The power of respect | Monnishaa Tambe | TEDxOlentangy Liberty Youth

Key Concepts

Respect (giving, earning, deserving, demanding), civil society, cultural practices, reverence, gratitude, faith, differences, maturity, self-confidence, legacy, social media comparison, self-belief, standing up for oneself, unity, understanding, progress.

Forms of Respect

The speaker identifies four key forms of respect:

• Respect we give: Showing positive feeling or differential action towards someone or something held in high esteem or regard. This is often introduced through cultural practices. Example: Touching elders' feet in Indian culture, explained as showing reverence and gratitude for their special qualities, influence, or guidance. Also includes respecting differences of opinion, even in heated debates.
• Respect we earn: Achieved through actions, kindness, and support. Example: The speaker's grandfather, a teacher, earned respect through his dedication and care for his students, leaving behind a legacy of positive impact.
• Respect we deserve: Self-respect and self-belief, especially in the face of social media comparisons and self-judgment. Quoting tennis player Meera Andreeva, the speaker emphasizes the importance of thanking oneself for believing in oneself and persevering through challenges.
• Respect we demand: Standing up for oneself and one's beliefs, ensuring one's voice is heard, and not being a pushover. Examples: Mahatma Gandhi's civil disobedience, Rosa Parks' resistance, and Malala Yousafzai's advocacy for girls' education.

Personal Journey and Examples

The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the different facets of respect:

• Childhood trip to India: Observing parents touching grandparents' feet, learning about the significance of reverence and gratitude in Hindu tradition, and understanding the respect shown to animals and a higher power through prayer.
• Debate club experience: Learning the importance of respecting differing opinions, even during disagreements, and recognizing that true strength lies in accepting differences.
• Grandfather's 75th birthday celebration: Witnessing the impact of his grandfather's kindness and support on his students, realizing that earning respect is a valuable legacy.
• Social media comparison: Acknowledging the negative impact of comparing oneself to others on social media and emphasizing the importance of self-belief.

The Importance of Respect

The speaker argues that respect is a foundational pillar of humanity, alongside love. While love may be innate, respect is acquired and crucial for maintaining a civil society.

• Respect as a governing force: It keeps us and our society civil, cordial, and amicable.
• Respect and differences: Accepting and respecting differences is the foundation of a civil society.
• Respect and legacy: Earning respect through kindness and support is a valuable legacy to leave behind.
• Respect and self-confidence: Self-respect and self-confidence are essential for achieving goals.
• Respect and change: Demanding respect is key to making change in the world and ensuring one's voice is heard.

Conclusion

Respect is not just an abstract concept but the foundation upon which we build relationships, identities, and societies. It is the respect we give, earn, deserve, and demand that keeps us and our society civil. By prioritizing respect, we contribute to a more fair, compassionate, and respectful world where humanity can thrive. Love might bring us together, but respect is what keeps us together.