Today’s piece was submitted and composed by our own Rey Gonzalez.
I used the word WE in the title keeping in mind that all of us, at one point or another, have been disrespectful, on some level, to one person or another, based on who they are, what they represent, and given their personal views and/or opinion(s) on a given subject. The aforementioned standards apply to us as well. I do believe that respect is earned by each one of us, and by others, and respect should be imbued within all of us. The value of respect should guide us, as individuals, on how to evaluate right from wrong. Respect also defines one’s personal character, which includes integrity, compassion, honesty and fairness.
A prevalent argument related to learned respect is factually recognized in what is the family unit and the raising of our kids. A child is what parents are…or not. Are there rebellious anti-parent kids that grow up to go against what has been respectfully taught through their learning years? Absolutely. Respect parents, the elderly, teachers, authority, the service workers, the producers, and the providers. Perhaps it’s the parenting and the village that instills the rebellion. This post is not meant to find fault or blame, but to bring about discussion as to what has brought us here, to this point, where the inundation of disrespect is displayed front row in social media, MSM, and personal observations. In turn, most of us dismiss it as “and so it is.”
THE ELDERLY: Respect of the elderly was always an observance and regard for what I can best describe as grace. Grumpy or happy older folks were respected given their years, experiences, stories, as well as their hopes and yearnings for what once was and what was to come. How do we best describe what we see now days?
YOUNGER GENERATION: On this one we shall certainly start with parenting and the village. Yes, children are a sponge; they soak in anything and everything. They should be taught and deserve respect. We should recognize those instances where their decisions (guided by parenting, if they so choose to be guided) should be considered and encouraged. Not all kids get straight As in school or are good at math or science. They should not be obligated to go to a college or a university and, in no way, reminded that they are a nobody and will amount to nothing (well, until such time when old enough to know they are a nobody and will amount to nothing). Society needs many kids to become do’ers in producing, creating, servicing, fixing and partaking in careers that require no higher education but simply a trade.
AUTHORITY: The descending value in this category is seen/heard daily. The “yes sir/ma’am” of yesteryear appears long gone, if not for a few refreshing instances. This is one category where, once, one provided and showed the respect up front prior to being respected or expected to be respected in return. Mind you, not all perceive the respect afforded them as a genuine reflection of a person’s character. This category also seems to decline rapidly as we “progress.” Conversely, authority has lost the respect they once held given what we see/hear lately. Politicians are off limit to law, omissions and disinformation presented to the judiciary to attain a goal continues to carry the day. Recent events; those held without or unfounded charges partaking in the January 6 Capitol event.
POLITICIANS: Here we find an increasing display of disrespect, contempt and disdain on a two-lane highway. One needs not go back any further than what has occurred lately with politicians being accosted by protesters at their homes, with their families, in a restaurant or bathroom stall. Such disrespect comes back two-fold when politicians spew the “I know what’s better for you and others” and the constant barrage of lies, misinformation and omission of all facts on a given topic. And so, politicians imply that we’re idiots for not towing their line. How else do politicians disrespect the masses? Look no further: Fed law enforcement, Judiciary, the picking and choosing of who and what laws/regulations are to be enforced, mandates, fines and fees (for some, not for all, and certainly not them).
MEDIA: Those in journalism (not all) have lost the ethics and ethos of what media is supposed to represent; learn, investigate and report facts without opinion or bias. This has long been lost; the loss of respect and integrity has eroded immensely because of their own doing. A false “breaking” story should carry the same weight and attention when redactions, omissions and/or non-genuine, adjusted or made-to-deceive information surfaces. One needs to understand and decipher the use of unidentified sources, the method and intent of those sources, repeated verbiage from outlet to outlet, and the lack of investigative journalism that produces evidence to support a story.
ACADEMIA: This is one category where (most) in liberal academia fail to earn respect, but rather demand it for themselves. Is such cases, those that think critically, question the validity of the information, or pose a differentiating thought or opinion, are demeaned and threatened with lower grades, dismissed form participation, suspended, and/or forced out of school.
DISCIPLINE: This area touches on how and when respect is earned and achieved. There is discipline in a family structure, schools, sports, etc. Law enforcement, the judiciary, politicians and the military are bound to, connected and attached to laws, rules, policies and written procedures. Any deviation of such brings about consequences. Consequences may include anything from a simple counseling, suspension, separation, and up to and including legal/criminal action. Currently, related to discipline, we have news about Lt. Col Stuart Scheller, who questioned the upper command and its decisions in Afghanistan. While he admirably exercised his 1A right, he was guided and expected to abide by by USMC laws, rules, and procedures he knew would come back to bite him. I admire the Lt. Col.’s character and compassion for speaking out, as well as his service to Country. In no way do I agree with the treatment he is enduring; something best served and called for for a hardened maniacal criminal. In this one case, he failed his discipline, having another avenue to express, allege and/or file complaints in accordance with procedures. How will his actions affect similar future violations by others? We shall wait and see.
In closing, my thoughts are expressed as an individual, to be read and attributed to certain individual(s) and or group(s). I refrain from using ALL persons/groups included/inclusive. I do understand the unfriendly, opposing opinions and the national punditry coverage this article may produce….NOT!
