Respect
I keep hearing a good deal about respect lately. If it isn’t our esteemed leader pontificating about his respect agenda, well, blow me, there it is on the BBC this morning. Apparently some colonel Blimp types decided that the “ties off look” used on the lunchtime politics programme showed a lack of respect. The more casual approach was felt by the programmers to be more appropriate for the content and style of the material being covered. Unfortunately, they acquiesced to this bullying and the ties are back on.
From dictionary.com:
re spect
tr.v. re spect ed, re spect ing, re spects1. To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem.
2. To avoid violation of or interference with: respect the speed limit.
3. To relate or refer to; concern.n.
1. A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem. See Synonyms at regard.
2. The state of being regarded with honor or esteem.
3. Willingness to show consideration or appreciation.
4. Respects Polite expressions of consideration or deference: pay one’s respects.
5. A particular aspect, feature, or detail: In many respects this is an important decision.
6. Usage Problem. Relation; reference. See Usage Note at regard.
Now while a shabby appearance may infer a lack of self-respect, not wearing a tie has no relevance to respect whatsoever. How, exactly, does not wearing a tie show a lack of deference? And, perhaps more importantly; why should someone show deference anyway? Does the person being deferred to deserve it? Are they worthy of a show of deference? Have they earned respect? I generally take the line that someone who defers to people they regard as their betters in an uncritical manner is lacking in self-respect - and self-respect must be where it all starts. Indeed, they are not our betters; there is no such thing; we are all born equal. Those who command respect subsequently do so because they have done something worthwhile. Being wealthy, in a position of power or aristocratic does not qualify. Interestingly, those who fall into these groups usually are worthy of contempt rather than respect although this doesn’t stop the press pack tripping over themselves to indulge in a bit of mass brown-nosing…
And, there’s the rub. Unlike Tony Blair who seems to think respect is something to do with abject obedience to New Labour’s agenda (and, doubtless, those in power), respect is something we grant to those who have shown themselves by their behaviour as being deserving of it. Just being interviewed on television does not mean that someone is deserving of any particular respect by either the interviewer or the viewing public. Politeness, yes; but respect? Well, if they have earned it; indeed. Otherwise, why should they be treated any differently from you or I?
Is it me, or do those who keep deciding that we should show more respect are those who not only fail to understand what it means, but are also those least deserving of it themselves?
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Wearing ties is an image concern, a superficial thing that tells nothing about a person’s inner attitude.
People who put image before substance always strike me as being a more than a little insincere.
And what’s the big thing about not wearing a tie, anyway. What’s so awful about seeing that a man’s shirt has buttons?
I’ve heard this same “respect” argument in reference to short hair for men.
Seems to me that they really mean “conformity”, when they say “respect”.
Comment by --W-- — October 1, 2005 @ 19:14