Things that are missing, Part I

Respect.

It seems that I've been a bit more grumpy and frustrated lately, as my recent posts have basically been a crusade against things that are pissing me off. Well, over the past week I've been ruminating over my last post, Things that are Political and Paradoxical Part I. In light of this, I've discovered that there is one underlying feature in my abundance of grievances: a fundamental lack of respect. It's difficult for me to even keep track of all of the instances I have witnessed where people are adding unnecessary anger and conflict in the world out of lack of respect for one thing or another. You do it, I do it, everyone does it. But it seems that lack of respect is on the rise, and the best way to defeat such a negative force would be to first acknowledge it.

As I was mentioned in my last post, I was stunned by the utter disrespect shown by many when Obama visited MIT. Just because you disagree with an individual or a group about some issue, does not mean that you should disrespect their character. But I've heard so many people say that because of one small thing--be it an act, an idea, a viewpoint--they no longer respect someone. This someone is often a friend, a peer, a leader, or even a figure of authority. I get a nasty feeling in my stomach when I hear someone say "I do not respect this person because of X." It just repulsed me. Why? Well, I'm of the opinion that (with rare exception) people should respect everyone, regardless of their acts, deeds, thoughts, stances, etc. Let me make it clear that I am in no way saying that you should not disagree with other or even that you shouldn't confront these disagreements. By all means you should discuss these issues and discover that motivates these differences of opinions. Go out. Have a conversation. Argue about the issue. But there is no reason that this cannot be a respectful discourse. Because disrespect is gross. I see protesters with pictures of Bush or Obama as Hitler, people suggesting that we should burn Creationist literature, news pundits saying that liberals hate people with trisomy 21 (6:15), someone no longer respecting a friend because they disagree with him on a triviality, the list goes on and on.

There's one issue I'd like to focus in on. For those who don't know, Kirk Cameron and the group Living Waters, have mass produced a "special copy" of the Origin of Species, which includes a 50 page introduction concerning "'Adolf Hitler's undeniable connection' to the theory of evolution, and highlighting 'Darwin's racism' and 'his disdain for women.'" (For those of you who have not already seen them, I recommend watching both videos on the page, especially the second one). On the 150th anniversary of the book's publication, his group will be freely distributing the copies of the book on college campuses across America. Now, I've read this 50 page introduction. Most of it is BS. There are a lot of made-up fact that are far from the truth. But I've been shocked at some responses to it. Some people have suggesting burning the books or mocking the people handing out the books by ripping them up.

And I ask: how does this lack of respect help the issue? Sure, you may disagree with them (and I'm of the opinion that you should), but disrespecting them is just rude and uncalled for. Even though many people are of the opinion that evolution should not be a debate, unfortunately we live in a world where it is. And there may not be any way to win this debate. Some people are guided by dogmatic views that will not listen to logic and reason. I admit this is frustrating. Very, very frustrating. However, showing disrespect is no way to behave--I'd even argue that doing so would be to lose ground. I believe that the only way to deal with this issue is to educate people as best you can in spite of those that would spread lies (or just differing opinions if it be the case). Show them why your view is correct--don't scream at those that disagree with you, even if you find their viewpoint to be preposterous. Antagonism is never a path to victory. As I have said previously, I may simplify the issues greatly, but I think there is great merit in looking at an overview of situations at hand. So please, let's show some respect.