The Power of Respect
05/07/2020
From Me to You and You to Me
A Mutual Sense of Respect
“A person's a person, no matter how small.”
— Dr. Seuss
Respect is given, then mutually earned. For true respect to take play, it has to be consensual; an unspoken pact, held by the adhesive of trust. Without respect, the world ceases to go round; a general sense of acknowledgement for someone’s differences can be shown by talking to them casually, and that is respect. Without this concept of respect, the connotations left for restraint run wild, tempering with the very ideals this country was built on. When I found the likes of my respect, solely dependent on my leniency, I began to ponder why I was not worthy this respect. With everyday in that summer camp, back in sixth grade, came instances in which my morals were challenged by the test of restraint due to the maltreatment I was shown.
I have always wondered, why don’t they touch his hair, but mine. For a long time, I have dwelled on this point, and learned to accept its implications. This exuding quality of lenience, fueled by my easygoing, and lackadaisical nature more or less makes me subject to action without restraint, without respect. I moved around in that camp with the intent of having fun, gaining new friends, and most importantly getting the most out of my two week experience. Though as I had spent my time there steering clear of foe, I had attracted an unwanted presence towards myself, one that would just not go. Using the ‘n word’ so nonchalantly in his dialogue, without any right whatsoever to do so, tested me. With every use, came this feeling of what I can describe to be more disappointment than anything; though, never had it crossed my mind to act on it. I knew better than to do that, but I also knew not to report this because his father worked for the camp, resulting in little to no punishment, and me having to live in the same dorm as him for the next week or so. It was here in this moment were I was met with these unspoken implications of my leniency, and I so undeniably deemed as subject.
Even as I have just shed thought of an extreme of this instance, it still happens daily, even as I walk through the halls of this school, but even if being subject to a lack of respect is impelled as an incommodity of my leniency. I will never truly accept this, for I believe that it is possible for me to be just me, and not your typical lazy individual.
Our differences are said to unite us, but in this society our similarities define us.
Wow, amazing work Yoni. I could really feel the power behind the first sentence of the Setup/Smoking Gun. Your vocabulary is exquisite. I like how you used the word leniency or lenient throughout your writing piece. Great job.
Posted by: Oliver Ali | 12/20/2019 at 06:02 AM
This piece is extremely powerful. I can’t imagine what you were going through day-to-day in that summer camp. Not only was this story amazing, but the structure and vocabulary displayed throughout it was extremely well though out and really put the right tone into my mind. Keep this up!
Posted by: Will S. | 12/20/2019 at 06:06 AM
I find that first paragraph to be relatable. Also amazing vocabulary—like always—in the entire piece. That seemed like a not so good situation. I’m glad that you got out of there with you morals intact. The repeated theme of respect and lenient/leniency kept me hooked. Great writing.
Posted by: Eli Zahavi | 12/20/2019 at 06:08 AM
This was just perfect, you used a sad example of someone giving you no respect and treating you horribly I loved the words you used (even though I didn’t understand what a lot of them meant.)
Posted by: Colin Soukup | 12/20/2019 at 06:10 AM
Writing is a powerful tool. Often, if used well, writing can be the most compelling outlet for expression. And, with your diverse vocabulary and unique and descriptive metaphors, you have created a truly meaningful piece that reaches to the core everyone who will read it. Using your technical skills as a tool, you portrayed your predicament in a way that everyone will understand, and while it may not be your goal, if the subject mentioned in this piece happens to read it, it will certainly make him rethink his actions.
Posted by: Nick Brady | 12/20/2019 at 06:15 AM
Once again Yoni I had to have a dictionary out while reading your piece. Your descriptive words always shine through to really elevate the feel of your story. While I cannot truly relate to this experience, I can still see perfectly how horrible it made you feel. Respect couldn’t be earned by anyone without showing it to others, and the way that you treated/handled this sounds like a challenge for many. To not retaliate or report something while still in the heat of being disrespected is a hard task for anyone going through life. If he had shown you respect from the start, then you might of been friends, but with the use of derogatory terms he proved from the start that he in no way wanted to respect you, and you kept your cool. People like him will end up going nowhere in life. If you can not show respect, than you are not worthy of it.
Posted by: Max | 12/20/2019 at 06:41 AM
Wow. This is a incredible piece with a lot of power behind it. You bring up the fact that society will treat you poorly for sticking out. Your experience at camp, the maltreatment, the name calling, the disrespect, all will forge a broken path for the maltreaters, and name sayers, well lighting a road for you. This is an incredible piece, and the conclusion really got me thinking. “Our differences are said to unite us, but in this society our similarities define us.” That is an incredible sentence, and a very true one as well. Incredible job Yoni, this was a great piece.
Posted by: Ethan Rich | 12/20/2019 at 06:44 AM
I love the phrase you used in the first paragraph without respect the world ceases to go around. It holds a lot of truth. Great work Yoni!
Posted by: Rory Kennealy | 12/20/2019 at 06:46 AM
Yoni, your command of the English language never ceases to amaze me. Your writing was poignant, captivating, and meaningful on a visceral level. I also loved your ending statement - as brief as it was important.
Posted by: Max Troiano | 12/20/2019 at 07:00 AM
Wow, is all I can say. Your use of muscular words is incredible, and they really transform your writing. You used four out of the five sentence building techniques (which is great) and you really nailed descriptive metaphors. On top of all of that you really knew how to incorporate a example into your writing. (I’m sorry that this happened to you). Overall great job!
Posted by: Dylan | 12/20/2019 at 07:11 AM