Compare your culture's golden rule to the Biblical one: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Every culture has a distinct ethical belief which contributes in shaping the nation and people for centuries. Ethical rules exist for humans' moral sense and social order. It can share similar ideas among cultures but are can be quite different due to the historical influence that has taken place in certain culture. Jesus left his words to his sermons, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This became a golden rule and is a common principle shared world widely. Also, Korea has its own golden rule known as, 'Elders first(장유유서)' which is constantly becoming problematic.
Biblical golden rule is from Jesus and he taught people to treat others in a way they want to be treated. Even though this is Christian principle, all the other religions conform to it because they acknowledge the importance and change it will bring. By showing kindness to someone without any expectation, the person will return it back. Very simple, but not a common thing one can notice. However, it gives a fair sense of equality since it can be applied to anyone. This starts all the universal manner or etiquettes to show courtesy towards people. That is why most westerners happen to be polite in terms of greetings and gratitude, being careful not to offend anyone.
Confucianism is deeply rooted down in Korean history and has influenced majorities in people and cultural norms. This created the idea of Elders first and has become one of the most crucial principle Koreans have to keep in mind. It basically means there are social order and rule between young and old. Youngster must always respect the elders and have courtesy towards them. It was fine at the beginning but the meaning of it gradually changed time after time. Old people take the authority and manners for granted and condemn young people who do not seem to behave well. It is not only some, but the societal atmosphere is demanding sacrifice and respect from the young. For instance, my friend, Ji Hyo, was on her way to meet her boyfriend. She wore a blue dress she bought with me before and got on a bus. Then an old man who was sitting beside her began to criticize her fashion, starting with words like, 'Kids these days are not ashamed of their looks! Girls especially, they never know how cheap they look with short bottoms..." He was talking to himself but loud enough to make Ji Hyo mad. She told the man he does not have any right to say those things, but the man cut her words and shouted how rude it is to talk back to the elder. Everyone in the bus looked at them and the guy kept saying my friend is not educated enough and young people should always listen and never talk back to old people because they are more wise and have more life experiences. Ji Hyo could not say anything as no one tried to help her so she got out of the bus. Referring to this event, absolute respect our society requires from the young is completely wrong.
Golden rules can benefit society and human as a whole but possibly has side effects. It is meant to arrange social conflicts and is indispensable in cultures. Rules just have to be managed in a degree just in case it brings about other relevant problems like the one mentioned above in Korea's case. I am sure that the Principle of elders first has started off with good intent; it just went too far in one way.
Nowadays, real meaning of courtesy has corrupted and this an endemic problem in our society. I think people who only standing for his right made this conflict, and the golden rule "elders first" is distorted by fixed opinion. Your example have well described the current problem of courtesy. I fully agree to your writing. Thank you/ YUN JUNG HWAN
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