Don’t make assumptions
I don’t think we can look at one story, like the man throwing his 90-year-old mother out on the street, to make a general assumption about the accountability of youth. Individualism will always play a part across many life events. As Michael Jackson sang: “One bad apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch.”
There are plenty of young people who could never turn out their parents. So, I don’t believe it can be said that young people don’t respect their elders.
From Ms Maxene Dodds
UAE
When help is most needed
It is regretful to admit that youngsters these days have lost respect for their elders. Sadly, it is not uncommon to come across instances where elderly parents are either driven out of their own homes, sent to old age homes or mistreated at the hands of their own children. It is painful to witness elders being tortured, sometimes starved and even forced to replace domestic help by their family members who start to view them as financial liabilities, ignoring everything else.
Youngsters need to understand that the least they can do for their parents for all their sacrifices is to look after them during old age than to leave them for dead and turning a blind eye to their sufferings and needs. It is extremely shameful that some people have started valuing money over relationships and have become insensitive towards others. I genuinely feel sorry and sympathise with people who are left on their own at a stage when they are helpless and most in need of care and support.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
Some parents deserve it
What those seven children did by not looking after their mother is wrong. I understand that. However, it’s complicated, because in my family, my father is a very bad person. He never cared, never loved me or my siblings. He left us with nothing. Neither of us want to be there for him in his old age. My mother on the other hand... We’d sacrifice our lives for her any day, without a second thought.
It depends on how good the parents are as well. Someday I, too, can end up on the news, for neglecting my father. It’s unfortunate, because I’ll be judged severely since most people won’t know what he did to deserve it.
From Ms Shipra Roma
Dubai
Pay it forward
This is a bitter truth around the world. Children, with false promises of returning back, leave their elderly parents in old age homes. This man has taken cruelty towards his mother to the next level. A mother who fed them each bite with her own hands, cleaned him and took care of him in the best possible way she could. Such children should be ashamed of themselves and remember that one day they will be treated by their children in the same manner.
Elderly parents become like new born children if they are sick and cannot take care of themselves. It is then the children’s duty to take care of their parents and give them love in the same way as they did.
From Ms Syeda Ahmad
UAE
A difficult social issue
Today elders have lost their respect from the younger generations. This is mainly due to the aspiration of the younger generations, migrating to various countries, leaving their old parents either alone or in homes. However, not all the younger generations are doing this. Some parents also act in different ways to their children, which leads to disrespect from them. Overall, in today’s fast life, this issue is a very common one on a global level. Youngsters should think of the day when they will also be old and will be facing the same problem. This issue is a tricky one. One should analyse and act.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
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