Respect

Equality.

I talk to essentially everybody as equals. Is there anything wrong with that? Most people, I'll try to have a decent one-on-one conversation with. But I'm not going to take extra steps to tread carefully in my conversation. I'm not going to put extra effort into making sure I'm being 'respectful'.

Respect.

That word is thrown around a lot, I think. There are a lot of adults that, upon meeting them, you realize that 'respect' is a big thing to them. What does that translate to? Don't tease them and treat them as your superior. Now maybe it's just because I don't like being in that position, but I think it's kind of ridiculous. Why does their age mean they can't talk to us as equals? I feel like my conversations would be cut short if I was constantly worried about disrespecting somebody.

Respect your elders. That line gives me troubles. I'm all for respecting people who deserve it, but I'm not sure respect should mean that you can't tease somebody or debate with them. And is age always an indicator that somebody deserves respect? Why? I never got that. People seem to get older and suddenly feel a sense of entitlement to people respecting them. To me this just seems like they want to feel better than other people.

If you've seen me in class, you probably wouldn't think that I respect my teachers, but I do. But the people I hold in high regard, the people I respect, I can talk to as equals. Otherwise they're just distant idols.

Sometimes people treat their equals badly. Friends do practical jokes on each other all the time, to the point where it is harassment - the only thing missing is a malicious intent. In these situations the intent is something different. Something that thinks it's funny.

Are they treating their friends as equals? I don't think so. That right there is a real lack of respect. But real respect shouldn't mean that you have to watch your step around somebody because they're your elders. The people I respect the most are the people I can be open and honest and frank to, people I can tease and have a good time with. To be honest, I have very little respect for the people who feel they are entitled to respect as elders. Somehow, to me, it just doesn't work like that.

Thoughts?

Barbados

Well it's the beginning of July, the month of vacations and true summer times. Me and my family are heading to Barbados today. I probably won't be able to post for a while (although admittedly you probably won't notice any difference). Hopefully I'll come back with stories, though!

See you around. Hope you all are having great summers.