Giving the proverb some thought, I've come to acknowledge two things: one, that it holds a meaning far greater than what I had perceived earlier; two, that we work our butts off in an attempt to gain respect - and for what?
This time line explains it all:
Infants: We had not initiated our quest for respect at this age. Quite frankly, we had no concerns about our alien surroundings. All in all, we were these adorable, sometimes finicky little creatures who were merely, well, adorable, sometimes finicky little creatures.
Pre-teens: We figured respect would reveal itself quickly. Oh, how wrong we were.
We imagined ourselves on the brink of maturity, yet that maturity was only on the most elementary level.
Others perceived us as being these rascal, hyper and rebellious "kids." Because of that, no one challenged our intellect to discussions regarding politics, worldly events and how we might save planet Earth from self-destructing.
So, at the closing of our pre-teen stage, we finally admitted that respect was miles away, rather than just around the corner.
Teens: At this point in our lives, we knew respect was around the corner. How did we know? Well, we were treated in a more grown-up fashion, but still, as during our pre-teen years, we were sometimes treated like elementary students.
By this time, we had gained enough knowledge to speak of politics, worldly events and saving planet Earth from self-destructing, but our voices were weak and perceived as insignificant in an adult world.
Still, there are peers who assume they are being taken seriously and given a smidgen of respect. The key word here: assume.
Young adult: Young adults are treated as though they are still new to life. Full-fledged adults still don't grant them the respect they strive for.
Adult: Finally! You are no longer seen and not heard. You are the world's aged wine and cheese. You are esteemed and sought for your thoughts, which before, were scorned. And whew, after your fierce battle for respect, you can fully savor its sweetness!
You kick back, and it dawns on you that there is a lingering stage of life that has yet to touch you.
Elderly: Out of nowhere, these older folks get a sense of deja vu. Elders' say on politics, worldly events and how they might save planet Earth from self-destructing, no longer packs a powerful punch.
For the elders, it must feel as if that hard-earned Ph.D. has suddenly lost its value and respect evaporates. Imagine, for a while, working your butt off to find its rewards only temporary.
The year 2011 and its gray wave is distant. Meanwhile, we could work a little on improving the treatment of our elders. Otherwise, we can only hope that we will get the treatment we deserve in our later years.
Call it odd, but I once viewed adulthood as something one would kill to obtain. But as the years come and go, and as I see the road of adulthood being paved before me, my thoughts on wanting to secure that stage of life has become somewhat bleak.
I suppose the older one gets, the younger one yearns to be. Life is grand, don't you think?
Rant & Rave is a Tuesday Star-Bulletin feature allowing teens and young adults to serve up fresh perspective. Guys and girls speak up by fax at 523-8509; by answering machine at 525-8666; snail mail at P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, HI 96802; or e-mail, features@starbulletin.com.