RESPECT
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about "Respect" and what this word means in our society. In the schools it is taught as a character trait having to do with one's self worth as a contributor to the community. A constant evaluation of self is essential to the growth process no matter your age or status.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The life of a man is a self-evolving circle, which from a ring imperceptibly small, rushes on all sides outwards to new and larger circles, and that without end."
Ernest Boyer, the guru of "Character Education" defines respect as the following: "Each person responds sensitively to the ideas and needs of others without dismissing or degrading them. Differences among people are celebrated and all members of the community are able to accept both praise and criticism from others. While affirming individual freedom, the rights of the group are also fully honored. "
The one thing I know for sure is that it starts with "self!"
Rational
Evolving
Synergism
Peaceful
Equal
Equal
Caring
Tenacity
December 8, 2011
I would have to say that respect is a learned state of mind and behavior. The older that I grow I am starting to believe that some people seem to "just not know any better". I am not trying to make excuses for ignorance because we each have to take responsibility for our own behaviors and should strive to become better. Yet there are those who have never had proper guidance in life and as a result they have not properly grasped the concept of respecting others, as well as themselves. In today's society showing respect is almost viewed as a weakness and often frowned upon. This mentality is very dangerous and self destructive.
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