Respect should be a hallmark of civil discourse
Respect. Such a small word, but it means so much more.
The way we like to describe respect is “an act of giving particular attention,” according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Respect is consideration. As people, we are considerate of those who are sick. We send them cards, offer medicine, and let them rest. We are considerate to those who are injured. We carry their things, make sure they are comfortable, and give those hopes and prayers of recovery. We are considerate to others when things are lost or broken, when someone is in need, when everything that can go wrong does go wrong.
However, we are not necessarily considerate of people’s feelings. Especially recently, due to the presidential election. Being a part of the millennial generation, I still have no idea exactly how politics works. What I see, though, does not look good. With both major candidates, we saw signs of disrespect to us, and to each other.
Our presidential candidates were part of many debates, which should be orderly and respectful. It is possible to debate without hate, to debate your view with open understanding and consideration for the other view. Some candidates lied to us, some have offered contradictory ideas, some have been honest, some have been rude, some have been ignorant, and some have been demeaning.
Nonetheless, is this what we want America to come to?
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and has the right to express it. You learn at an early age, that facts and opinion are separate. As you go through school, you might have debates. An easy way to learn how to debate without hate is to do research on a topic and have a debate. In most professional debates, points are taken away from someone if they use personal or emotional responses. We get so caught up with our own opinions that we forget that other people have feelings, too. We feel strongly, but so do they. We are worried about our own well-being, not others.
So, what are some touchy subjects that cause a breakdown in civil discourse? Abortion, immigration, drug abuse, racial discrimination, marriage equality, gender identity, and women’s rights.
Nothing is guaranteed unless written differently by the law. Presidents are not the only ones who make laws – the laws go through the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well. Presidents only serve a four-year term, Congress changes about every two years, laws and bills can be amended. America is the land of the free, but we would not be free without laws. America was colonized to be able to express whatever you felt without persecution, so think about that next time you debate with others or witness a debate where someone is disrespcted.
I’ll close with two quotes from Benjamin Franklin:
”Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
”Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government; when this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved, and tyranny is erected on its ruins.”
Toni Maurer is a junior at Washington High School. This essay was the second-place winner in an essay contest on civil discourse sponsored by Washington Hospital Teen Outreach.