Helping the Cause
Respect can be defined as a positive feeling of esteem for a person or entity. It denotes the regard and consideration shown by an individual towards others.

There have been various philosophical works done in the past that try to define ‘respect’ comprehensively. The most substantial work has been done by Immanuel Kant. He stated that every individual deserves respect because he is an end in himself.

Though, his theory is questioned, criticized or inferred in many ways, yet it is one of the significant works. It is hard to clearly demarcate the outline and definition of respect. But it is a feeling that can be mutually understood and felt.

Respect cannot be demanded, it is an asset that has to be earned. From the very childhood kids are taught to respect their parents, elders, teachers and an unending list of social obligations. But an ambiguity arises when the teachings do no match the practical experiences.

Children find it hard to respect certain persons or the same person in differing situations, viz. If a parent generally behaves positively with the children, it is normal for the child to reciprocate and show the same behaviour. But the anomaly arises when a parent confront or scold the child to make him understand a certain thing. The child wants to reciprocate his behaviour but the parent defies his behaviour and tells the child to respect him.

Here the respect is tried to be imposed and not earned. This is a contradiction to respect. Nobody can earn respect by suppression or by flaunting power. It is a deliberate action that cannot be forced upon others.

There is an individualistic form of respect also, which is well known as self-respect. If an individual cannot respect himself, he cannot respect any other person. A feeling of worth and rational judgement gives rise to self respect.

Self respect is an essential