Anyone who has ever been under the age of 25 has heard it numerous times, “You’ll understand once you’re my age.” Why is it almost impossible to have a discussion with someone older than you without age being brought into it? No matter how well researched and factual the statement you bring to the discussion is, it’s all over after one quick, dismissive, ageist comment.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to have friends and family members with differing viewpoints from my own because I believe a person can gain a lot from having intellectual conversations with others. So long as both parties respect one another, debating can truly benefit both people, educating one on opposing viewpoints. This is the reason why I’ve always found it confusing why we are taught to hold a higher level of respect to those who are older than us.

Time and time again the age old phrase is brought up, “Respect your elders.” It is my belief that age should not infringe on my ability to be given respect. Though this might seem controversial to some: why should respect be something you can only gain with age?

The “you’ll understand once you’re my age,” comment truly hurts me more than any other ageist comment. This idea that someone older than you was once in your shoes, was once too squashed by an elder for sharing their beliefs, goes to show this cycle must be broken. Younger people are known for having more radical, liberal beliefs. Most people become more conservative with age. We try to fight it off but somehow, we all turn into our elders. Why do we allow this to happen? As young individuals moving through the education system we are constantly under the idea that “we are the future.” We are taught that if the world is going to change, it’s up to us to do it. It truly saddens me that this trait is often lumped together with naivety. That with age comes a sense of “realism.” That realism is truly just pessimism in disguise.

I propose that instead of laughing at our “naivety,” our elders respect that glimmer of hope we all hold that they once too shared. The amount of years you have lived on planet Earth is merely a number. This should not dictate the respect you are given. I mean absolutely no disrespect to my elders, I appreciate and respect the people older than me in my life that have told me these various phrases. I’m just asking to not be dismissed immediately merely because of my age. I think a lot of young people would feel more comfortable sharing their opinions if they knew they were to be given the same amount of respect they give their elders.