Asian cultures ultimately value aging more than American cultures because they know that older adults have lived long enough to have accumulated expert knowledge throughout their lives. their life. Not only are the elders wise, but they have also had ample time to gather endless amounts of practical knowledge. After interviewing Sophia Ha-Seon Park, a friend I went to high school with, I was able to get a decent idea of ​​why Asians value aging. Before talking to Sophia, I thought I respected my elders, however I never held them to the high standards that she and other Asians do. Talking to Sophia made me change my personal view on the definition of respect. In the past, I believed that respect was cheerfully a courtesy we sometimes offer to people of all ages. I thought respect was optional as long as we continued to be polite. Thinking I was being respectful, I often kept my thoughts to myself if they differed from the opinions of others to avoid confrontational discussions that ultimately led to arguments. Now I realize that all of this is avoidable. I now know that while respect is still important to give to people of all ages, it should be showered upon my elders. Respect is a statement we can wear on our sleeve; if we see someone else wearing the same 'clothes' as us, we know that they will reciprocate the respect we give them. Respect was never optional, even though I thought it was. Respect is a necessity in all aspects of society. It is thanks to Sophia that I have improved my view of respect not only for elders, but for all people in general. Sophia Ha-Seon Park was born on October 27, 1995 in the city of Seoul, South Korea. Her father's name was Yongra......middle of paper......ca, they live their life as do Americans except occasionally speak in their native language. Therefore, she does not call him by his title of respect, nor does he wish her to. Today, Eric and Sophia have been friends for several years and just started dating in early March this year. He believes in treating each other equally despite their upbringing; believes that true respect is when we don't insist on being called a certain name simply because we are older. Sophia stated that Eric constantly tells her that being older does not necessarily mean a person is wiser. He considers Sophia extremely educated and even smarter than him. All people older than us deserve respect, but it is only when a person surpasses us by a certain number of years that we should value their knowledge and experience more than our own.