Does age really dictate respect?

[jhing]

I heard from a radio host once about his experience in a supermarket queue. It was a long line and while nearing the register, an old lady (not really old, but just older than him) cut in. I forgot how his day turned out but he said this:

Just because someone is old doesn't mean they should cut you in line.

Maybe, for someone who is in their 60s, this would have not been his statement. But what if you were fifteen and someone in his thirties was too damn lazy to line up, would you have let him take your place you so patiently lined up for?

And if lining up weren't the situation, say you were having such a fun time in front of the computer and your older brother tells you, "Pagamit nga ng Friendster saglit," and relishes every moment of it to the point you grow white hair, would you have repressed all those emotions you want to lash him with?

Just because he is almost ten years older than you, does that give him the right to disrespect and neglect your rights in any way? Does that oblige you to shut up and sigh heavily knowing that that will be his exact argument and he will win because others think the same?

Pak the world.