In the two decades that I have been on this earth, I cannot even tell you how many times I have heard the phrase "respect your elders."
Well, do I have news for you! Hold on to your hats ladies and gentlemen because everything you know is about to change. "Respect your elders" is bull****.
Yup — I said it! It is complete crap! Malarkey, hogwash, rubbish, bologna.
Just because someone is older than me does not mean that I have to respect them. In fact, I am not obligated to respect anyone, especially those who do not respect me. Because in my book, respect is mutual; you can respect someone and their beliefs without actually agreeing with them.
Now, I am in no way claiming that every "elder" is a disrespectful, terrible person. But, let's be real, you've probably heard someone say "trust me, I used to think like you" or "when I was young we weren't engrossed in our phone." What I'm getting at here is, I refuse to respect anyone who looks down on me. I believe in progression; moving forward. I do not believe in staying in the same old ways and mindset; being stagnant.
So, if you don't respect me and my beliefs, then why should I be expected to respect yours?
Because respect is not something to be demanded; respect is earned.
*Mic drop with Aretha Franklin playing in the background*