ARCHIVES OF EDITORIALS

 

 

September 30, 2004

R-E-S-P-E-C-T


Those who understand the psyche of Boston have undoubtedly perceived a new tenor of respect for African Americans and Latinos since the recent Suffolk County Sheriff election. Politics is serious business in Boston. Wave after wave of immigrants to the city have relied upon the power of the ballot to improve the quality of their lives. Understandably, they have little respect for those who fail to use their right to vote as a weapon to influence public policy.

There is a strong human need to have the respect of others. By turning out to the polls in droves, African Americans and Latinos surprised the pundits and launched a new era of Boston politics. While the turnout of so-called minorities earned them a new respect, there is still much to be accomplished. This is a good time to consider the nature of respect.

Among civilized people there is a quantum of respect that is due every fellow human being. That is why most Americans and citizens of industrialized nations were horrified by the abuse of Iraqi detainees by American soldiers in the Abu Ghraib prison. Even convicted felons and enemy prisoners are entitled to appropriate and respectful treatment.

Of course that level of respect would not satisfy most law-abiding citizens, not to mention those of great achievement. Respect must be earned. The standards of society determine which achievements are worthy of great respect. For example, in Boston, a very ethnic city, aggressive political participation of an ethnic group is greatly prized.

Respect for an individual is much more complex than respect for a group. It takes root in self-respect. Strangely, it seems that those with great self-respect easily acquire the respect of others. However, those with great self-respect tend not to need the respect and approval of others to feel fully human. Conversely, those with what may be described as an inferiority complex are in constant need of the approval of others.

The issue of self-respect is very important for African Americans. There is no human society in which slaves have great respect. Slavery is a lowly status. The psychic scars of slavery can survive in a family for many generations. This mind-set has proven to be a great impediment for the individual development of some African American youth. This is a problem confronted in America by no other group, except perhaps by some Native Americans.

Past generations found a way to overcome the stigma of slavery. It was simple and effective. By showing great respect for others they created a sense of tranquility in African American neighborhoods. Respect is infectious. Respect shown to others came back tenfold. Acts of respect make people feel that they are welcome and are important members of the community.

Perhaps it is not possible to turn the clock back to a time of greater civility, but it is certainly worth an effort. The violence and disrespect to others now rampant in the black community is enervating and it will eventually destroy the sense of belonging essential for a strong political base.

Although it may sound corny, it would be effective for the churches to launch a campaign to foster respect in the community. After all, if the Lord can love all the children in His creation, it is not much of a stretch to expect His children to show love and respect for one another. When this happens, then everyone else will have to have a more profound respect for the African American and Latino community.

Home Page