An elderly person and a father was lying to his
daughter. The daughter caught him lying. The daughter
called him a rascal. The father says “I am a liar but don’t call me a rascal.
I am your father.”
Let us now analyze this a little bit. This little anecdote highlights the
irrational demands made by the elderly, the revered and other such sacred cows.
Calling names such as rascal etc is a one time event. Lying is a perpetual habit! Which one is worse? The father clearly is using his position as a parent to minimize the dangers of lying as if it is a borderline virtue !
A closer look at the above text will tell you that the elderly do not only demand respect but also demand pardon – from the young!
Calling names such as rascal etc is a one time event. Lying is a perpetual habit! Which one is worse? The father clearly is using his position as a parent to minimize the dangers of lying as if it is a borderline virtue !
A closer look at the above text will tell you that the elderly do not only demand respect but also demand pardon – from the young!
Hello?! Should not
this be the other way round? Are not the
elders supposed to be the embodiment of experience, grace, virtue and forgiveness? This is the only reason why we are traditionally and ritually “programmed”
to respect them.
However, this brings to light many issues... what is the cut
off age for an elderly person? How do we
define such a person? For a child of age
5, the father at age 31 is an elder – however, people of such age are still
treated as young people by society. Why
not have respect for all – young and elder people? Why not give respect purely because the person deserves it or has earned it irrespective of age?
Our ancient texts have glorified the devotions that one must
pay to parents, teachers and guests.
These are absolute statements much like the directive principles of
state policy that is highlighted in our constitution. Do these postulates account for situational
variables? I believe they are absolutes and disregard the situation or the psychological framework of the person.
I have had bad teachers in my life – teachers who don’t have an iota of knowledge, not an ounce of moral fiber nor any shade of decency. Why does one have to pay obeisance to such rot?
I have had bad teachers in my life – teachers who don’t have an iota of knowledge, not an ounce of moral fiber nor any shade of decency. Why does one have to pay obeisance to such rot?
We don’t have to, I guess.
The only way out is to forgive these people. They have no idea of their shortcomings. They too are programmed, by virtue of
their conditioning, that since they are of age or they have a position as
parents or teachers – this fact alone automatically qualifies them to receive unconditional
respect, obeisance and devotion.
Forgive them. This is the price we pay for being compassionate and mindful of people's faults. But it is the only way out
Forgive them. This is the price we pay for being compassionate and mindful of people's faults. But it is the only way out
© Nitesh Kotecha
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