Yet like the family who spent an unusual amount of intimate time rubbing shoulders in a packed house during holidays, there are also many unspoken intricacies in the relationship between the elders and the youth in our culture. This is a poignant question in any association whose organizational structure is membership-based, not age or seniority based. As officers of a membership association like CALA, our respect for some elders must be carefully balanced with our obligation to protect the interest of all members and equally our desire to realize new dreams. One is always hopeful that we practice the respect for our elders the way we learn it in our culture, and that, on the same token, we, as elders, understand the need for our youth to take their own fresh steps and to seek their own independence. Respect is a beautiful thing when the youth practice it with courage and honesty.
Respect is even more dignified when the elders allow it with freedom and esteem.