Last week a student asks me what the purpose of the school's 3R's are when nobody takes them to heart. In every class there is a small sign posted somewhere which tells the "3R's"
Be Respectful to Yourself
Be Respectful to Others
Take Responsibilities
For that particular class I thought that was a great question to ask, so today I asked the class that same question. None of them responded respectfully, which does not surprise me what so ever.
However, I think this is a great question to reflect in ourselves.
"Be Respectful to Yourself" I believe may be the hardest one for anyone to ask themselves. I know because I tried it myself today. What does it mean to "Be Respectful to Yourself"? As I think about it, I think of the number of times I have second guessed myself and put myself down for it. That is not being respectful to Myself. Confidence and belief in oneself to live their life the way they want is being respectful to one's self.
"Be Respectful to Others" This is the "R" which I think is slowly disappearing in today's society. People are too often easily offended. Why would anyone want to live their life on edge ready to pounce on something they dont like. This country was founded on the belief that we have the natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Who am I to take those rights away from anyone. I have my own personal beliefs, but I only hold myself to those beliefs and standards because they are personal.
"Take Responsibility" This is another "R" which I feel has been lost in today's society. Why are people so quick to point fingers? If I do something, I am going to take responsibility for my actions. I believe when you do that, people are more likely to trust you. But in today's society, responsibility is pushed on to people because of convenience. I heard a quote many years ago, I am not sure who said it, but it is one quote I try to live my life by; "A true leaders takes more blame than praise".
These three "R's" are something I would encourage you to think about and see what they mean to you.
Until next time my friends, thanks for "Mind Wandering with Jason".
I like that quote.
ReplyDeleteI like it too, Jason, and your exposition on it. There is a problem with any slogan or constantly repeated message. Sometimes people accept it and stop thinking about it, as in totalitarian politics and religion; sometimes people make fun of it (which may be justified)and sometimes it just stops registering precisely because it's there all the time. Sometimes, of course, it's preached by the leaders who promptly contradict it by their actions. Maybe it would be better to post the message periodically.
ReplyDeleteI deduce from the reference to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that you're in the U.S.. I'd have the same concerns about British society, but maybe the respect for others lasts a bit better because we don't shout our arguments so much and our political and cultural divides seem less deep these days. Still there are people who are brought up so that they have no concept of fairness or reciprocity, so that they genuinely see a request to turn down music or move a car, for example, as a vicious personal attack by someone who dislikes them, and respond accordingly. That said, the concepts of fairness and reciprocity run very deep and surely pre-date our species.