"Got Respect?"

Throughout my life I’ve met innumerous multifaceted people, learned of their stories, triumphs and trials, and have come to realize there are decidedly different approaches of what respect entails. With many children I’ve encountered, respect means developing a sense of self and grasping that everyone is unique, though similar. There is acceptance of others regardless of gender, race, religion, and differing abilities. This is not to be confused with a child’s natural curiosity of why someone is peculiar to them because they may be in a wheelchair, have a Seeing Eye dog, or perhaps even multiple tattoos; these things may prompt an innocent question. For the most part, once a child is satisfied with an answer, they are accepting of the person. The first step to respect someone is to accept them.

As people age, their wants, needs, and desires wax and wane as they mature, for the most part. Societies are influenced by events, whether social, political, environmental or various others as well as persuasive people.  Over time, some individuals can develop extraordinary compassion while others may become severely narcissistic. It has been widely expressed that the people who experience the most horrific and painful hardships are usually the people who show the most compassion towards others. Many people, who have not endured serious tragedies or have had a relatively easy life devoid of emotional or traumatic experiences, may be able to feel empathy but not usually on the same levels as someone who has tremendously suffered.

At times, unremitting afflictions seem to happen to particular individuals that make one ponder if there isn’t a perpetual raincloud assigned to them as they hardly ever find a reprieve for long. Amazingly enough, these folks have developed the ability to accept challenges, steadfastly surmount adversities and then overcome them. Oftentimes these humble and sincerely amiable individuals have been tried by the worse life has had to offer, yet their compassion grows with every hurdle conquered. Ironically, a myriad of persons are confusingly hostile, intensely jealousy and speak contemptuously about those who are the ones enduring the sorrow and pain. I guarantee that not one of these judgmental people could survive a tenth of the torment that some have been required to endure.

The lack of compassion, and therefore disrespect towards others, is so prevalent in our ever progressing society where unbridled wants, desires and greed permeates every social economic status, religion, race, or anything else measurable. Companies such as Enron, Halliburton, AIG and many others who were/are managed by unscrupulous persons who have absolutely no regard for others will always crop up. Nevertheless, there will always be incredibly caring people like Mother Teresa and Erin Brockvich just to name a couple, who pledged to stand up for the underprivileged, disadvantaged and others without a voice.

In the “Giving Pledge,” Warren Buffet, along with 81 billionaires who have pledged to give more than half of their wealth to charitable organizations; as many governments around the world have decreased their assistance due to the global recession. Warren Buffet has donated an unparalleled amount of 37 billion dollars alone. He says he wants to change the way rich people think about philanthropy. By giving of yourself, whether it’s time or money, you’re demonstrating that people are worthy of respect regardless of their social status, race, religion, etc. Some of the “haves” realized that they are truly blessed. Perhaps through their diligence, intelligence, better family structure, experience, knowledge, contacts or any other advantage that is lacking in many who are subjected to sojourn through life in dire straits.

Billionaires agreeing to pledge an enormous amount of their wealth through philanthropy to those in need, will experience the inimitable sensation of the greatest gift of life, which is charity. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” 1 Cor 13:13. Some people have grasped the concept that by being charitable, and likewise respectful of others, they can help to change the world into a gentler, enjoyable place to dwell.