Virtue of respect
THE world is full of differences brought about by culture, race, religion, generations, contextual setting, and principles and the only expression that could harmonize these differences is the virtue of respect. Respect is universal. This is a virtue we should instill at home and nurture in the community especially in school where children spend most of their time.
Teach them while they are young. The saying about the difficulty of teaching old dogs new tricks applies also with teaching virtues such as respect to people. As a mother of three, I worked hard to instill this virtue when they were still young. My children used to bombard me with questions why do they need to make such gestures with elders or why do they have to watch their language in speaking with others. I had to explain the concept of respect and what it can do to people and society. Their young minds could not grasp the immensity of this virtue yet I had to guide them along those years. Childhood is their formation years. It is tis time when they learn what is and what is not. I had to be patient. Respect is virtue they need to bring wherever they go. This is their passport in interacting with the world. With respect in their arsenal of virtues, a mother such I am can have a peace of mind even they are no longer under my watch.
School should reiterate the significance of the virtue of respect. As a learning area supervisor of Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (EsP) in the School’s Division it is my responsibility to remind teachers on the importance of this virtue as an integral part of the core values of education and competencies of the subject. Teachers are seen as authority by the students. Whether in teaching this concept or through modeling, teachers must seek ways for students to understand that respect is part of our daily existence. Whatever they learn at home about respect should be solidified in our school institutions. EsP as a subject leads the instruction of this virtue but all teachers must take the same challenge in teaching it. Our teachers in the department recognize the bigger test of implanting the virtue of respect as the generations continue to take turn. Priority of students also shifts and teaching it becomes more and more complex.
The reward of the practice of respect is nation-building. Respect springs up discipline. This I could attest from my three children who in their young age have embraced this virtue. It strengthens family ties and bring harmony in community life. It motivates children to take care of their parents come old age. It inspires the young to assist the elders in crossing the street or to vacate a seat-space for an elder or disable in jeepneys. It encourages students to help teachers carry their extra belongings. It removes divisions in work places. Before someone sees the negative things in one person’s life, respect let him/her see first the good things in that person. Respect let him/ her be aware first of people’s differences and with it comes the understanding of one another. Respect prevents conflicts and lifedestructing war.
Respect is a virtue that should become a fundamental part of an individual’s growth. At their young age, children must be taught what respect is, why and how it should be practiced. The teaching should not stop at home but must be strengthened and hardened in the school modeled by teachers in all department not only those who are teaching EsP subject. Though there is a great task in instilling this virtue, the rewards are more than we could ask for. We can build a peaceful and progressive country with respect. It just need people at home, in school, and in the community to commit in educating others about respect. Juliet C. Sannad