Burmese society is strongly
hierarchical and a core value is the
respect shown to monks and to
elders. Monkhood is a step removed
from ordinary life, to the degree
that in some SE Asian languages, one
uses a different vocabulary when
referring to monks or the teachings
of the Buddha. Elders are viewed as
an essential source of wisdom for
the younger generations and young
people are expected to listen and
obey and not to offer opinions.
Children are expected to care for
their parents when they grow old; it
is considered a great humiliation to
neglect this responsibility. Refugees
from Burma will likely be shocked by
the treatment of old people in
Canada and the lack of respect
shown by Canadian young people.