I REFER to the views expressed by Joan Lau in her commentary “Respect and the lessons that it teaches us” — NST, Nov 23). She advocated the importance of the virtue of respect. I agree with her views.

Generally, respect is understood as giving respect or reverence, admiration, appreciation or having high regard for someone.

It can also mean giving consideration to others.

It is commonly said that we give respect to earn respect. The golden rule is treating others the way you want to be treated. Then, a question comes to our mind: is this value being practised by people today?

It is also distressing to note that not many are giving due respect to others, and as a result, they themselves don’t get respect in return.

We don’t seem to see people giving prominence to the value of respect. True enough, this value is gradually fading away in society.

It is sad to note that young people today are no longer giving importance to this value.

We have many who have forgotten to practise this value of respect.

What we notice today is that schoolchildren don’t seem to respect their teachers, family members are rude to older members of the family, while people are often denied respect at government offices and other public places like hospitals.

I fear that one day such values will disappear unless and until society begins to give serious thought to inculcating it in our children.

Values such as respect are to be acquired and practised from childhood.

Parents and teachers play a crucial role in instilling these values in children from young.

Perhaps the best way to teach them values is being role models themselves.

Parents and teachers should exhibit values like care, courtesy, humility, politeness, respect and tolerance so they can be emulated by the young ones.

Respect should be practised at all times, irrespective of age, race, colour, religion or nationality.

We have to acknowledge the feelings and interests of others. We should be sensitive to the needs of others. Respect others so that they can in turn respect you.

DR S. NATHESAN, Muar

Source: NST – December 3, 2008