Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin made it a hit. Everyone could sing it and spell it...R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Baby boomers learned about it from their parents and in churches and schools. They were taught to respect their elders. Respect the flag.  Respect the uniform. Respect authority. We were raised to think there were consequences to not showing appropriate respect.

Respect for settings and environments was reflected in how one dressed. It was translated into professionalism and to modesty...ties for men, closed toe shoes for women. Women did not have access to the Vatican if shoulders or knees were showing. Classrooms had the advantage of a world in which teachers were given respect. Sometimes, by nature of their positions, principals received respect also. And, yes, even superintendents. But times change and the doors open to the debate about whether respect is given or earned, whether it is extended to positions and roles or to individuals who occupy them, whether it is a societal absolute or an ethereal feeling or thought. Read more...