April 8, 2007

BYBS- Respect

Just when I thought that this week had nothing to offer for a BYB post, something happened.

As I stepped out of the parking lot, I saw a group of people gathered in front of a house and they were talking loudly. They seemed to be arguing about something. There were a lot of onlookers too, so I decided to join them and see for myself what the whole scene was about.

The issue was soon resolved and I could not actually find out what the cause of the argument was. Some really bad words were exchanged on both sides and at one time I thought it would come to blows. But, thankfully, they went their own ways peacefully.

It made me think that in today’s world, people have either become used to either being bossed around or being bossy.

If you are nice to someone, you are thought of as a weakling as if the reason for one’s being nice is his weakness. And then that someone tries to dominate you in whatever little sphere of life that you and him or her have to interact in.

Why this happens is beyond my understanding but I am sure it happens in every aspect of life – schools, colleges, universities, homes, and workplaces. So, where is the blessing in that?

The blessing I think are all those people who respect others not for what they are or what they have but just because they are. It is important for us as humans, thinking animals as we are, to have a certain amount of control on our feelings and understand and respect other beings.

This respect when developed within us not only makes us a better person but makes the world around us a better place. Have a great week!

(You can vote for me at the Blogger’s choice Awards using the link in the sidebar)

9 comments:

SandyCarlson said...

This is a great post. I agree with you. Kindness and compassion are these days seen as weaknesses--yet being kind and compassionate frees the mind from the shackles of anger and frustration. I will vote for your blog. Happy Easter

Anonymous said...

Happy BYB Sunday - have a good week.

Unknown said...

Respect is something we could all do with a very good dosing of

(On a side note, my last post will be the last BYB post from me. It has been a great journey :)

http://stev.blogspot.com/2007/04/last-blessing.html

Anonymous said...

Happy BYB Sunday! Yes, respectfulness is a prized character trait in today's society.

Anonymous said...

If you are nice to someone, you are thought of as a weakling as if the reason for one’s being nice is his weakness.

I suppose I'm weirdly fortunate... I'm over six-feet tall and weigh in at a not-too-fat 270lbs... Ergo: As I'm often described by friends, I'm a "big boy".

Therefore, not too many people refer to me as "weak" and perhaps this is also why my non-violent approach to life is accepted without turmoil.

Is it possible that the "optic" of seeming strong is a way to avoid being called "weak" when one has little or no intention of "flexing" his muscles ever?

Whatever said...

The gift/blessing/what-have-you of respect is to me, as with many gifts, only there when I look for it. The problem is that the events I remember are often the bad ones: I remember the jerk who was tailgating me, down to the car make, model, etc. but I don't remember anything about the driver who was courteous.

That's one of the things I like about BYBS is that it reminds me of those things and helps me see them.

kuanyin333 said...

Happy Easter and Happy BYB Sunday! Congrats on your nomination! I'm with ya in all you wrote here.

Blue Panther said...

Sandy Carlson: Thank you and hope you have a great week!

Msdemmie: Thank you. You have a great week too.

Stev: Yes we could.

And I really hope your leaving BYB is only temporary and you join us again.

Sue: It indeed is. Have a great rest of the week.

Matthew: Fortunate, you most definitely are "big boy". It does happen that on seeing a big person others get intimidated and don'y easily mess with them.

Whatever: Exactly! It is a little strange that we tend to focus on the negative things and sometimes completely ignore the better things or take them for granted.

Kuanyin: Thank you and have a great week ahead!

Marilyn said...

I've been struggling with this myself and I find it very hard to be the one to step back and make the first peace offering. When I can do it I feel great at the time, but as Whatever said, I never feel recognized for it. Funny, I know I'd be remembered if I yelled back. Maybe being remembered isn't all that important...

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