Dr. Jamil Akhtar
Respect—a value set defined by the ability to show regard toward the other, the appreciation of the other’s similarity or uniqueness, and the maintenance of cordial relationships with the other—has been a definitive part of our culture for generations. Thus, respect is not merely a tradition; it remains the key to everyone’s proper behavior and society’s progress. Unfortunately, in the last few years, one can observe a certain decline in this most important virtue. Unauthorized incidences of disrespect, increasing intolerance, and plain impolite manners in civil interactions reveal a missing attribute. Such erosion of respect weakens the society’s structures and brings in division and strife. This issue indeed requires attention, to enable us to rebuild what was lost in our cultures and at the same time produce a Pakistan where acceptance of one another is as natural as the air we breathe.
Respect forms the core of the honor codes and is vehemently supported by the teachings of Islam incorporated into our culture. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) laid practical examples of respect in different spheres of life, being kind to kids, respecting senior citizens, and forgiving people in interpersonal relations. In the past, the concept of respect was not just a functional practice, but it was also a virtue. In Islamic teachings, parent’s respect is stressed, and people are encouraged to care for their elders and have proper relations with relatives, strengthening family and social ties. The educational institutions used to stand on the policy of respect in which students had the highest level of respect towards their teachers who were seen as bearers of knowledge. This respect was also evident in employment places where employees respected their employers and vice versa. Some of the foregoing activities of showing respect were not just cultural or traditional but were pertinent to the structure, stability and development of society. While pondering over these values, it can be seen how necessary it is to begin practicing respect in the modern society to revive the backbone of a united and progressive Pakistan.
However, in today’s Pakistani society, disrespect can be seen vividly in different spheres of the nation’s everyday life. Roads, markets, and other common areas are characterized by obnoxious behaviors ranging from reckless driving to disrespect when getting goods and services. Another issue, during the use of social media, is to become very abusive in their interactions. This disregard has become rampant and has affected the core areas like education where the learners disrespect the teachers. In workplaces, the lack of respect significantly affects coordination and performance as subordinates, colleagues, managers, and employers do not understand how to behave properly. Political theatres are not much better; most political leaders usually use vulgar language and personal attacks. The institutionalized disrespect is a sore point that weakens the social contract and promotes strife. It is only possible by restoring decency and reconstructing the meaning of respect to provide people with a basis to restore respect in all fields of their lives.
Inadequate respect in the context of Pakistani society implies serious implications that pertain to deeper dimensions of social disintegration and continued positive polarity. This kind of disrespect undermines the fabric of society since it diminishes togetherness and collectiveness. Since people become selfish and inattentive to other people’s concerns, disagreements and misinterpretations occur, and create more chaos and factions. The youth are easily affected because they have no set role models to follow. Thus they grow up in an environment where it is normal to disrespect other people and as a result, they take on the undesirable traits and give back similar attitudes. Not only does it impede their personality growth but it also establishes a rather dark example for future generations to follow. Higher levels of violence and intolerance are the inherent consequences of such disrespecting culture. When citizens do not accord one another’s courtesy and respect, it becomes possible that if at any time they have misunderstandings, they are most likely to resort to physical confrontations. This constant stress and anxiety, which comes from living in such an unfriendly environment, also slows people’s character and community development. Furthermore, respect for people’s rights and freedoms is not given, which affects the development and progress of a nation. A society that cannot work in unison is less likely to be innovative, collaborative, or simply goals involving the common good. These complexities and rivalries thus consume resources and time that could have been utilized in development projects. Therefore, the lack of accordance with the principle of respect means that the societal structure not only dissects but also hinders the opportunity to build a single, well-off, and evolving Pakistan. To close these rifts and build a more tolerant and progressing society respect must be restored.
Pakistani society requires massive interventions encompassing respect more than anything else; there must be mainstream efforts aimed at teaching society members to reciprocate respect and courtesy. Education takes a central place starting with the curricular changes that demonstrate moral and ethical principles. Introducing subjects that focus on the ability to empathize with others, accept people’s differences, and practice polite language, will help raise a generation that cares about maintaining respect in society. Community-based programs play a crucial role in the re-socialization of such values. The leaders and other influential people have the power, to an extent, over societal norms. In case they are non-aggressive, they can perform positive sentiments that can change the attitude of other people toward them. Government policies should encourage schools, families, and community practices through incentives on the respect exercise. As the media is a strong influence in today’s society, it is the duty and obligation of the media to portray proper adult behavior and to demonstrate positive role models. It is crucial to introduce communication between individuals of various social statuses to develop more tolerance. Those forums that allow people to express themselves in matters of culture, religion, and other aspects of diversity could encourage respect for these aspects of diversity in society. Every person can start analyzing personal conduct and relations with others to identify essential changes. Some of the easy yet effective measures include giving full attention to people, being courteous in communication, and being polite even when one is arguing. Thus, the people’s courtesy and understanding extend beyond their social environment and create a positive chain reaction of respect throughout Pakistan, ultimately contributing towards creating a unified society. By adopting and ensuring the effective operation of these multiple-fold methods and policies, Pakistan can attempt to regain the respect that are the core social value of a Muslim society and build a stronger, more integrated society for future generations.
Restoring respect in today’s Pakistan requires that we as a society unite and work to restore respect for one another based on our collective identity as human beings. It should be pointed out that respect is not only a value but also a foundation of the interrelations of people. Being nice and compassionate does not even require a penny but the result will be life-changing in terms of bridging the gap between people. Each time we choose to treat people with respect and understanding even in trivial facets of our lives, we promote a world that is accepting rather than a world that condemns. Let us follow what we have learned from the older generations and from our various beliefs which preach the value of people and non-discrimination. By using education, public awareness campaigns, and individual responsibility, we can create the fabric of respect that will lay the foundation for a more tolerant and progressive Pakistan for every single Pakistani.
The writer is an Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
