R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
October 8, 2009
Filed under Opinion
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Whatever happened to that?
As children we learn right from wrong, basic rules of respect and courtesy. But the standards of society are slipping. Civility is becoming increasingly difficult to come by.
The recent behavior of Serena William’s at the US Open is one example. I understand getting mad at a bad call, even letting slip a few profanities. But I do not understand threatening to shove a bleeping tennis ball down the bleeping line judge’s throat. That’s taking your frustration too far.
Yes, she was penalized – on match point, which cost her the semi-final round – but years ago, a directly threatening outburst would have brought a stiffer penalty, like suspension.
Let’s not forget Kanye West’s rude outburst during the VMA’s. Even if Beyonce had a better music video and deserved the award, it was uncalled for and disrespectful of him to interrupt Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech. Sometimes celebrities just need to sit down and shut up.
Yet another case of incivility was Rep. Joe Wilson’s remark during President Obama’s healthcare address to Congress and the nation. During the middle of the speech, the South Carolinian shouted “you lie.”
You may not agree with the president; you might even believe that he is misrepresenting the facts. Even so, the president – no matter who that person is – deserves a basic level of respect. He represents our country. Will others around the world respect him if we don’t?
It isn’t just tennis players, singers, and politicians. At healthcare forums all over the country last summer grownups were acting like children.
Our society is too accepting of disrespectful behavior. I don’t approve. Let’s be decent to one another and respect each other’s property.
It’s not that hard to be civil toward your fellow human beings. As the saying goes, we can at least agree to disagree.
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