People who are self-reliant, conscientious, responsible, meet their obligations, require nothing from the government, follow the rules, pay their taxes, live within their means, respectful of others, tolerant toward differences, but firm in standing up for their ethics, give charitably to those who have fallen on hard times or conditions not self-imposed, are the bedrock of a well-functioning society, and carry the burden of those who neither have, nor want to have any of those characteristics. Our backs are breaking.
Good essay, and very on point. I know I'm sick of people claiming that I need to adapt my way of thinking to accomodate people who show no respect for me, or the traditional patterns of cultural, normative behaviors. Like when I see someone with a big ring through their septum- I grew up around cattle and swine, so I know that's where you clip the lead. As a fashion statement it says; "I'm as dumb as a farm animal," so I tend to treat those people accordingly. Yes, you can display obnoxious and unsanitary things in my face, but thinking that you deserve acceptance in return? Not so much
I loved this post so much that it turned me into a subscriber. I have to fight hard against a sense of entitlement and victimhood all around me. It's insidious and evil and distinctly un-American.
The problem with saying "Respect must be earned" is it seem to not include basic human respect. Better to say basic respect should be shown unless a persons actions otherwise indicate. More wordy but more accurate. I may feel sorry for someone who gets stuck in a revolving door and also amused by her predicament, but I'm not going to make fun of her to her face or stand and point. Nor do I agree that she should get an extra seat on a plane for free. The response to people who do want not to act like an adult is not to act with equally childish. Two children do not = one adult. Two adults acting like children don't equal two adults either.
I generally agree with that and -- I do believe you should show a basic human level of respect to everyone you meet unless they give you a good reason not to do it. Even then, I would prefer to handle things as politely as possible.
Asimov wrote “Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.” Though I think the quote should be "is the first refuge...." His sounds nicer but not very real worldly.
He also wrote:
“Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.”
People who are self-reliant, conscientious, responsible, meet their obligations, require nothing from the government, follow the rules, pay their taxes, live within their means, respectful of others, tolerant toward differences, but firm in standing up for their ethics, give charitably to those who have fallen on hard times or conditions not self-imposed, are the bedrock of a well-functioning society, and carry the burden of those who neither have, nor want to have any of those characteristics. Our backs are breaking.
Good essay, and very on point. I know I'm sick of people claiming that I need to adapt my way of thinking to accomodate people who show no respect for me, or the traditional patterns of cultural, normative behaviors. Like when I see someone with a big ring through their septum- I grew up around cattle and swine, so I know that's where you clip the lead. As a fashion statement it says; "I'm as dumb as a farm animal," so I tend to treat those people accordingly. Yes, you can display obnoxious and unsanitary things in my face, but thinking that you deserve acceptance in return? Not so much
You don't bolster up the weak by tearing down the strong.
I loved this post so much that it turned me into a subscriber. I have to fight hard against a sense of entitlement and victimhood all around me. It's insidious and evil and distinctly un-American.
I agree 110% -- and thank you!
Great write up. Being nice isn’t working.
The problem with saying "Respect must be earned" is it seem to not include basic human respect. Better to say basic respect should be shown unless a persons actions otherwise indicate. More wordy but more accurate. I may feel sorry for someone who gets stuck in a revolving door and also amused by her predicament, but I'm not going to make fun of her to her face or stand and point. Nor do I agree that she should get an extra seat on a plane for free. The response to people who do want not to act like an adult is not to act with equally childish. Two children do not = one adult. Two adults acting like children don't equal two adults either.
I generally agree with that and -- I do believe you should show a basic human level of respect to everyone you meet unless they give you a good reason not to do it. Even then, I would prefer to handle things as politely as possible.
Asimov wrote “Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.” Though I think the quote should be "is the first refuge...." His sounds nicer but not very real worldly.
He also wrote:
“Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.”
Which sounds more realistic.