Respect:
Reasons why it is not overrated
LaQuisha Morgan
Full Sail University

Respect is not overrated
The benefits of respect can be plentiful in everyday life, in the workplace, in the home, in schools, and in politics. (Why respect is overrated) is the title of an article written by Donna Hicks. Donna Hicks, Ph.D., is an associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University. The article http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/02/15/why-respect-is-overrated/ was published February 15, 2013. In this article Donna Hicks argues that respect is overrated and that what people really want is to be treated with dignity. Dignity is something people are born with and respect is something people have to earn (Hicks, 2013). As children we are taught (one hopes) to respect our parents, teachers, and elders, school rules and traffic laws, family and cultural traditions, other people’s feelings and rights, our country’s flag and leaders, the truth and people’s differing opinions (Dillon, 2003). Respect as a much-needed element that should be practiced more in everyday life. People should do the right thing because doing the right thing is the right thing to do. Showing respect isn’t overrated. People recognize when they’ve been respected and they recognize when they’ve been disrespected. And when the feeling of disrespect by another human being is present, conflict arises. People want respect. (Kant, Wood, Schneewind, Baron, Kagan, 2002)
“The power of Respect is potent” (Norville, 2003). Respect keeps marriages together, not dignity. In day-to-day living all people, at some level, are worthy of respect (Dillon, 2003). Our fundamental moral obligation is to respect persons; morally right actions are thus those that express respect for persons as ends in themselves, while morally wrong actions are those that express disrespect or contempt for persons by not valuing them as ends in themselves (Wood 1999).
Respect in the workplace matters. There have been many worker surveys that suggest workers want more than just monetary compensation; in particular they want a sort of appreciation and recognition from their employers that conveys “respect” (Ellingsen & Johannesson, 2007). Also, when there is a respectful work environment, workers tend to be more creative and are less likely to quit. From an education standpoint, respect has made school a place kids are sad to leave. These are schools where respect educational programs have made astonishing changes. Respect is the fourth of the five R’s that schools must teach is they are to develop ethically literate persons who can take their place as responsible citizens of society (Lickona, 1991). In summary, many people have opinions and different point of views. However, when it comes to humanity (dignity and respect are important). There can be one without the other. However one invites the other. In order for opposites to effectively communicate with one another, there has to be a certain level of respect present. Some humans believe respect has to be earned while others believe it should be given