[Cheryl-B]

I have always wanted to know: When is it OK to correct an older person on something, especially when they are incorrect about a fact or about history? For example, I have tried to speak politely to an elderly church member about a fact, but she told me to shut up and sit down somewhere.
Original Code A13. Click here to see responses from the original archives.

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Name : Cheryl-B, Gender : F, Race : Black/African American, Age : 22, City : Memphis, State : TN, Country : United States, 

[Jay31298]

I have found that European (or Euro-American) cultures are more accepting of speaking openly with ones elders than in predominately African American or Latin American cultures. The latter groups seem to have a ‘kids are to be seen but not heard’ philosphy and consider Euro (or white) kids rude for ‘talking back’. But, I think its healthy for kids to be open, honest and debate their parents/grandparents etc, and definately don’t think it overides the teaching of general good manners.

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Name : Jay31298, City : New York, State : NY, Country : United States, 

[ShirleyAvery]

When you’re teaching students, it’s appropriate to correct others; otherwise, most people don’t appreciate being “corrected” regardless of age. It’s perceived as condescending and self-righteous. I’m a former English teacher and have an older friend who is a retired English teacher. She often corrects people who make grammatical errors. Nobody appreciates it and most find it annoying and snooty. The English I hear spoken even by some friends, is not always correct in terms of grammar, usage or pronunciation, but I listen with my heart instead of my head for the content. Unless they’ve asked me to correct them, it’s not my job. Just Curious

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Name : ShirleyAvery, Gender : F, Disability : none, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Jewish, Age : 52, City : st. louis, State : MO, Country : United States, Occupation : writer, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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