Respect is one of those qualities that is found a necessity in almost any field of human activity. Regardless of where exactly the person is – at a formal dinner, on a walk, at work, school or university – a certain degree of respect is required and expected from a person. However, what exactly is meant by this concept is often not discussed. Thus, this word accumulates a considerable number of requirements and knowledge. The purpose of this essay is to explore the meaning of respect.
First of all, to understand the basis of this concept, it makes sense to turn to the sources. Dictionaries vary slightly in wording, but the essence of respect, according to language norms, is esteem or a sense of superiority of a person or their personal qualities (“Respect,” n.d.). This formulation falls under the broadest concept of respect, most often found in society. Respecting another person means recognizing them as a person, and evaluating their personal qualities or merits. Thus, respect is one of the constituent parts of relationships between people. Moreover, this concept is in many ways fundamental in human relationships. Although not explicitly stated, a lack of respect implies a disregard for achievement and personality. Consequently, even a banal recognition of the right of another person to have their views and qualities is already respected. This meaning is the most basic, without which the working structure of society is impossible.
In addition, respect is also understood as a specific measure and means of assessing the mutual position of people relative to each other. According to the same dictionary, respect can mean deference to privilege, acceptance, and confirmation of a position (“Respect,” n.d.). Although this formulation overlaps somewhat with the previous one, it covers a more formal side of the relationship. Showing respect also means accepting another person’s superior position and recognizing their privileges. For example, bosses at work have a privileged position over ordinary workers, so they must treat the leadership with respect. While personality-based attitude seems fairer, position-based respect expands in part on the previous concept. The fact that a person occupies a higher position often speaks of their outstanding qualities. Therefore, showing respect for such a person is logical and justified. Nevertheless, this approach is even more closely related to the vicissitudes of social interactions and their subtleties.
However, despite a precise definition, often for different people, this concept has additional meanings that intersect with other areas of activity. Someone, for example, may consider it disrespectful to be indoors in a headdress, while other people acknowledge it as disrespectful clothing for a particular event. Each person treats the surrounding elements and events differently, considering various things to be a manifestation of disrespect. What is normal for someone will be a terrible insult to the honor and dignity of another. In addition, such norms vary depending on the cultural context and often overlap with human ideas about ethics and aesthetics. Therefore, determining what exactly the other person respects can be very problematic. However, all variations of the term have one thing in common that unites all the wordings. One way or another, respect is a term that describes the essence of social relationships between people, and their relationship with each other based on a particular system of values.
Thus, it can be noted that there are several variations of the concept of respect. Dictionaries define this term as recognition of the dignity of another person or recognition of a superior position. These definitions are universal and applicable to any person, as they form the basis of communication. However, people often decide for themselves what they consider respect. In this case, it is necessary to build on the system of norms and values that is a priority for the individual and following which people develop their opinion about others.
Reference
Respect. (n.d.). Web.