Twots use respect as a way of circumventing argument; i.e. "if you argue with me then you are disrespecting me". Generally it's not the Twot himself who demands respect as that is far too crass, it's the little group of hanger-on support Twots who do it on his behalf.

Part of this comes down to the sort of sychophantic behaviour typical of what we all know as "office politics". However, whether respect is being coerced by the Twot himself or by his support group, it is worth touching base on what Respect actually is (IMVHO, of course).

Respect is not universal - it relates to a particular area, discipline or activity. For example, I respect David Beckham's opinions about football, but I'm not the least bit interested in his opinions on anything else. Similarly I respect the financial opinions of a Chief Financial Officer of a company that has clearly being managed well financially. I don't respect his opinions on anything else either. Too many people, I'm afraid, seem to imagine that if they get to some elevated position because of "activity A", then they should be respected with regards to their opinions relating to "activity B". Celebrities do this in the public eye. Managers and executives of all kinds do this in firms and institutions.

Respect is never automatic. It doesn't come with age or position. It doesn't come with anything, actually, as it is also subjective. Respect is generally earned when someone does something which impresses you. An achievement of some sort, over and above what an average person might manage. Something that indicates exatraordinary ability or expertise.

Not respecting does not mean disrespecting. Neither respecting or disrespecting is the norm. 99.9% of people fall into that category for me, at least.

Respect produces guidelines, not requisites. I can still disagree with people I respect even on the subjects for which I respect them. I can disagree with them greatly even if I respect them greatly. This is neither arrogance nor disrespect. It is simply the right we all have to freedom of opinion.

If someone I respect ventures an opinion within the area that I respect them then I will, generally, give that opinion due consideration. That is all I am prepared to do, and even that is not guaranteed. If I choose to do so, it will be simply because I deemed it prudent and sensible at the time.

And that's it.

Most of the time I will consider an opinion entirely on its own merit rather than on the merit or otherwise of the person who says it. Respect wont come into it. Any non-Twot shouldn't be bothered by this.

Richard

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