Respect

          We all want it. Only a few have it. Respect is in short supply. More scarce than gold. In my opinion respect can be represented in two ways. The first, would be when someone is respected (or not questioned for their actions) by people who just want to fit in. This example is very present in high school. Popular boys can get away with saying something mean about someone else, and popular girls can refuse to be nice to someone just because they are slightly different. The second kind of respect is the truest form. True respect, is something that is earned, not by looks or socio economic status, but through kindness. This kind of respect is a two way street. The person who is respected also respects others. It makes sense. If you don't say anything rude against anyone else, no one will have anything substantially rude to say about you. What I wish is that celebrities, sports stars, and other role models, showed how, through kindness, you can gain respect. I won't name names, but there are many athletes who excessively show unsportsmanlike behavior. This is ridiculous, and I notice, especially in younger children, that this encourages them to mirror that kind of poor behavior. Peer pressure, also encourages people to be mean. High school boys in my school are some of the worst. They are constantly insulting people, even their own friends. However, a few people in my school have broken the stereotype.  One senior in my school is a very good example of a person who is respected for the right reasons. He is a captain on our cross country team, and he stars in many of our theater productions. He's smart, and popular, but very modest. Most importantly he is kind to everyone (even freshmen). He even bothered to learn my name this year during cross country. He's someone everyone wants to be around, because he is kind and modest, two uncommon traits in my school. He is proof that kindness can get you far in life, and it can earn you respect. Thus, in my opinion, the most true and honest way of earning respect, is through kindness. Just start with simple acts everyday. Like holding open doors, and saying hello. Try to learn people's names, and surprise them with a more friendly hello. Kindness is easier than you think. You know what's not easy, pretending to be someone to respect all of your life. Having connections can really help in life, and if you are kind and respected you will have no shortage of friends.