Sometimes, I see the behavior of people around me, and I think, “Why is there so much disrespect in our culture?”  I see it in adults.  I see it in young people.  I even see it in children.  When did it become acceptable to behave in this manner?

Language is one of the most obvious examples of disrespect.  The amount of profanity that reaches my ears is deeply disconcerting.  And the tenor of such language seems to become more degrading all the time.

Gestures are strong indicators of people’s attitudes.  Disrespect runs rampant in gestures.  Body language, attitude, facial expression and behavior are some of the ways we measure these levels of disrespect.

I see another reason for lack of respect, that is perhaps the most important one of all.  Self-esteem, good and bad, are powerful measurements of respect that can be felt or given.  It is hard to respect someone else, if you do not feel that way about yourself.

Just as we can compile various ways of describing disrespect, we must outline what respect means.  Respect is shown in many different ways. When we act with reverence, with courtesy, mutuality and reciprocity, we are showing respect.  It is very much like the golden rule.  “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”  It really is as simple as that.

The only thing that I can think of, that can change disrespect into respect, is to nurture empathy in ourselves and then begin to teach it by example. If you have empathy, pour it out into the space around you.  Develop a habit of doing this.  In time, it can become second nature.  Smile inside, whether you mean it or not. Some studies have shown that it changes YOU, just by acting that way.  And real change comes from the inside out.

That’s my new plan.  I will smile inside, whenever I see disrespect.  I will imagine loving the person that is showing disrespect.  I will think, “This person is probably having a bad day.”  And they probably are.  If I make a mistake by forgetting myself and acting differently, I will start over again. I think that this will be good for me, either way.  And the world needs as much positive energy as it can get.  Each one of us does.