Today’s topic refers to respect and how in this day and age no one really has it anymore. Respect has many definitions such as to show regard or consideration for, to refrain from intruding upon or interfering with or respects a formal expression or gesture of greeting, esteem, or friendship.

Now the first thing I will talk about is respect between kids and parents. You know growing up you always listened to your parents, every time you wanted something bad you tried to cry and they would make that face at you and you would just stop crying. Our parents would just strike fear in us that we would have so much respect for them. The kids growing up in this new generation are a trip though. For example, Mom and son around 6 years old walk into the toy store to get him one thing for his birthday, but as a kid you always want more, so he starts to scream and holler for more toys.

Mom: “Jack we can only get you one toy at the moment

Jack: “But mom I want this one too!!”

Mom: “I’m sorry only one for now”

Jack: “I WANT IT NOW NOW NOW!!”
*Screams and Runs around all hyper*
Mom: “Okay pick whatever else you want.”

You don’t ever let your child take control – I know my mom would have backed hand me if I got any louder than her or scream and brought attention to us for a dam toy. Don’t ever spoil your child because they will believe that they can get ANYTHING from you at anytime.

Being of Haitian descent you are taught about “wants” and “needs” and wants NEVER outweigh the needs. Some people can relate to seeing that one child in the supermarket running around and acting a fool and that one lady chasing after them like “stop running Bobby come back over here.” This is a NO BUENO . . .you would be like my mom would not have tolerated this and would have caught you by the ear and turned it so much that you would know you made a mistake by running around. That just shows the respect the child has for you which are NONE, parents you need to get it together. Respect as it pertains to everyone else; this is something that has to go both ways.

Respect for women from guys is something that comes naturally and is taught (Hopefully) as you are growing up. Women should have the same respect as men have for them this is really a two way streak. Being disrespectful to someone shows that you don’t care about the other individuals feelings and don’t consider that you might affect them in the long run. Being respectful to your elders or just anyone shows that you are a person of good quality and character.

RESPECT find out what it means to me….and you know the rest. At the end of the day, it comes down to communication. Remember that actions speak louder than words. When you blow smoke, make sure it’s both ways and not one.

(Edited by Jamel V.)