Three Types Of Respect

Imagine a world where children could treat their parents and elders as their friends, a world without gentlemen, a world where everyone has the freedom to choose not to follow the laws, a world where achievements are insulted; a world without respect. Wouldn’t it be too chaotic? In an online dictionary, respect is defined basically as esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person. However, respect may go far beyond this. Respect is the basis of the society in which we live. Although many look at respect as simply treating another person or thing with kindness, this word has various aspects. For instance, one does not give an elder the same type of respect that one gives to peers or oneself. Also, one does not give equal amounts

In an online article by Ater (2012), it was mentioned that “the three types of respect are; the Respect of Personhood, the Respect of Authority and the Respect of Honor.” Respect of Personhood is given to anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, culture, etc. This type of respect is granted upon everyone and cannot be taken away, much like how human rights are bestowed upon every citizen in a country. No one is worthless in the same way as no one deserves to be treated without respect. The second type is Respect of Authority. This type of respect is based upon the position and role one has in a society. Normally, a person in a higher place in hierarchy is given more respect than a person in a lower place. For example, a president of a country is given more respect than a senator but a senator receives more respect than a mayor. However, authority still has its limits and those who abuse their authority should be given less, if not none, respect. The last type of respect is Respect of Honor. Unlike the other two types of respect, this type is earned and not assumed. This type of respect is given to those that “are [worth] recognizing their excellence in some quality or qualities” (Ater, 2012). Some examples of people who receive Respect of Honor are lovers, siblings, friends, heroes, and inspirational leaders. This also demands a lot of trust and when abused, could cause harm to persons involved. Combining all three types of respect results in the most important one: self-respect. An individual should respect oneself as a person with dignity, as the most important person in one’s life, and as a person that one trusts. Self-respect is regarded as the most important because without it, others won’t find reasons to respect a