Nobody should ever expect respect [...] You never EXPECT respect from people you don't know, even if you determine to respect them. And respect is EARNED, not "deserved". To "deserve" respect is a liberal mentality. [...] you are silly and naive to EXPECT it from a stranger, sight unseen.Won't argue with you about the mental derangement of liberals, and I certainly don't want to defend the mindset of the authoress of this article - but I think that, by "respect," the authoress meant the basic respect owed to anyone who simply doesn't want to be harassed - NOT the kind of earned respect (manifested by deference, courtesy, etc.) due someone because of his extraordinary accomplishments, great wisdom, saintliness, etc.
Regards,
I think we largely agree. I have had this discussion before with many people, and the term I use is
"Default Respect" (your term is "basic respect") and it only applies to my own dealings with others. It means, for example, that if I get into a fender bender with someone, I am going to treat them with respect and forebearance, understanding that I don't know them or their station in life. For all I know, this person might be one of the kindest, best, most capable people I will ever see. He might be a war hero. She might be the most amazing mother and wife, beloved by the community. I just don't know, so I resolve to treat them as such, not a gray haired confused man, or a disheveled woman who appears to be in a hurry.
I will continue to treat them that way unless they demonstrate that they don't deserve it by default. I endeavor to keep courtesy, but I don't have to respect them.
It would be nice to "expect" that in return, but I don't think it is wise to do so, especially in today's world. In my opinion, you need to remain mentally armored up to handle it in advance.
As I said, I think we see it somewhat the same way.