whether or not you should respect them.

I have a lot of younger cousins that respect me because I am older and know more about life than they do.

I don't think elders should be singled out and immediately respected because they are older. Why shouldn't respect go both ways? I think my friends respect me because I respect them.

I think it is important to understand what respect is and understand what your elders have gone through to get where we are today. I think everyone deserves the same amount of respect unless given a reason to be disrespected.

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