We explain what respect is and why it is so important for coexistence. Also, what are its characteristics and classification.
Respect promotes harmonious family ties.
What is respect?
Respect is a positive attitude and value, which refers to showing appreciation and acceptance towards someone or something. The action of respecting is taking into account the impact of one’s own actions on others. Thus, an action is respectful when it shows attention and care. For example, speaking respectfully is using kind words in a calm tone of voice. Acting respectfully requires consideration of the other person, which requires attentive looking.
On the other hand, we can talk about “having respect.” In this case, a value is referenced. Respect as a value is essential for building a healthy society. It is part of all areas of life: there is respect for parents, for school rules, for animals, for diversity.
A respectful attitude leads to a harmonious and friendly coexistence. For example, accepting that someone may have ideas different from your own leads to being able to debate ideas without aggression.
Respect is learned. From the family and from educational institutions it is possible to teach and encourage respect as one of the basic values. For example, avoiding using negative labels to name children, such as “bad”, and respecting their tastes, beyond not sharing them.
Characteristics of respect
Respecting turns to speak is a way to show respect.
Some characteristics of respect are:
- Is a valueA value is a guideline that guides people’s actions. Respect as a value means taking others into account, and it is what allows a society to be tolerant. This value must exist in a community as a guide for the conduct of its members. It promotes equality, because it promotes coexistence between people with different ideas, religions and customs.
- It is a quality. A quality is a positive characteristic. Respect as a quality allows people to recognize and accept differences.
- Directed towards self and othersRespect involves being aware that each person is different and striving to maintain a positive attitude towards both one’s own and others’ interests.
- It is taught and it is learned. It is a quality that is acquired naturally through living with other people. It is also actively transmitted in school and other institutions. For example, one learns to respect the rules of a sport in a club.
- It is a form of social responsibilityThe responsibility that motivates respect implies that the person is aware of the harm that he or she can cause to others, and avoids doing so.
- It is beneficial for the common good. Acting with respect is collaborating with the construction of a more just society. Among other things, it prevents aggressive behavior, such as bullying; improves communication; boosts well-being.
- It is an end in itself. Although respect is an important tool with which positive results are achieved in society, it is also an end in itself when it is the expression of a feeling of love and admiration.
Types of respect
Valuing and caring for nature is a type of respect.
Different types of respect can be distinguished, depending on who or what it is directed towards. The most important are:
- Self respect. It is valuing and accepting oneself, beyond other people’s opinions. It is a necessary condition for the full development of human beings. It involves awareness of one’s own needs.
- Respect for others. It is considering other people with attention and care, despite possible differences. This includes, among others: parents, older people, people who think differently, those who support another football team, classmates.
- Respect for the laws. It is to comply with the regulations of each society. Laws establish limits and regulate their compliance. Respect for laws is related to respect for authority.
- Respect for life. It is appreciating the life of others, which is a human right, and taking care of it, avoiding harming it or putting it at risk.
- Respect for social norms. It is observing the rules that govern different spaces, such as a club, a church or a school, and trying to follow them.
- Respect for nature. It is the consideration of the environment. It involves caring for natural environments, such as seas, forests and jungles, and the beings that live in them, such as plants and animals.
- Respect for diversity. It is the acceptance of singularities and differences of all kinds, recognizing a principle of equality. It enables the harmonious coexistence of opinions, tastes, beliefs, ways of being and customs. It is the basis of non-discrimination.
- Respect for values. It is knowing and acting according to the values that exist in society, such as freedom, honesty or solidarity.
- Respect for culture. It is discovering in other people behaviors that are different from one’s own and trying to understand them, without condemning them. Cultures vary from one society to another and it is necessary to accept them. Tolerance is only possible on the basis of respect.
- Respect for national symbols. It is knowing and appreciating the symbols that represent the identity and history of a nation, such as the flag, the coat of arms and the anthem.
How is respect expressed?
There are many and diverse ways to express respect. Some examples are:
- Express your own opinions and needs.
- Protecting the privacy of someone who closes a door because they want to be alone.
- Take care of common spaces by avoiding leaving trash in parks.
- Listen carefully and wait for your turn to speak.
- Avoid engaging in teasing.
- Practice empathy, put yourself in the other person’s shoes.
- Acquire recycling habits.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Turn off your cell phone during a movie at the cinema.
- Be punctual, comply with the agreed schedules.
- Learn about other cultures and their customs.
- Comply with school schedules.
- Be silent when a flag is raised.
- Pay attention to traffic light indications.
Phrases about respect
- “Respect is a two-way street, if you want it, you have to give it.” RG Risch.
- “If we are not free, no one will respect us.” APJ Abdul Kalam.
- “Respect yourself and others will respect you.” Confucius.
- “It is always more valuable to have people’s respect than admiration.” Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
- “When you are content to just be yourself and not compare or compete, everyone will respect you.” Lao Tzu.
- “There is nothing more despicable than respect based on fear.” Albert Camus.
- “The worker needs respect more than bread.” Karl Marx.
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References
- Esquirol M. Josep. (2006). Respect or attentive gaze: An ethic for the age of science and technology. Barcelona: Gedisa.
- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). (2020). Mission #9 – Respect for diversity. https://www.unicef.org/