Community Chat

[Marp]

A comment I read today took me back to my childhood.  I was raised that everyone deserved respect until they did something to lose it. 

Today, I see many state that respect needs to be earned which implies people aren't worthy of respect until they do something desirable in the eyes of the one bestowing respect.

Is needing to earn respect before getting it a generational thing or just a difference in the way people look at others today?

[Kalli]

Not sure.  I was raised to respect my elders.  It really wasn't up for discussion.

[Maudelynn]

I was taught as you were- that everyone is innately deserving of respect. I taught my children the same.

[Nancy Drew]

I give respect until they show me they do not deserve it.

[JavaQueen]



I was taught also to be respectful of other people and property. (Yes, I was a Girl Scout. in hte hearland of America. LOL)

I really don't know if people know what that means anymore. They trash, property and people. 

When I mean "people," I mean society in general. Not everyone, but enough that you feel it.

[AliJoi5]

I think you touch on a very interesting topic here, Marp.  I am of the viewpoint that everyone is deserving of respect until I'm (sadly) persuaded otherwise.  For example, when I went to college in the city, every morning I would pass the same homeless gentleman sitting on the curb.  I always treated this man with the utmost respect, just as I would my college professor or a fellow student.  We exchanged "good mornings" and sometimes I would bring him a coffee or a little something from D&D.  He had done nothing to necessarily "earn my respect," but he inspired it just the same.  I think the "golden rule" also figures into this discussion.  Naturally though, that's not to say you shouldn't also be vigilant.

Now, for me, trust is an entirely different thing.  I absolutely believe that trust must be earned, especially in this day in age.

[occasionalrain]

It depends on one's definition of respect. I was brought up to have manners, to treat others as I would expect to be treated. However, to me, respect should be earned.

[DoneTryin]

I was raised to respect everyone.  As an adult, I learned that sometimes people can do, or not do, things that could make me lose respect for them. I also learned that they could earn my respect back.  The same has happened the other way around, when I've messed up.

Although you did not ask about trust, I will add a comment about that:  for me, trust must be earned.

It's interesting to see here how differently people feel about such things.

[onewhiteSparrow]

I was raised to respect everyone, until they did something to loose that respect.

As I grew older I was taught by others in forums to Trust No One.

Respect and trust work together many ways.

[foundinlv]

If referring to special reverence then yes that needs to be earned otherwise, yes respect for all until one proves unworthy.