Respect?

“Millennials are so rude!”

“They don’t know how to respect their elders.”

“How curt! Millennials don’t know basic social etiquette!”

We hear this every day,

Every where

By everyone.

Every adult,

In some way or another,

Will make sure to shove it into our faces,

About how different we are,

How we should be instead.

We are rude?

Is that what you’re saying?

Because my friend waits tables,

To pay for college,

And it’s a funny, funny thing he says,

Because the ones who smile,

And say it’s okay,

When service is late,

Are these 'rude millennials' as you say,

While the ones who kick up a fuss,

Are the socially prim elders.

Is it still us who needs to learn social etiquette?

We are rude,

That’s what you’re saying, right?

We don’t respect you enough,

Not like we’re supposed to.

News flash, good sir,

We do respect you,

We just don’t think respect is an unquestioned thing you deserve.

We’ll respect you,

If you are a good human,

If you respect us and others equally,

If you’re worthy of this respect.

Because guess what?

We’re not blind, like the previous generations.

We’re aware,

We know that just because you’re older,

Doesn’t mean you’re always right.

Yes, we’ll hold you at a slightly higher regard,

Giving some benefit of doubt,

To your age and experience,

But none of that means,

You can treat us like shit,

And expect us to bow down to you regardless.

We’re aware,

And we know this is not how things work.

We’re aware,

And that’s what you’re mad about,

Not this 'lack of respect' you seem to feel exists.

Respect enhances human dignity,

But it should work both ways.

Respect enhances human dignity,

But this doesn’t mean,

You keep stepping on us,

Judging our lives,

While all we’re here for,

Is to inflate your fragile egos.

Respect enhances human dignity,

But it is a two way street.

If we millennials have to reconsider our ways,

Then you boomers need to reevaluate your life as well.