Finding Lost Respect

Lost Respect

By Katherine Aguilar

I have decided to expand beyond the Strawberry and write Essays sharing more details and stories instead. As with the Strawberry, I will continue to share trinkets of each, but now, the Essays will focus on only one thing at a time, allowing for a deeper exploration of each subject.

Respect is disappearing in today's society. From government officials to everyday interactions, disrespect has become common. Insults and disregard for faith, people, property, community, and country have increased, creating a negative environment. Many now seem unwilling to show respect or to change. As society becomes more advanced, respect for others seems to diminish.

My tongue has said some harsh words myself. When I was younger, as I am now. The times I was harsh, I came across as ill-educated. Now I walk away.

Go walk in front of the mirror and say some harsh phrases out loud to yourself, as if you were talking to a stranger. See how your face looks. It will look pretty messed up. You can now imagine what others see when you decide to tell someone off in public, while in line at the bank, grocery store, or stoplight. What does it really accomplish? Absolutely nothing.

Respecting other people's faiths and ethnicities should be more welcoming and friendly. People assume so much about other people's religions because the media has told them so much about them. They assumed it was true and did not even take the next step to see if it was. I want to learn more about cultures and find out what someone's faith is. I don’t want someone in the media to tell me this is the case. I meet people of different faiths, ask them questions, and give them the opportunity to share what they believe. It allows both of you to grow.

Similarly, assumptions about different races can create barriers. Sometimes, people believe certain groups take jobs or disrupt norms because the media tells them so. When new communities form, others may feel excluded, though they were never truly shut out—they never chose to participate. As a Texan, I’ve seen the state become international, much changed from the past. Just because someone doesn’t act “Texan” doesn’t mean they’re unwelcome. Have you tried to include them as you would a neighbor, or shut them out? Opportunities weren’t taken—they were offered.

Note- I used Texas as an example state. You could place any state in the sentence and the characteristics of being from your home state.