Hey Nancy!

Oct 22 16:08 06, Nancy Backus wrote to MAURICE KINAL:

 NB> Actually, I tend to believe that there really is a difference between
 NB> what is meant by the different uses of the term.  And that perhaps 
 NB> we'd
 NB> do better if there were different words to use in each case so we
 NB> wouldn't get them as confused with each other.  And, as well, that 
 NB> there
 NB> is at least some validity to each of the various uses.

Interesting.  I've been thinking about it and it seems to me that I know
and yet don't know or at least am finding it difficult to put into words.

What do you propose?

 NB> Yes, a certain amount of respect needs to be earned.  And, by the 
 NB> same
 NB> token, respect can be lost,

Hm.  I think that is true.  More then likely what I meant by nurturing it
rather then expecting it to just happen.

 NB> respect.  I accept this use more on the basis of the fact that some
 NB> people DO earn my respect by what they do (or don't do, in some 
 NB> cases). 
 NB> But I usually hear that one from those who are making tacit excuse 
 NB> for
 NB> their disrespectful behaviour.

Right.  I think that might also happen internally as in the case of self
respect and the loss of it.

 NB> The reason I think that this is a different use of the word is that I
 NB> feel it refers to a different level, possibly also a different kind, 
 NB> of
 NB> respect.

I am not sure.  When I think about respect, or the lack of it, it seems to
me to be quite clear and only has one 'meaning' but I cannot really define
in words what it really is.

 NB> It's a matter of seeing that everyone, no matter how large 
 NB> or
 NB> small, young or old, high or low, has value, simply because they ARE. 

Again I am not sure and yet strangely I think I am sure.  For instance it
is tough to have respect for those who appear to lack it within themselves
and that is usually indicative by their actions towards themselves and most
often others.

 NB> It doesn't mean accepting everything that they do, or say, or their
 NB> value system either.  It's just a basic level of respect that anyone
 NB> whatsoever should be given.  I think that the family sense of it is 
 NB> more
 NB> part of the next category, in most respects.

:-)  Ye ol' double meaning there methinks.

 NB> I could probably add even more different senses of it, but I think 
 NB> I'll
 NB> not, at least for now... :)

Yeah.  It is a toughie all on it's own, no?

Life is good,
Maurice

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