Who should greet first?

[Somto9Light]

This may be different in some cultures, but among all my tribes culture and generally in my country, if it is very obvious that someone is older than you, like an elderly person, you supposed to greed the elderly person first. But there are some instances that the elderly person would have greeted you before you greet, that is also fine. If is not good not to greet an elderly person regardless of the person greeted you first or not greeted you first.

You just spoke what I had in mind. Greeting should be a sign of respect and courtesy, and even though it is most times believed by some race that since the elderly are older than the younger ones, the younger ones should show respect and greet the elderly first, but I feel even the elderly can also greet the younger generations, depending on the situation and who bumps into the other first. I can see someone I’m way older than, and greet them first, but in this case, I’ll expect them to return the greeting respectfully as courtesy demands.

[passwordnow]

This isn't a big deal, old or young maybe or may not be in mood to greet first. I think it depends on who's more fond of doing the greeting first. Is there a hierarchy towards this? I think we're all the same if it's outside any company and everyone is free to greet first or late or no greetings at all. Don't make it as a big deal on who's going to do it first. As an individual, if you think that you should greet someone first, do it but never expect anything at all or being greeted first. If that touches basic courtesy, someone who's got that will do it first.

[$crypto$]

It depends on your culture, whether older people should be respected or younger people shouldn't, my own culture always emphasizes respecting older people because it fosters a sense of friendliness, young people who don't greet their elders are considered impolite.
Perhaps it's different in other countries, but I believe that in many cultures, older people are more respected.

[Franklyn-wood]

It depends on your culture, whether older people should be respected or younger people shouldn't, my own culture always emphasizes respecting older people because it fosters a sense of friendliness, young people who don't greet their elders are considered impolite.
Perhaps it's different in other countries, but I believe that in many cultures, older people are more respected.

Greetings are ways of expresing politeness and respect to people mostly between blacks and Africans people and also varies in culture and region. For me I believe it is good for the younger to greet the elderly as a way of according them the rest due without asking for it, I have seen some young people who don't greet there elders and yet wants those younger to them to greet them.
Generally greeting is acceptable everywhere by all the race. Meeting someone for the first time you greet,  just that the way and application differs in culture.

[Joy- maker]

but on a general point of view I think anyone can greet first without the feeling of entitlement that the other person is meant to greet first irrespective of class and age. What's your take on this? Let's talk about it.

Next time please speak from your own point of view instead of a general point of view. You are a Nigerian, for crying out loud and in a our culture the younger ones are to greet the elderly ones first, then the elderly ones returns the greeting.

And to correct you, nobody is feeling entitled that is simply how greetings are supposed to work, whenever you see someone that is older than you, you greet him or her first, then the person will return back the greeting. I will leave you with this question, do you wait for your Mom and Dad to greet you first or you greet them first?

[DYOR+BTC]

It depends on your culture, whether older people should be respected or younger people shouldn't, my own culture always emphasizes respecting older people because it fosters a sense of friendliness, young people who don't greet their elders are considered impolite.
Perhaps it's different in other countries, but I believe that in many cultures, older people are more respected.

Yes cultural practices matters when talking about greetings. As for my own cultural believe, the elder will be the one call the attention of the junior one while the junior will then greet him traditionally, although all culture are not the same but excluding this cultural practices,  I think the first to see is supposed to greet be it senior or junior while the other responds with great respects as it is supposed to be. Most time I will say it depends on individuals involved, some are good at that while some do not practice it, but It will be advisable for all to learn it