Respect: Who Deserves It and Why

Respect: Definition

Respect is a positive feeling or deferential action shown towards someone or something considered important or held in high esteem. Respect conveys admiration for good or valuable qualities.

The question might be: “Who deserves respect?” Honestly, everyone deserves a baseline level of respect—no exceptions. This kind of respect isn’t admiration or agreement. It’s recognition of human dignity.

Respect is the minimum acknowledgment that someone is human.

Baseline Respect

Everyone should receive baseline respect because it is owed to all people simply for being human. Baseline respect means listening without dehumanizing, disagreeing without degrading, and acknowledging that every life has value.

Role or Merit-Based Respect

Role or merit-based respect is tied to what someone does, how they act, and how responsibly they use their power. They usually earn additional respect through actions such as kindness, integrity, courage, service, and accountability to others.

Groups Who Receive Role or Merit-Based Respect

Some groups receive additional respect not because they are more human, but because of their roles in society, their wisdom, service, and responsibility toward others. That respect is meaningful when it’s paired with accountability and ethical behavior.

Societies have long given additional respect to certain groups—and for good reason. This form of respect isn’t about being “more human.” It’s about recognizing responsibility, service, and impact.

• Elders often deserve respect because they possess the wisdom accumulated through years of life experience. They have navigated various challenges, witnessed societal changes, and adapted in ways that younger generations may not fully grasp. Respecting the elderly is about recognizing their journey and honoring their contributions to families and society.
• Parents and Guardians play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of their children, grandchildren, and other children under their care. They provide love, support, and guidance that help mold their offspring’s values and character.

• Teachers and Mentors profoundly impact lives by shaping minds with education and skills. They inspire and encourage learners to reach their full potential, typically offering additional support and guidance. Their dedication to imparting knowledge and fostering potential deserves respect. Furthermore, mentors go beyond teaching academic subjects. They offer life lessons, career advice, and emotional support.

• Clergy and Spiritual Leaders are persons within established religions who provide moral guidance. Their roles and functions vary across religious traditions, but usually involve presiding over specific rituals, preaching, and teaching the doctrines of their religion.
• Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and caregivers, deserve respect because of their commitment to serving others. They work in high-pressure environments, often sacrificing their own well-being for their patients' health and safety. The compassion and dedication they display in their work usually change lives.

• First responders risk their lives while providing service to others during emergencies, including fires, traffic accidents, and many other dangerous situations.

Respect for the roles above only works when it’s supported by integrity and ethical behavior.

• Human dignity is universal that earns basic respect.
• Because of their actions and responsibilities, certain groups earn additional merit-based respect.

Personal Notes

I deserve a baseline level of respect because I am human. I can check four of the six groups that deserve merit-based respect.

• Elderly: I am 80 years old.
• Parents and Guardians: I am a parent of two adult children and a grandparent of three.
• Teachers and Mentors: I have been a teacher for over 60 years in high schools, colleges, and Bible schools. I have mentored dozens of people over the years.
• Clergy and Spiritual Leaders: I have been a licensed minister for 29 years and an ordained minister of Christian education for 28 years.