I absolutely detest disrespect....in any form or fashion. I do not tolerate disrepsect from my students...between my students...towards those in public service...for my country, its flag, its leaders, or its military. Disrespectful language, attitudes, and behavior are at the core of what is wrong with our society at present. Here are some scenerios to illustrate my point.
1) When you are in the check-out line of any kind (Wal-Mart, grocery store, bank, etc.) it is disrespectful to be on your cell phone. By continuing a conversation, that I am sure the person at the register and people behind you do not need to hear...see previous post, you are telling the person helping you that he or she is not worthy of your time and attention. They work long hours to provide the public a service. Put the phone down. Smile at them. Say hello. Chat about the weather or the new flavor of gum you just picked out. Something...anything...just don't disrespect them.
2) It is never, for any reason, acceptable to put someone down...that goes triple for things that are outside of their control. It is never ok to disrespect someone because they have a handicap or other disability. They did not choose their dislexia, paralysis, or speech impediment. Instead of being disrespectful, start by being thankful for your blessings. Then, be amazed at the courage it takes for folks with any form of impairment to go out into a world full of hateful, disrespectful people and attempt to live their lives as normally as possible. Shame on us for ever thinking that looking down on another person was acceptable. We are ALL fearfully and wonderfully made.
3) It is not ok be disrespectful of our nation....in any way shape or form. Is ok to be unhappy with the way things are? Absolutely. Is ok to desire someone else to be in a certain position? Absolutely. Is it ok to write to your political leaders and share your opinions about what needs to change? Absolutely. However, it is not acceptable to disrespect the office they hold nor the person who holds it. If you think that it is such an easy job--run for office...or at the very least vote. I am thankful for the people in my life who, instead of disrespecting those who were in charge, put their money where their mouth is and are doing something to make our state and nation better. I cannot imagine the stress that comes with knowing that there is an entire nation of people...from all different backgrounds...with different kinds of needs/desires...looking to you to make it better. It almost makes me sick thinking about it. The Bible says that I am to pray for my leaders. I don't have to like them...but I should not disrespect them.
4) It is never ok for children to disrespect their parents/caregivers. I realize that there are a lot of children in situations that are far less than ideal. For the record, I also believe it is disrespectful and never ok to abuse, neglect, or demean your children. Parenthood is a gift. There are many people in the world who desperately want to have children but are unable to do so who would tell you what a gift children are. Having parents is also a gift. There are many people in the world who lost their parent(s) far too soon and had to experience life without them who will tell you what a blessing it is to have your parents. However, children, discipline is not disrespect...it would be disrespectful not to correct you when it is warranted.
I feel as though my soap box is beginning to weaken because I have stood on it too long. So, all of that can be summed up in these few words: Be kind.
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