What culture/society has respect for their aging population? I was on a bus and watched as all the young?

Question

people sat and ignored the fact that there were older people being tossed about on the bus and none of them offered their seats to them. They were oblivious-on their cell phones, i-pods, etc. and it was as if the very thought of being courteous, considerate, or respectful wasn't even a part of their make-up. It really saddened me deeply that this society is so warped in what matters and what children are taught/not taught. So, where are aging populations treated with respect and it would be a given that a bus seat would be offered, by all the kids, without a blink of an eye? Name a place because I want to move there. The U.S. is doomed with this up and coming generation.

Answer 1

Sometimes I feel the same way and then I'll see a young person
do something really special and then I think if one can maybe they might all have hope. It could happen

Answer 2

I suspect that there are many reasons for the behaviour of this current society. particularly in 'younger' people - from a sociological point of view - studies have been made,( but its difficult to find them online, I have tried for the last few hours!!) and i believe (and this is my own opinion) that the decline of politeness, manners, behaviour, respect and honour have declined due to the following - poor eduction, very poor, bad, violent and 'crap' Television shows, Films and books - the mass media, have brainwashed us all!! The lack of interest in Life, due to work, enviromental and money problems, the globalisation of the corporate brands, fast food, clothing, media, drinks and all the advertising that goes with it. The young are encouraged to be selfish, self obssessed consumers. The huge shopping malls and superstores that have become a blight on this planet, with their cold, fake and sterile surroundings, built in areas that you need a car to get to. Socialising and meeting people has become more difficult, communities and neighbourly gatherings are non existent. Computer gming (in any format) has created human 'monsters' who have little or No social skills (especially if they are just playing by themselves on a 1 player game - and yes i know there are online games - but thats not truly social interaction is it?!) Drug and alcohol abuse has risen, this modern world has not learned from past mistakes, we have greedy politicians, inane corporate companies in charge of utilities, healthcare etc etc - so standards in all walks of life have declined heavily, except for the rich (although their behaviour is equally as unpleasant). We need people to stop feeling depressed, useless, pointless and LOST - in a society where greed is good and nothing else matters. So, the only way it will change is through better education!! And to help people learn, understand and develop their own moral codes and conducts.

Answer 3

I've ridden buses here, and never seen that happen. When an elderly person gets on and there are no seats left, people get up, or they get "the look", and it's the youngest ones who get "the look", because they are the least likely to find it painful, or difficult to keep their balance. It works like this:

You identify what kid you want to get up. You obtain eye contact, and when you have it, you turn your eyes to the elderly person, and back to the kid, then raise your eyebrows. That means, "Well? Are you going to just let him/her stand there?" Usually, the kid gets up. If not, you give up your own seat, and say, "Would be nice if one of these younger folks did this once in a while..." in a really tired, defeated tone.

I don't know. People are a bit odd here.

Answer 4

Its certainly not US society. In an evolved society grandparents are respected and given the highest status (regardless of their socio-economic status). Grandparents would raise the grandchildren and be totally supported by their children while the grandchild's parents would go out into the world to produce the income and find themselves.

Answer 5

I don't know why so many people were brought up to not be considerate of their elders. One of the first things I learned was to always do things like hold doors open and give up seats to those who need them more. I wish more people were raised properly, although I really don't think that this has much to do with religion.

Answer 6

Amen. I'm 16, and I'm am one of the lucky ones who get to meet the back of my daddy's hand if I don't respect my elders (unless they are just completely unreasonable).

The only places I can think of are China and like.. the UK... but both of those are iffy. You could come to Texas, especially a smaller town. Most people over here still have respect for one another.

Answer 7

China

Answer 8

Did you give up your seat? If not, next time try to lead by example. Teens are simply oblivious sometimes, and when something is put in their face, they usually get the hint, even if they don't act. -I agree, by the way, that kids should be more respectful of their elders.

--You should check out Confucianism--

Answer 9

Middle Eastern culture is very attentive and respectful towards the elderly.

Answer 10

I know in Asian cultures age is revered. My fiance is from Hong Kong and respect for elders is paramount there. I agree you about the way things are going - everyone for themselves.