Respect vs Fear

When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us. 

- Arapaho Proverb

 

The concept of respect/obedience/fear is something that never fail to fascinate me since it's a very cultural-bound element in our life. For most people, respect is something that is earned. 

It means different things for different people though. It's a concept that embodied ideas, thought, needs, wishes or even preferences. It can be felt. Our behaviors could also give signs whether we respect someone or otherwise. 

Most times, we might feel respected when our troops  (be it our students or kids) are obedient to our words. Or behave in a certain way that we approved of.

When I was a kid, obedience meant respect.  When we showed fear, that's respect as well.

However, within adult and professional circle, respect is redefined to suit the needs, be it among the colleagues or  between the bosses and their subordinates.

Still, there's visible line between respect and fear.

• Fear is toxic. Respect is nurturing.
• Fear destroys self-confidence. Respect builds it.
• Fear is life-threatening. Respect is life-enhancing.
• Fear is forced. Respect is mutual.
• Fear is learned. Respect is earned.

Now, being  respectful and obedience doesn't mean we have to be a door mat, because if that happened, we have no respect to the very important being, ourselves...

It's just something that cross my mind..