No disrespect?

image: https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-girl-rain-water-umbrella-3618866/

Give disrespect the attention it deserves: none.

That does not mean that you accept abuse, illegal, or unethical behavior. It just means that disrespect does not earn respect.

I advocate starting from a position of respect. We do well to respect everyone from the start. Respect people in the way we greet them, treat them, and (when in competition) beat them. When someone does not return that respect, or when they begin from a place of disrespect, we don't have to get angry, but we do have to get active.

Often the fastest way to get active when confronted with disrespect is to disappear. Leave. Stop honoring that person with your presence if their only goal is to do you harm.

Leaving isn't always possible or recommended when you or others are in danger. Then, opposition to that disrespect may be necessary. Not to create harm or revenge, but to create safety and honor.

Is that easy? Oh, no. You already know that. Is it necessary? More than ever. How do we do it? By beginning -- show respect as much as possible while still remembering that respect should be returned in kind.

What do you think?

-- doug smith

Comments

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