Our generation finds itself at a crossroads when it comes to respect. We are told to act like adults but still treated like children. We are “grown” until it’s inconvenient, then suddenly we are too young to understand. Unlike the generations before us, we’ve made it a point to stand our ground and refuse to tolerate disrespect. But in our search to be heard, have we lost something along the way? As children, we were taught to “stay in a child’s place” and “stay out of grown folks’ business.” Those lessons have been drilled into us for years, it has shaped how we view respect. For many, respect was less about mutual understanding and more about obedience.
Now that we’re older, the script has not entirely flipped. We are still expected to fall in line, even when we feel belittled or dismissed. And let’s be honest: our elders can sometimes give out advice in ways that feel more like criticism than guidance. It is no surprise that we have started fighting fire with fire. But here is the catch: while we are defending ourselves, are we shutting out wisdom that could help us? Maybe it’s not always what is said, but how it’s said, the tone, the delivery, the choice of words.
The challenge for us is figuring out when to listen, who to listen to, and when to draw the line. Respect is often talked about as if it’s one-sided, but isn’t it supposed to be mutual? Just because someone is older doesn’t mean they’re automatically right. At the same time, we can’t deny that life experience often comes with valuable lessons. How do we balance honoring that experience with protecting our boundaries? But why listen to people who aren’t in position that you want to be in, have never had anything you’ve want to have?
Perhaps the real question isn’t whether respect is earned or given, it’s whether both sides are willing to meet halfway. Elders might mean well, but good intentions don’t always translate into effective communication. And we, as the younger generation, might be justified in standing our ground, but do we take the time to under- stand where they’re coming from?
Respect isn’t about blind obedience or constant defense. It’s about mutual grace, being willing to listen even when it’s hard but also speaking up when we feel disrespected. The key is finding balance: we can hold onto our boundaries without shutting out wisdom, and our elders can share their knowledge without tearing us down.
At the end of the day, respect should build bridges, not walls. It’s up to all of us to find common ground, if not for ourselves, then for the generations that come after us.
