Respect

[Heronblade]

In some ways I see respect as an estimation of value. Every human being starts off deserving some respect prior to anything I know about them. Their success in life can add to it (assuming that success was earned), as can old age, holding certain positions in society, etc. Once I begin to know a person however, that value can and will change based on their actions and words. Basic behavior towards those around them is probably the biggest factor.

 

[Kurokami]

What are your thoughts on respect? Do you think certain people command respect automatically, whether you know them or not? Or does everyone have to earn it individually from you?

I was thinking about this today because people have told me elderly people command respect right off the bat simply because they have lived longer and experienced a lot. I disagree, there are plenty of old people who are not worthy of my respect because they are bigotted, rude, or otherwise insufferable.

I've also been told all my life that people in authority demand respect, teachers for example or policeman, again I disagree. I definitely respect what they do; but their methods for doing so, and their personality, are completely different issues really. I like to judge everyone individually based on who they are as a person before I come to respect them, and I would like to think everyone has the same philosophy when judging me too, because i'm not a hypocrite.

This doesn't mean that I am not polite to people, this isnt some misanthropic whine, I am a very friendly and sociable person who gets along with most, and is always starting conversations with new people. So it's not that. It's simply that politeness and respect are two seperate entities; respect implies I grant them an esteem of some kind, and that definitely has to be earned beyond basic politeness.

Everyone should get your respect unless they've shown you otherwise, it's pretty simple.

 

[klaynexas3]

i've been shown that respect is not given but you must earn it. even if i don't respect someone, that doesn't mean i'm going to be rude to them, i'll be kind to them, but i don't have to respect someone to be nice. if they are rude to me, i'll be rude back whether i respect them or not. me and my friends are total assholes to each other, but we still respect each other, that's just how we are. so respect never effects how i act around someone, it mostly depends on how they treat me, and whether or not i'll get in trouble for talking back

 

[NinjaDeathSlap]

Well, I'm from a military family so respect and discipline are absolutes for me. That's not to say I've been brought up harshly (I've had a pretty good childhood as it goes) it's just something that's been at the forefront of everything I do. As far as I'm concerned people shouldn't even have to 'demand' respect from you, because you should be giving it to them anyway. If you disagree with someone you respect then you think of valid arguments to present to them, which is how things should work. The moment you stop respecting someone you stop feeling the need to justify your opinions to them, and you start saying things like "Just STFU", or "I don't care" or "You're just a fanboy". Responses like these make you look like an asshole.

"You should respect everyone, even your enemies, because it's not about whether or not they deserve it, it's about whether or not you are man enough to do it" as my Dad likes to say.

 

[Mrrrgggrlllrrrg]

"1. an attitude of consideration or high regard."

"2. good opinion, honor, or admiration."

Just for the sake of politesse everyone deserves a little respect, but that doesnt mean its irrevocable. Respect like civility are reactionary, ie someone is rude to you they lose some respect from you. Respect is not submission or obeying as well respect isnt courtesy as those are all different entities.


To quote the stones "Use all your well-learned politesse Or I'll lay your soul to waste, mmm yeah"

Respect is earned no matter what, politesse is demanded and should be given to all from the beginning.