Respect for our Ranking Members

The mighty banning finger of doom! LOL
That's awesome.

I agree with you, Wescli! This was an excellent topic to bring up.

I'm all on board with this. I believe in showing respect where it's due, both on and off-line.

Honestly, having seen situations like this before, one owes it to self and every other to behave in a respectful way regardless of titles, degrees, diplomas or whatever else one may wish to base one's respect upon. On the other hand, titles, degrees, diplomas &c do not contain respectableness in themselves. Respect is earned, not given, and it must be constantly earned, not given with regard to past 'earnings'.

Mutual respect is the foundation of empathy, Knight or Knave.

Haven't we all known some who have become so 'respectable' as to be nearly loathesome ?

Alexandre Orion wrote:
Haven't we all known some who have become so 'respectable' as to be nearly loathesome ?

Come on man! Why do you dig at me like that?

Haha.

I have never felt disrespected by any of the ranking members, either. Except that one time. Nor have I blatantly disrespected one of them. What's the point? I generally reserve that for those I actually DO blatantly disrespect, like politicians and oligarchs.

How can someone give something they themselves do not possess? If you have no respect for yourself, how can you have respect for others? Respect means we need to possess an inner confidence and inner assurance, this is not a confidence built on some kind of superiority construct. Anyone is on the wrong road to even attempt to try and feel better by putting others down. If we look for the good qualities in ourselves, it is all the easier to recognise the good qualities in others no matter who or what they are.

All of us are sensitive to one degree or another. Who really enjoys criticism and when we are criticized, either directly or indirectly, who doesn`t feel bad about themselves? To maintain a sense of respect for others, we need to learn how to deal with criticism coming from these persons. Criticism can be constructively looked at from a detached perspective. False criticism can run off like water off a duck´s back or can be used it to develop and strengthen our character. So the question can be put the other way around, how do senior members deal with such criticism?

Learn_To_Know wrote:

Alexandre Orion wrote:
Haven't we all known some who have become so 'respectable' as to be nearly loathesome ?

Come on man! Why do you dig at me like that?

Haha.

:laugh:

Right, LTK ...

Actually, I was more thinking back to schools in which I've taught and another Ordre of which I was a part some time ago.

I don't ever really dig at anyone. I just pass the shovel around and see what gets shoveled.

There have been several good points made here and several good concerns voiced. I know that among the members there is rarely disrespect or malicious actions taken. And that respect that an individual is due is earned not just handed out.

But one of the points I really wanted to stress, and I think we seem to have lost somewhere, is our need to pull behind our ranked members when there is “troubles.” I’m not saying that we don’t, but there are times I have seen when we play to the mob. Granted, these are usually times that are lead by some guest role playing “Dark Lord” and that for many it is in good humor. But it is not always so funny in my opinion. Imagine if you were charged with watching over others and as you were doing what you were asked to do the people you were doing it for became unruly and played to the side of the one you had to handle. And that is just one example.

Granted, some of you will have no idea what I’m talking about. But what if you were a ranked member, trying to answer a question or guide someone and others expressing their opinions were undermining your efforts.

Yes we are all allowed our own opinions and they are welcome. But just because we have a thought doesn’t mean it needs to be shared right then and there. It is perfectly fine not to agree with someone and I would always suggest that we question other ideas. But some disagreements should be made via PM.

It is the rank or office we should honor without regard. Not always the person. A person has to earn respect. But the rank or office is just due it… And if we have a problem with the individual, there is a system in place to handle it. That doesn’t mean we need to run around saying sir and Master all day, but when they or their position or rank needs our support… we should gladly give it!

Being in the military, I feel there is a time and place for proper protocol when addressing ranks/titles. I always initially address someone with their rank/title and then if they allow it, switch to what they prefer.

In my youth I found it hard to "know" when to turn on the protocol and when to turn it off. Which often got me in trouble in the military. Experience grants wisdom to those who listen. Luckily I listened and learned from it.

Part of me looks at it this way. This is our Temple. If I were to walk into a church or monastery, how would I act towards the priests or monks there? I would without even thinking about it, treat them with respect.

Part of me also looks at it this way. I treat everyone with respect and those who do not deserve it will show their true colours.