For All The People Who Deserve More | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

For All The People Who Deserve More

Can we stop applauding those who give respect like it's not the norm? Oh wait, it isn't.

160
For All The People Who Deserve More
Ava McLaughlin

Let me just start by stating the obvious: we are living in a scary time. From the possibility of having a Supreme Court Justice with sexual assault allegations on his resume to having one of my professor's get suspended of their teaching duties for sexual misconduct, we are not short of frightening occurrences and each day just seems to keep us farther from change.

The bottom line is, we lack respect as a whole and are straight up bewildered when even the smallest efforts are brought to light, and that says something. We need to stop awarding those that give respect as a rare bunch of 'good guys' and start referring to those actions as the norm.

Obviously, we've been combatting these issues on a larger scale for forever, but recently through models and movements like #MeToo aiding in a voice for sexual misconduct in the workplace, we've started to bring many of these issues to light through the power of mainstream media. These movements have proved to push the initiative of change forward, but there's still the fundamental lack of respect that needs to be consistently addressed before any real change can occur. The daily occurrences that we face from our peers, mentors, romantic relationships, and friendships need attention in order to ignite difference at-the basic level and normalize respectful values on all fronts.

The questions my friends and I ask each other, especially recently, are: Why should we be so absolutely shocked when someone cares more about our mental health than pursuing their own agenda? Why should we be blown away by someone asking for permission, consent, and forming guidelines in relationships?

Why should we be surprised that a man values our identity, thoughts, ideas, and voice? Why do we keep saying 'get you a mans that respects you, values your opinion and accepts your individuality' when it should be the absolute norm to treat people with respect? Why do we get excited when someone shows the barest minimum of acceptance when it comes to viewing you as an actual person and not an object-or prop? Why do these people seem to be so far and few between?

It is past time for people to push through their own entitlement and privilege and start viewing people as people and-not someone underneath them that they don't have to listen to, care for, respect, or as a stepping stool towards accomplishing their own goals. It is past time that we are all seen on one level-the same level. It is past time, and actually, there should never have even been a time where respect was granted based on gender, orientation, race, financial status, and whatever else bogus group we try and put people into in order to make ourselves feel better.

We keep saying 'time's up' but in all reality, the sad part is that time's been up, time should never have allowed for any of this mistreatment, but regardless, times are going to change.

I have faith that the rare un-entitled few that I come across and applaud for their access to respect and acceptance that they will soon be part of the norm. I have faith that our generation and the generations to come will normalize equality and respect by teaching people of all ages how we should live so that I don't have to be shocked that someone gets treated how they should be treated. I have faith that feminists won't be called 'radical' for wanting to be viewed as equal to the rest of the population. I have faith that one day time will be up for everyone who believes you can pick and choose respect.

Time is up for all the Brock Turner's in the world who grow up to be Brett Kavanaugh's who should never get the chance to make the rules. Time is up for disrespect.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

126342
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

28256
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

26321
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments