The meaning of words
You speak of the problems facing our youth. The root of the problem with them is that they don't learn what the word respect really means in school.
Respect is a feeling of esteem and honor for another; that is - you admire positive traits in that person. A feeling of very deep respect is veneration which includes love and reverance.
So where did these kids get the wrong idea? They have been taught that respect is coupled with fear. They are told to respect their teachers, their parents, their elders, the police, etc. Not because these people are worthy of respect, but because they are in positions of authority, and the youth are in a subordinate position - one of fear of punishment. So they are mixed up about the difference in respect for someone as a person and respect for a position of authority that someone holds.
It's almost as if we need another word for respect as applied to those in authority. How about fearspect?
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09-09-2009
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