I’m trying to figure out why I have such trouble with authority. Secretly, I think I inherited it from my mother (just kidding, mom). I’m not really a trouble maker, and I don’t think I do anything to outwardly disrespect people, so I guess it’s a fairly harmless thing. I have just never really succeeded at the whole “respect the person who has ‘authority’ over you” mindset. I don’t have a built in respect for teachers, preachers, politicians, senior management, or anyone else for that matter - simply because of the position they hold. Now, that’s not to say that I don’t respect people. But it has nothing to do with whether they are in a position of authority over me. I respect people because I feel like they have earned it. Or, that’s not to say that I don’t have to acknowledge someone’s authority over me. My boss could fire me if I don’t do what he says. But that is not about respect, that’s about obedience. Also, that’s not to say that I shouldn’t always treat people with respect, but that is something I should try to do with anyone I meet - regardless of their position.
I think blind respect is dangerous. I think when you respect someone because of the position they are in, you create a situation where it’s easy to lose sight of whether a leader is making wise decisions.
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**grin**
I think you and I would get along great IRL. I have been scathingly chewed out because I refused to respect someone just because they were older — I respected them up front but their complete disdain for everyone else wore that respect down quite a bit. I also find it disturbing that there are some old paths who demand respect while insulting others. And when you insult back — you are rebellious, going to hell, and having been sent a lie.
So, did you figure out why you have trouble with authority yet?