What Happened to Respect?
On a recent rainy day, I thought I would stay home and enjoy watching a golf tournament. Unfortunately, the tournament also experienced bad weather and play was suspended.
I chose to watch the news. This was not a good idea because I watched in dismay as a McDonald’s employee was beaten for making a mistake on a customer’s order. I then saw a student throw a chair at a teacher. Next, I heard something about “Porch Pirates” stealing packages. At this point I turned off my television and felt quite disheartened. I asked myself: “What happened to respect”?
When I was a 26-year-old hotel manager most of my employees were older than me, yet I was addressed as Mr. O’Meara, and I returned their respect.
I am disappointed that those days of respect are for the most part gone from business, education, family, and American society in general.
Back in the 60’s and 70’s people in authority were respected in large measure.
I suppose President Nixon’s Impeachment had much to do with the initial erosion of respect for politicians, not to mention the Vietnam War.
We all have opinions on the many reasons why there is a decline of respect in our country. So, I will not offer mine.
My parents and teachers taught me respect, and sometimes with harsh discipline since I was a rebellious youngster.
Lesson learned and now frequently with a heavenward glance I say: “Thank you mom and dad”.
Respecting my parents, teachers, supervisors, police officers, and all who were in authority was the right thing to do.
I have learned that a fundamental lack of respect for values, morals, history, people who may be different from you, or have differing opinions all contribute to societal decay. I also believe that most people understand this basic truth.
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