With everything going on currently, it would be an understatement to say that the world is pretty out of whack. People are worried, afraid and even terrified of the events occurring in the world. With that, there are two sides to every story, yielding opinions on both side of the matters. As Americans, we are grateful to have those opinions and have the ability to speak them out loud without consequence. As we all know, the election has brought about many opinions on the issue; some valid and civilized, and some not so much. There is no right answer in all of this, and so there is no right opinion either. What is wrong, though, is the way people have been treating one another, not only in this stressful and intense time, but in general.
I have always valued respect. It is more than a characteristic, it is a necessary function to a successful life. Especially lately, respect for others has been thrown to the side and replaced with selfishness. It does not matter the views you share that differ from others, it gives you no right to accuse and criticize. If you would like to engage in a conversation, exchanging viewpoints, supporting your stance and even questioning the opposing view, that is great, but do it with respect and professionalism. No one is going to take you seriously if you are cursing, yelling, getting physical or spewing out insults.
Even outside of the controversial current events, being respectful was always taught from a young age, but lately, in my generation, I have seen that value dwindle. Too many times, I have noticed young adults not saying please or thank you. They walk through doors not acknowledging the person that held it or not looking back to hold it for the next person. They do not give up their seat for someone older than them. They walk into and around people as if they are invisible. All the small acts of politeness that were expected are now becoming an option.
I have seen young adults scoff and whisper comments at the elderly in line because they are moving too slow for their pace. I'm sorry, did you live a long life, probably filled with hard decisions, long hours and countless sacrifices? No, not as much as them, so give them the respect they deserve and let them be. I have also seen a fellow peer openly cursing and speaking loudly while adults were present in public. Turning heads and looks of disgust from all the adults around, they couldn't believe this boy was so loudly dropping "f-bombs" and degrading the people around him, and frankly neither could I.
Anyone should know the basic rules of being a human being. It is the universal golden rule: Treat Others How You Want To Be Treated.
Too often this rule is forgotten and replaced with derogatory comments, lack of understanding or even absence of recognition altogether. In the election and in my college career it shocks me to see the amount of people that begin to act like animals when they don't get their way. There is no excuse to be rude and shallow, there is no need to judge and hate one another. There are always alternatives and better solutions than being disrespectful.
The moral of the story, respect everyone. Respect your parents, children, educators, administration, authorities and friends. Respect all skin colors, all religions, all classes, and all cultures. Respect the people who you see once in your lifetime walking down the street and respect the coworker you'll see every day. Respect the bus driver and your grandmother. All too often we think we should pick and chose who to treat with respect. That is wrong, every person is a human and so should be treated as such. Everyone deserves the respect of one another. Without it, we are not a community. And without a strong community, nothing great will ever come.
