In Vint Cerf's essay, he describes the importance of respect. He tells the story of being driven by a middle aged man and wondering how miserable his life must be, working for minimum wage. After talking to this man, Mr. Cerf realizes that the driver that he thought wwas just a minimum wage worker, was actually an ex-
CEO for a large corporation. Why did Mr. Cerf characterize this man so quickly. I appreciated that Mr. Cerf acknowledged this wrongness on his part. I really like the essay, when Mr, Cerf says, "I believe that every person deserves respect, and that I can learn something new from everyone." I 100% agree with this statement. I too believe that everyone has a story to tell, and that is our duty to listen to those stories. Each person deserves the same amount of respect. From the minimum wage driver to the multi-million dollar CEO.
I Too Believe in Respect
We are all aware to prejudices and stereotypes in society. As much as we may say we don't give into these stereotypes, they are unfortunately unavoidable. As humans, we are made to categorize people. I remember the time when my stereotypes were put to the test. I often look down upon the homeless. I try to avoid eye contact, i walk on the other side of the street, i even try not to respond when they ask me a question on the street. One day, i decided to challenge these stereotypes and saw that i needed to change. My school offers a homeless immersion, in which we spend seven days experiencing homelessness first hand. I was nervous about what i was about to experience, but at the same time i knew that it was something i had to experience.
On the immersion, i was able to meet many incredible and inspirational people. These people who i looked down upon became my brothers and sisters. I heard stories of being brutalized, spat on, yelled at, dehumanized and i felt terrible. The most important thing i learned on this Immersion experience was above all else, food, shelter, water, the one thing that these human beings wanted was respect. Respect that is deserved by every individual, regardless of their economic status, race, culture, or creed.
Respect brings people together. Civil discourse is a quality that society seems to lack today. The homeless are no different from you or I, and i wish i learned that sooner.
Hunter, I went on an immersion trip like this too. I can definitely relate to how you felt before the trip and how I would always feel awkward and avoid making eye contact with homeless people. While I was on my trip, the homeless people explained their struggles and how they have been treated while being homeless. I completely agree with your statement on how "respect brings people together." With respect, we can all get along and live happily as one civil community.
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