cont/

Another factor I think is that our culture has never revered age or experience, unfortunately. One saying that I think is particularly idiotic is the "Respect isn't given it's earned." Someone said it years ago and it sounded natty so a few nongs parrot it as if it's meaningful, while actually it's the antithesis of the notion of respect. All humans should be respected as a default position until there is a very good reason to withdraw it.

Otherwise, we have all these arrogant people expecting others to 'earn' their respect - but the criteria by which people are to do that remains a mystery peculiar to each individual doing the judging. It sets up an impossible scenario because everyone can set their own criteria and whether or not anybody is deemed worthy is a very hit and miss affair. Most just won't bother.

Another thing that seems peculiar to me is the way that the word itself 'respect' has lost meaning. Instead of being used in reference to regard or esteem between people, I often hear people say things like, "Sharks [or crocodiles] ... treat them with respect."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocnSGeBLW5s

Is the sentiment likely to be reciprocated - noop. I suspect they mean something like 'awe'. I'm wondering what meanings others derive from the idea of showing respect to creatures like sharks.

How can humans say they respect a shark when they don't in general respect each other? Very odd.

Anyway, a little respect can go a long way. Here's a classic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrV0c9ETnWo&feature=related

Every contribution so far is spot on, pelican and foxy stole my words.
Yes it is PC gone mad, but just maybe needed.
And yes basically it appears to be for India's benefit but again it can not hurt.
Remember respect is something some will never ever understand.
I have no idea what living skills are taught at school today we do teach people about sun cancer a whole host of things right now via media information.
Look at any pedestrian crossing, stand and watch, people car keys in hand sprinting to cross a not light controlled crossing and on getting into the car? nearly running over people on that same crossing.
The minister? waste of money job for the boys but India will be happy, those who understand respect,, and if the outcome is more thought into education for every day life, ok by me.

We've built our society on a lack of respect for the individual and now government thinks we're lacking? The hypocrisy of government is just astounding dontcha think?

I always thought respect was earned not taught?
Perhaps this new minister (another one) could look into respect for the citizens of this nation by our leaders and then things might change!

I respect any, & every one who earns that respect. I even treat everyone with respect, untill I have reason to withdraw that respect.

I can not see how any, [not worthy of my respect], damn fool government expects they can legislate that I WILL RESPECT anyone.

It's this type of stupidity that makes these fool pollies not worthy of ANY respect, from anyone.

Pynchme, "most men think (or at least say) that they would LOVE to be somebody's sex object or get a bit of a grope. "

Exactly and that is why Victoria's Ministry for Respect would find that this was not assault at all and nor could a woman be guilty of disrespecting a white man because they deserve it. Equal Opportunity Commission CEO Dr Helen Szoke would be laughing uproariously over a Scotch and a Cuban cigar in her club.

Nothing Orwellian about the Ministry for Respect (much) and the next cab off the rank is the Ministry for Peace.

BTW, I don't think that men are so much different from women in that both would like to be considered 'hot' by the opposite gender and both men and women would like to be treated as a sex god or goddess and fondled. The provisos however and they are the same for men and women are choice and permission - it has to be someone you would like doing it and at a time and place that suits.

I cannot imagine that Ms Di Cioccio's stunt was conceived for any other purpose than to humiliate Beckham. The real story is that she thought she would get away with it because she was a women and that is not something that would amuse liberated women.

What a ex-Essendon player wanting respect, he should have played for Collingwood then.
Ok, respect does equal fear doesn't it.