To that person involved: Maybe I’m crazy, or maybe I’m just a little annoyed by the fact that you, in a space of 2 minutes, completely ruined about 8-10 hours of hard work on my part. This rant might be related to that, or might not. I myself am not sure.
It’s just a small incident, but for some reason I couldn’t help thinking about it all day. After ICT class today, on the way back to class, I passed by a school VIP who usually patrols the school. Of course, being my usual crass, rude, inhospitable self,
I did not say, “Good morning!” to her. This was an unforgivable offence which meant that I deserved at least a detention, if not immediate suspension from school. However, she had mercy on me and only said in a sarcastic manner, “Goo-d morning
‽”.
Worrying for my life, I immediately replied with the standard greeting. She looked at me for a second with what I perceieve to be a “Young people these days… they have no respect” look.
Well!
I don’t get this “showing respect to your superiors/elders” thing just because they are older than you? Why must we respect them? Respect for people should be based on actions, not silly things like age or position. So what in the world makes you think that I must show respect to you? If I do respect you, I’ll be courteous and polite and greet you whenever I see you. If I disrespect you, I will make it a point to be rude and completely ignore you. But what did I do? I wasn’t being respectful or disrepectful, I was just minding my own business and being apathetic as usual. But then you come and demand respect?
What is it you elder people say? Respect must be earned? Well, earn it. Everyone has their opinion on how people need to act and behave to earn their respect. You cannot get respect by forcing people. If you could, I wouldn’t be writing this.
Anyways. It’s just a small matter. About 5 seconds of my life. And if I ever see you again, Mrs. Deputy Principal, I will probably say, “Good morning”*. But it probably won’t be full of smiles, and it probably won’t be full of respect.
*Heck, I’ll probably say, “Good morning” even if it’s 3pm in the afternoon. That’ll be fun. You’ll probably correct me too and won’t be satisfied until I greet you properly.
Oh and Mr. Yow? I know you’re reading this. Keep it hush :)
