When Did We Stop Teaching Respect And Accountability? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

When Did We Stop Teaching Respect And Accountability?

Is there no such thing as authority anymore?

32
When Did We Stop Teaching Respect And Accountability?

I don't know if you guys have heard about the most recent events including a student fighting a teacher (if not, find the story here), or if you've read up on any of the most recent stories with similar story lines (because there are a lot), but that brings up a really big question: when did kids and young adults stop respecting those in authority?

When I was in high school, talking back to the teacher was considered ballsy. Giving them lip or starting an argument with them was an offense punishable by detention or similar, approved punishments. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine mouthing off to a teacher and getting away with it; I was raised to respect those in authority and to do as I was told. I remember one student in my English class my senior year starting an argument with our teacher, and I melted into my chair with secondhand embarrassment. It's not as if teachers wake up every morning thinking, "let me make these kids super miserable today,"; most of what they do is to better the students. Yet, students take it personally when they don't get their way.

The same goes for law enforcement these days. When did parents stop teaching their kids to respect the law and authority figures? I'm all for doing what you want and being independent, but there is a line that should not be crossed. Often, police officers are asking you to do something (or to not do something) because they are looking out for the safety of others. If I get a speeding ticket, I deserved it. I know very well that I need to follow the laws that are displayed on the roads, but I sometimes find myself deviant. If I get pulled over, I don't degrade the cop or his profession. I don't tell him or her that I shouldn't be in trouble because I should be. With a lack of respect comes a lack of accountability.

What's so shocking is that similar events happen in classrooms and on traffic stops every day. Young kids talk back to cops. Young kids physically assault their teachers. Yet, the professionals are the ones who often face consequences, too. I have friends that are teachers, and it's scary to think that they could be hit at any moment, and they can't do anything about it.

I don't know when parents stopped teaching respect and accountability, but it's time to bring it back. I can tell you that my children will be the most respectful and accountable children in the world. It's time to stop blaming the schools and the teachers and the police for your children's deviant behavior. That starts at home. Here's a reminder: respect for others is one of the basic, unwritten rules of decency to other humans.

On another note, I'm very lucky that I didn't pursue a career in the field of education when I was early in my college career. If a student came at me, they could catch these hands real quick. But that's another story.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

80007
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

8426
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments