Respect in Retrospect

In the last couple of weeks we’ve seen quite a few examples of the crumbling decency of our culture. Where has our respect gone? Rep. Joe Wilson allowed himself the momentary satisfaction of an emotional outburst at President Obama during a speech. Now the words “you lie” have become a catch phrase and while it isn’t the first time a President has been heckled (not even for this President) it is the first time a member of Congress has done so during a session.

Over the next few days the media frenzied around Serena Williams’ behavior at the US Open and then again when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards.

These are just a few displays of the complete lack of respect and compassion that is becoming the norm in our society. There’s a thick, bold line between dissent and disrespect. There’s nothing wrong in disagreeing with someone but it’s the manner in which you display your polarity that reflects your true nature. We seek out opportunities to ridicule and disparage each other without a care. Every bad act was the product of a bad decision and we have the ability to decide whether or not to destroy the spirit of another.

“Because we all share an identical need for love, it is possible to feel that anybody we meet, in whatever circumstances, is a brother or sister.”

“I feel that the essence of spiritual practice is your attitude toward others. When you have a pure, sincere motivation, then you have right attitude toward others based on kindness, compassion, love and respect.”

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama