What is the author's opinion regarding respecting elders and how it can impact children's safety and vulnerability to pedophiles?
No, you're not the only one. If kids are drilled and brainwashed to "respect your elders" at all costs, this will make it that much easier for a pedophile to lure this kid to a barren place to commit a heinous act. The kid will be too afraid to "disrespect" the elder (who may only be 30) by screaming, kicking, putting up a fight, running away, etc., and for sure, he won't report to his parents what happened because he'll think his parents will blame him for it. This happens all the time when adults, who were molested as kids, explain why they never told anyone at the time, and why they kept going off with the abuser (piano teacher, coach, neighbor, whomever). Respect is earned by behavior, not age. Some elders are absolute jerks. Why should kids respect THEM?