What is the biggest act of hypocrisy in your society that no one seems to acknowledge?
The question of hypocrisy often arises in our daily lives, as we encounter numerous instances where individuals fail to practice what they preach. One of the most pervasive and overlooked examples of societal hypocrisy is the tendency to deify age as a proxy for respect, often leading to a profound disregard for actual merit and character. This article explores a personal experience and delves into the broader issue of ageism in society.
The Incident
It was a routine day for me, heading to the hospital for a check-up. A few months ago, I had been there for some urgent health matters and was now on my way home feeling relieved that the day had concluded. Yet, my happiness was short-lived. As I boarded the metro, which I usually avoid, due to unforeseen circumstances and an urgent departure of my elder brother, I found myself alone on the train. The day was promising, and with my headphones in, it seemed like an ideal start to my journey. However, my peace was soon disrupted.
The first sign of trouble came when a teenager, presumably with his brother or father, approached me. 'Hey you! Yes you with beige headphones. Stand up, can’t you see an elder man standing here?' They demanded. My initial thoughts were to ignore them, but their insistence pushed me into confrontation. 'Yes, I can see him. But I’ve been sitting here for half an hour, and he’s not elderly, more like early thirties.'
The teenager insisted I move, parking their phone at a volume I could barely tolerate despite my headphones. This scene was all too common in the overcrowded Delhi Metro, but the spectacle was particularly grating, especially for an introvert like me.
Personal Insights and Broader Context
From my personal experience, it is evident that many older people believe it is our duty to respect them unconditionally, simply because of their age. However, respect is not a default status bestowed solely based on one's age. It is earned through actions, character, and genuine consideration for others. Many individuals, despite claiming to respect the elderly, fail to demonstrate it when it suits their convenience.
For instance, I have often made way for a man in his 40's, who appeared to be in great physical shape, hitting the gym daily. The idea that it was my responsibility to give up my seat, just because he was older, struck me as absurd. Similarly, a polite and thoughtful gesture from a younger individual would have earned the same respect as an older person.
It is not about bashing that particular man; it is about recognizing a broader issue. The incident serves as a microcosm of a larger societal problem where age is routinely invoked as a justification for respect, without any corresponding behavior to merit that respect.
A Call to Action
The issue at hand is one of ageism and its subtle pervasiveness in our society. It is crucial that we challenge this norm and hold ourselves accountable. Respect should be based on actions and character, not assumed status or age. We must recognize that true respect is earned through reliable and noble behavior, regardless of one's chronological age.
It is time to question whether we truly respect others or are merely using age as a crutch to avoid confrontation. Let us strive to be more thoughtful, kind, and equitable in our interactions, ensuring that respect is a value we practice consistently, not a tool we use selectively.
By acknowledging and addressing this hypocrisy, we can foster a more just and respectful society, where every individual is valued based on their deeds, not their age.