My rebuttal to my prof

Had some discussion regarding "why should young people show deference or respect to the elderly". Because the topic is breaking free of tradition, he insisted that we do not include tradition as a reason! I think most people answered and tend to stray to tradition...so here's my view, or attempt(which i replied to the prof via email)

Oh I have an opinion regarding the question of "Why must young people show deference to the elderly"

Some people have mentioned that the elderly have contributed more to the society than the young. Your rebuttal is that that may not be true, as there are young CEOs and managers which are supporting the economy through tax paying and employment opportunities.

I would like to build on that argument and add some points.

In the context of Singapore; It is a fairly young nation. 43 years ago there were much uncertainties. Economical, socio-political upheavals resulted in riots and strikes. With no natural resources and no backing, we have certainly came along way to achieve the peace and security, economic stability and prosperity that we have. These were built on the sweat and blood of the older generation; The people, and of good governance. It could have been all or nothing...we might not have the luxury to study peacefully, as we now take education for granted; nor could we work. You might not even be teaching in NTU, true? (else where perhaps...) We might not even have the freedom of going out on the streets!

So, the point about the young manager contributing more to society by paying more tax is moot, or would be moot, without the older generation, that is, the elderly now, having paved the way for the country's growth! While it may be as you said, that the future generations might not hold these concept of "honouring parents or elders", but i reckon that as we constantly instill in them the lessons that history teaches us, they will not be as deluded and apathetic by the notion (and of growing up) in peace. Therefore we "should" honour our elders, as do our "parents".

Would this approach be less of "tradition" as a reason for why "should" the young respect the elderly? The Americans honoured Abraham Lincoln for his sacrifice to the country historically and even now. They do not do it "because my dad did it" or "my parents did so", but rather they understood the significance of the role he played which was a pivotal turning point in history which led them to where they are now.(Granted, they are educated as such, which I believe so.) By the same token I believe us as a younger generation and generations to come will comprehend if educated, the importance of our forefathers and elders/elderly, and will respect them so not because of tradition. Or not just because of tradition.

This is one reason why we "should" respect the elderly that I think does not use tradition as a reason to do so, although tradition does play a part. I'm horrible at chinese but "Ying shui shi yan/yuan" or "know the source of the water" might aptly encompass this point of the argument.

Erm..so..comments please? This prof apparently dislikes the use of religion or "religious arguments", "traditions" to back these questions. He prefers "rational thought" or "thinking" or "modern thinking". I seriously question the rationality of "rational thought"! paradoxical.