Respect versus Fear

When you look around at society today, do you ever wonder why respect has disappeared? I have a theory. I believe that for years, people believed that respect was synonymous with fear. As laws emerged protecting kids and individuals from aggression from those bigger than themselves, fear relinquished and respect along with it.

An entry on the EQI website explored the origins of respect. Throughout the animal kingdom there is a distinct difference between fear and respect. This piece highlights how respect can mean the difference between life and death. In very early generations, where there was not enough food or shelter for everyone in a village or community, those without respect were the first to die.

In saying this, in no way am I suggesting that we go back to this way of life. Instead, it is important to understand the origins of respect and the impact that this makes on society. However, the point is very much the same – throughout the world where respect is lacking, people do die. Fortunately, this is not necessarily a way of life in the U.S., but it is how people can get hurt.

A lack of respect in our community is not just obvious in our kids. It is obvious in the way we treat each other on the roads, in a busy store or even in print. To bring this respect back to our community and implement it into our interactions, it is not fear that is needed, but honor instead.

Check back as we continue to examine fear versus respect.