# Respect - Position or Person By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2024-12-21 When instructing children on societal respect due to those in authority, it is not uncommon to tell them that one should respect the position, if not the person. This means that a flawed person might be in a position of authority, but that respect is still due to the individual due to the respect one has for the position. Under this approach to respect, an individual can identify a “bad” cop, judge, CEO, or President, and one should still respect the position even in the absence of respect for the individual. This advice has a degree of pragmatism, as bad people in authority can still wield that authority against individuals. At its core, this approach suggests that the basis of authority is legitimate. One must respect the system's legitimacy even if individuals are flawed. A different approach is that there are only individuals in positions. The structure has no legitimacy, and there are either “good” or “bad” people in positions. All is fine if a “good” person is in the position. If a “bad” person is in the position, one has no obligation to tolerate it. There are certainly pros and cons to each position. Corrupt systems can be sustained if people accept them as legitimate and interpret all the system's failings as the results of individuals. This is an effective way to sustain an illegitimate status quo. However, it does tend to produce stability within a society. Alternatively, if one has no respect for the “system,” there is a degree of chaos and instability as everyone determines which leaders are worthy of individual respect and which are not. Respect is essential within societies and organizations. Each is comprised of positions and people who are afforded respect. It matters, too, whether respect is given or earned. In the age of choice, determining who, how, and why respect operates will become increasingly important. There is little to suggest that our society is up to having this discussion. #### Related Items [[Respect]] [[People]] [[Society]] [[Individuals]] [[The Age of Choice]] [[Advice]]