# Should we be deferential to the elderly?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-be-deferential-to-the-elderly/339464>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [January 11, 2006, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-be-deferential-to-the-elderly/339464 "2006-01-11T08:09:50Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Lissa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2006, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-be-deferential-to-the-elderly/339464/21 "2006-01-12T17:46:54Z")

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> [@BadBadger](#):
>
> Pretty much how I feel. Whether they deserve respect or not depends on familiarity. If we’re talking a stranger in the street, I always give the benefit of the doubt and mind my manners. If it’s someone I know, then I treat them accordingly.

I always mind my manners and treat people with courtesy and respect, even if they don’t “deserve it.” Just because others are not ladies/gentlemen does not excuse me from being one.

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**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2006, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-be-deferential-to-the-elderly/339464/22 "2006-01-12T18:59:26Z")

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I don’t necessarily respect them, but I do TREAT them with respect.  
They’re just like you or me–they’re just older. If you were an SOB at 20, chances are you’re one at 80. I will be polite, and give up my seat, but I will not pander to any racist remarks, sexist remarks or just plain ranting at others (I work with alot of elderly).

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