The very foundation of a fair society is rooted in a sense of mutual respect. We strongly believe that restoring respect is the first step towards a better society. The societies that we build or live in are in one way or the other, our community. Communities are led by developing a culture of respect and trust rooted in a shared intention and lack of which is detrimental to our growth not only as individuals but also a unit. A shortage of respect, as we have often seen in our world, leads to chaos, destruction, and eventual failure of our society.
Martin Luther King Jr once said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools”. As the face and spokesperson of the civil rights movement, King was fighting for the end of racial inequality. It is also said “respect begins with oneself” and in the words of Gordon Hinckley “Respect for self is the beginning of cultivating virtue in men and women.” When we recognize our own self-worth, we are able to respect others with the same value. And when we see the other with the same amount of dignity that we see ourselves, we step into our true humanness and encourage respectful behavior.
Time and again we have seen that genuine respect for one another leads to peaceful and democratic society. True respect is not merely the absence of disrespect, but also our reaction and response when faced with adversity. It is the protection of fellow human beings, justice towards all, free communication, and an oppression free society where everyone is given a chance to thrive and succeed. It is in dignity, empathy, and a spirit of oneness. Our world, time and again, calls on us to foster this sense of respect, justice and peace.
