We may look the same but our differences between being Asian and Western, especially among the older generation is miles apart. The younger generation meanwhile has adopted some aspect of the western culture through western education, however they have the tendency to revert back to their own cultures when they are home in their own society.

Respect for the old. Asians are taught to respect their old. Respect is not earned, it is a given. The Chinese young are always reminded that the old have eaten more salt than the young have eaten rice! So don’t argue, just listen to us. While Western values, generally claims that respect is earned regardless of age.

The Chinese also always remind the younger generation that one day you will also be old, so teach the same to your children. Why the difference between Asian and Western society, pertaining to respect for the aged? It is to ensure that the older generation are taken care off and not abandoned, especially in their old age. So it is a “conspiracy” of sort to ensure that the young will always take care and listen to the old.

In Asia, it is very common for grandparents to stay with one of their sons, which will lead to another cultural difference on the importance of gender, when having children. It is a very shameful thing, thus a “loss of face” to tell relatives and friends that the old are living alone or on their own.

Asian societies and countries have very poor welfare services for the aged. Even pension funds and medical insurance schemes are not well developed, and if available, sadly inadequate as compared to what is available in the west. These support system are very essential for the old whom are no longer able to work.

If we are to analyzed this further, the difference is merely two different system to taking care of the aged, which has become a huge problem for some developed countries with aging society. For instance in Japan, there is insufficient pension funds to support the huge aging population, as birth rate has been very low, thus there is insufficient working young people contributing to the funds.

As such, the difference is not that one culture is better than the other, but two systems addressing the same problem. So for Japan, maybe filial piety is a better option, as firstly, people will be encouraged to have children, and secondly, children are expected to take care of the old.

Respect for the old permeate all levels of Asian society, from promoting older employees as the first option, to not arguing with teachers, professors, or superiors. In the social environment, the young has to “call” the oldest as a sign of respect, even if one does not respect the older person in the true sense. Calling their offcial name is absolutely rude!

The above is only one difference that is not understood by many. There are many more differences to be explained beyond this article. And more explaining is necessary, as maybe with better understanding between cultures, there will be less conflict in this world.