With the intensification of the aging population in the mainland, how to take care of the legitimate rights and interests of the elderly in public places so that they can receive due respect and care has become an urgent problem to be solved in the current society.
Recently, a video of "the old man on the train who wanted to sit on the lower berth was refused" sparked heated discussions on the Internet, and experts called on young people who bought the lower berth to take the initiative to consider the actual needs of the elderly and actively change seats to give way. This suggestion deserves deep consideration from all walks of life, and the virtues of caring for the elders and mutual understanding should be practiced in daily life.
The incident began with a train trip. An elderly man got into the car and wanted to sit in the lower bunk to rest, but the lower bunk was occupied by a young man and the curtain was drawn. After the old man's request to sit for a while was denied, another passenger filmed the footage and uploaded it online, criticizing the young man for ignoring the needs of the elderly.
The video sparked a polarizing response, with some netizens arguing that young people also have the right to pursue private spaces and should not be blamed at will. As a result, this "intergenerational dispute" in public has become the focus of social attention.
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Chen Yinjiang, deputy secretary-general of the Consumer Rights Protection Law Research Association of the China Law Society, suggested that the railway authorities should consider the actual needs of passengers of different ages and design a more humane environment.
He said that young people's desire for personalized, private spaces should also be respected. But at the same time, he also called on young people to take the initiative to consider the actual situation of the elderly when conditions permit, switch seats with them, and provide necessary help and convenience for the elders.
The expert's advice sharply points to the core issue in this case – how to harmonize the needs of different age groups in public spaces. It is an indisputable fact that the elderly are in poor physical condition and need more rest. As the mainstream values of society, this vulnerable group should also be taken care of first.
As the quality of life improves, the younger generation also craves more privacy in the outside world. They are entitled to the services they receive for a fee. So, there is a seemingly opposing generational difference in demand here.
Such differences should not lead to antagonism, but need to be viewed with an understanding and inclusive mindset. Older people represent the traditional belief that young people should consciously give up their seats.
But in this day and age, it is also increasingly important to respect individual needs, and young people should not be asked to sacrifice themselves unconditionally. So, how to strike a balance between different needs? The method of "transposition" proposed by experts is showing strong practical significance.
The so-called transposition is to put yourself in the other person's shoes. Young people who buy the lower bunk, if conditions permit, can take the initiative to invite the old man to sit for a while. Even if you can't sit for a long time, you can show your respect for your elders by giving you a short period of comfort or offering other possible help, such as mineral water.
At the same time, the elderly should also understand the private needs of young people, and should not ask for a seat in a commanding manner, let alone be overly accusatory. Within the limits of the law, it is only by meeting the needs of different groups that society can be harmonious and orderly.
Young people take the initiative to change their seats and give up their seats, which also helps to establish a good social image. Moral empathy makes older people feel respected and cared for, which in itself is positive.
This can also break the generation gap in the traditional concept, practice the virtue of "respecting the old and loving the young" with practical actions, and establish a positive image of young people. If the elderly feel the kindness from the lower classes, it is naturally easier to look at the younger people with a tolerant and understanding attitude.
If we can all put ourselves in each other's shoes and take the initiative to give some kindness, the contradictions in public places will not be so acute. The advice of the experts gives us a very good perspective on the event, and the young people who switch positions and give up their seats can have an unexpected positive effect.
This can not only bring tangible benefits to the specific elderly, but also make the elders look at the younger generation with admiration, and carry forward the traditional virtue of "respecting the old and helping the young" of the Chinese nation.
If this spirit can spread throughout society, the estrangement and prejudice between people will be greatly reduced. We need to use a broader mind to understand, tolerate and respect each other, rather than being divided into the opposite state of "you are not good to me". Taking the initiative to transpose and sit down, it is this spirit of great love contained in it. It reminds us that giving a little kindness can make the world a better place.
Drawing on the recent incident of "sleeping trains giving up seats", the editor discusses how to reconcile the needs of different generations in public spaces with expert perspectives. Xiaobian believes that mutual understanding is the fundamental way to resolve differences. Taking the initiative to transpose and sit can not only bring practical help to the elderly, but also promote traditional virtues and establish a positive social image.
We should all carry forward the spirit of fraternity and mutual assistance, and use positive actions to create a harmonious and fraternal social environment.