What Is Respect?

But there's another way to look at diversity in the world around us. People who see others as individuals instead of labeling them according to the group they belong to are people who show respect for each other. (Some people use the word tolerance to mean the same thing.)

Respect for one another means being willing to accept other people's differences - even if they look different from you, have a different religion, or come from a different land. It also means treating other people the way you'd want to be treated.

Does this mean that all behaviors should be tolerated? No way! Behaviors that disrespect or hurt others, like being mean or bullying, or behaviors that break social rules, like lying or stealing, should not be tolerated. Respect is about accepting people for who they are, for their best selves - not about accepting bad behavior.

Practicing Respect

But isn't it easier just to be with kids who are like you? Kids who have the same skin and hair color? Who speak the same language? Who think the way you do?

Easier, maybe. But sticking with the easy way also means missing out. You won't get to find out about different cultures or learn about new ideas, places, or ways of looking at the world. You'll also miss out on making new friends.

Getting to know someone who's different than you might seem a little uncomfortable at first. Here's how a kid named Mike puts it: "When I see somebody who's not like me, my first reaction is to keep my distance. But after getting to know this really cool kid - who's totally unlike me - I realized that everybody's just looking for a friend."

A smile and a simple "hi" are all you need. All it takes is one person to take the first step. Why not you?

Updated and reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD
Date reviewed: April 2004
Originally reviewed by: W. Douglas Tynan, PhD