Opinion: Age is Just a Number — Respect Should Be Earned
Gen Z and younger generations are challenging the idea that respect automatically comes with age, but this resistance should remain respectful. During a recent call with my dad about the reaction to my previous article, he remarked,
“Older people are just allowed to do that type of thing.”He was referring to harsh comments posted on the Reveille’s social media, highlighting how society still grants older generations certain privileges, such as social and political influence and the right to speak freely.
The concept of age privilege has historically been justified—veterans, survivors of crises, and pioneers have often earned their places of honor after long periods of neglect. The common American value of “respect your elders” was once a guiding principle to inspire and nurture wisdom among youth. While this principle remains important, some of its implications have now surpassed their original purpose.
My family represents a broad range of life experiences, including those who started from nothing and those fortunate from the start, reflecting the complexity behind earning respect beyond age alone.
Author’s Summary
Respect should be based on merit and behavior rather than age alone, as society evolves past automatic deference to elders.
Would you prefer the tone to be more formal or conversational?