A little Respect

Respect was never given, it will and always be earned.

Not just because you're an old man or some king of the world, it's taken for granted that everyone must respect you. The only reason I do not rebel or retaliate is because I wouldn't want trouble. I'm still treating you with respect because I have to, not because I really do.

In many circumstances, even as simple as a bus ride home or a finding a seat in the market, you see many people who thinks they deserve respect in every way. There were a few times, I met old man or old ladies who barge their way, irregarding how people around them would feel. Like pushing me away with an irritated look when I, unknowingly stood in their way.

Nothing irks me more than people who think it's natural that I should forgive and let them do whatever they want because they're old. I would give up seat for elderly people, I would not fight over seats in a foodcourt if you were already there, I would not deliberately speak in a rude manner to anyone. In any case, everyone, whether you are an old lady with all whites on the head or a young naive kid who's not even 12, I'll respect you in everyway as long as you don't take it for granted.

Similar for family members. Even if you're my cousin, my uncle, my aunty, etc. It's doesn't mean you're of higher seniority and that related blood flows in both of us, I have to respect you. If you cross the line and cause suffering to others, especially to people whom I care for dearly, I don't see how I should respect you.

Man is a selfish creature. No man would be that selfless to sacrifice self to save others. It;s more common to see man sacrificing others in exchange for self-gain. Don't be surprised, even siblings or close family members would want you dead just to ensure their own livelihood. All these seem oblivious to everyone because no major predicament or impasse that happened yet. When it comes to such deadlock situations, who would you save? Yourself, or your relative?

It's been pretty obvious to me now, the answer was affirmative. Don't be too quick to judge until you yourself is in such situation. It's a sad and ugly truth, one that I feel hapless about.

One, that turns respect into disgust.