Importance of Self-Respect
Self-respect is very fundamental to some. Self-respect usually comes from the inner belief and not having the feeling of superiority. What people don’t know is that self-respect also comes with learning how to deal with criticism and look at things from a different perspective and not let it get to them. Always have the best intentions and gain your respect for yourself and that other person. Respect for yourself also comes with how you come across people and how you treat them. A person’s view about a person shouldn’t matter to you but it should if it isn’t something very grand. If we don’t have respect for others how can we respect ourselves? Looking for good qualities in others is very easy for us to remember good qualities in ourselves.
Respecting Peers
Respecting others goes a long way. As for one, respecting elders is very important not only because they are wiser than us but they also know what is good for us. Respecting peers is also as important to elders as teachers and parents. Respecting family teaches obedience and integrity. Respecting peers teaches integrity and loyalty. Combining all these traits represents what respect is and what it’s all about. Respect can vary in many different ways, it can show people that you are generous and great at following directions.
Respecting property is also as important to yourself and others. Respecting property means not damaging or taking something that is not yours. Respecting property is important because it could be considered a felony such as stealing.
Respect for the Environment
There is a Japanese culture that teaches people to respect the environment because to some people the earth is just grass and animals. Some people might ask what a culture has to do with respect.
Respecting property does not only mean you shouldn’t damage things that are not yours but also means taking care of the environment. Most people don’t think about what others might feel after something is done. If you have done something, it is best that you take responsibility for what you have done.
Respect in Japanese and Arabian Culture
Respect is taught in many different religions and some cultures differently than others. For example, the Japanese culture is different from other cultures. As a sign of respect, they bow to each other or handshake with little or no eye contact. The culture is famously known for work, ethics, integrity, and politeness. The Japanese culture keeps a very strict system, they teach their students to respect their elders. The main traditional determination for respect is age. In modern Japan, the Senpai is a person who has earned the privilege of a higher status. To other people who aren’t familiar with the Japanese culture, it may be perceived as bullying but it is a way to reach respect and responsibility.
Respect is also taught differently in the Middle East, for example, Arabs are very strict when it comes to respect, such as standing up in a room when someone enters the room. This shows that the person entering the room is important enough for you to take the time to say hello. They will also greet their guests individually to everyone and walk them to their cars outside and say goodbye. Some will even go to great lengths and be respectful and put the elderly above themselves, such as opening doors and serving them food. One big thing that is huge to Arabs is men giving up their seats for women or elderly people. There are many responsibilities and rules Arabs have to follow in order to keep their status and keep being respected.
Signs of Respect in Indian Culture
Another culture that respect is taught is somewhat different but similar. Some people will disagree or may perceive their reasoning as questionable. Indians are taught to respect and cherish elders, elders do have wisdom and knowledge that needs to grow. Indian tradition and knowledge were passed down by generation through elders, they may call it oral history. Some words we had learned the meaning of life were to purpose our lives. The elders teach us many things such as being respectful, kind-hearted, and humble. Also in their culture, they are taught to respect the opposite sex. If you are a man you should always have respect for women as they are givers of life. In the Indian culture, there is a sign of respect they call “pranama” such as touching of the feet. For example, when a child needs to greet his grandparents, a child will typically touch their feet with his hands.
Being a Disrespectful Person Means Bad Morals
Aside from different aspects of respect from different cultures, being disrespectful is also seen as a sign of no morals or being raised horribly. Respect works both ways and if the person does not respect you don’t have to go down to their level and that doesn’t mean to be disrespectful back. At the same time, my parents always taught me to be the bigger person meaning if another individual is being disrespectful to accept it and don’t let it bother you. This is also seen as self-respect because it shows other people you put your morals before others.
Some people want the respect they think they deserve without earning it. In other words, getting respect isn’t as easy as it seems. In order to respect and be respected, we should be able to open up our minds to the possibility of change. Before judging another person we should always have some sympathy and think before we say anything. Usually, people don’t do this but this is a great method of helping which is putting yourself in their shoes and feeling the effort they put in every day for a new day. As a human being that’s the very last thing we can give to someone.
How Respect Helps Us Accept Other People
Respect has different meanings to different people. They can view it differently and have a different understanding. To me, respect is showing you have an equal value to other individuals. Respect also means following the rules and requests someone asks of you. Respect is a positive feeling or action showing someone or something they are important to your time and efforts, it carries a sense of admiration for good or valuable qualities. It also shows you are honoring someone by caring or having concern for their needs or feelings. Respect means that you accept someone for who they are, even if they are different from you or have different aspects of certain things you don’t particularly agree with.
