We live in the age of the internet, advanced technologies,
convenience, higher education and information technology. However advanced the
world we live in, it is very disappointing, so annoying and really just sad to
say that today’s generation see these and use these as a license to be
assholes.
Values seem lost, forgotten and purposely buried in the
shadows of technology. Many educational institutions take pride in having the
best quality of education and having the latest top of the line technology, and
with it, emphasis on values, attitude and respect are becoming mere fine prints
that are easily ignored.
We live in a generation lucky enough to have the freedom of
expression. A world where we can take our opinions not only over the internet, at
anytime or at any point we choose to, but also take our opinions and the things
we take a stand for to the streets.
Protests here and there, preaching what is right, demanding
for justice, pointing fingers and pointing out other people’s mistakes and
crimes, reminding everyone through such protests that our rights should be
respected. But in the process, we conveniently ignore a very important value,
respect.
Isn’t it ironic how we demand for respect, but don’t even
know how or when to be respectful anymore? Where do we draw the line? Do we see
a line still? We live in a time where being right, being educated, knowing how
to speak English is construed as a license to be rude, mean, and disrespectful.
For some, they act as though they have the right to look down
on those who have less, why do we act as though we have the right to push
people around? For some, they only give respect to those who they think are
worthy, to those who are rich and famous, to those who are educated, to those who
wear clean clothes, to those who speak English and so on.
This is now the culture our generation recognizes, a
shameful one at that. Rich or poor, educated or illiterate, a humble citizen or
a public figure, it shouldn’t matter. Respect is a value worth giving and
having. It should not be bound by any criteria. It is true that respect is earned,
but really, we don’t need to be a prick about it. Sadly, our world is already
overflowing with assholes because of its twisted definition about respect.
We are living in a world where everyone expects respect, yet
everyone is too greedy to be the first to show it. The world is already full of assholes it seems,
why add to that population? And just like they say it on TV, choose heart over
hate. It’s a better way to live for you, me and all of the people in the world.
