When the thought came to me about respect and the lack thereof in general society, I began to wonder, why do so many people not respect each other? Then I decided to look up the definition of respect and wondered; do people perceive respect differently?

Respect has a few definitions, but in regards to this article respect is used as:
1. The state of being regarded with honor or esteem.
2. Willingness to show consideration or appreciation.

With these definitions in mind, I find that when I use the term respect, I use it in reference to consideration first and honor second, as in consideration of others’ perspectives, individualism, and thoughts. After consideration, I honor their perspectives and thoughts and individualism. At this point, I hope for the same respect in return.

However, I think that some people define respect in the reverse order by thinking respect is to honor first. Usually, in these instances, honor is perceived as a state of hierarchy and not as a consideration of individualism. One believes if they are to respect another, they are placing the other at a higher level and respect is then perceived as a weakness, as a self-belittlement. The problem is that the mental brakes are slammed on in order to protect their own honor (self-esteem) rather than to give honor (esteem) to another in regards to simply being an individual. Consideration does not even take place, which results in lack of respect towards others and an abundance of, self-pride. (I must admit, there are times when this applies to myself, but I try not to)

When a person states: “respect your elders”, “respect the laws”, “respect others’ opinions”, and “respect God” (The Spirit) which definition do you use first: Honor or Consideration?

Furthermore, you may even find that depending on what you are being asked or told to respect, defines the order of how you apply respect, if at all.

This may explain why some people do not consider there is a God or question the existence. According to my theory of the respect perception, if one is to respect God (The Spirit) they are putting God (The Spirit) above themselves in the hierarchy of importance and their self-esteem (honor in themselves or pride) is perceived as weak.

Pondering human behaviors and the respect perception in regards to people’s genders, appearances, and even sexual orientations, one may not respect the other for the same reason; the perception of respect is a perception of weakness in the self.

Sign up here to Post a comment