This came up in the StarSpangled Banner thread, but I'm starting a new topic, because I think it might prove fruitful.
What does "respect the position, even if you can't respect the person" mean, and is it really a good rule for conduct?
Does Barack Obama or George W. Bush really deserve to get more respect than the ordinary person because he occupies a particular position?
I'm not sure. To me, respect is something given by and to individuals.
Do I owe Obama basic courtesy? Yes. But do I owe him that courtesy because he's president, or because he's a human being? I'd say the latter.
Do my students owe me courtesy because I'm a "teacher," or because I'm a human being? I'd say the latter.
But respect is more than just courtesy. Respect moves us past courtesy into the realm of "being worth listening to," the realm of deference, the realm of "worth associating with."
My job might be easier if I was entitled to respect from my students because of my position, if I didn't have to earn it and maintain it. But I'm not entitled to have an easy job. I'm not entitled to respect just because someone is willing to pay me to stand up in front of 18- to 20-year olds.
And, frankly, I think the average teacher is a helluva lot more important in the grand scheme of things than the president of the united states. (capitalization intentionally omitted)
My experience has been that most students wait until I've demonstrated myself unworthy. That they give me the benefit of the doubt on the first day of class, and well past the time I first suggest to them that I might be a dimwit or a bad teacher or a bad thinker.
Now sometimes they forget that even dimwits and incompetents deserve basic courtesy. But while I might disagree with their beliefs about my lack of ability or virtue (just as many might disagree with me in my beliefs about president Obama's lack of ability or virtue), I am not entitled to more respect than a non-teacher just because I happen to be a teacher.
And, IMO, president Obama is no more worthy of respect simply because he is president.
He's entitled to courtesy. Just like everyone is.
He's entitled to expect me to obey the law or be willing to suffer the consequences of my disobedience. Just like everyone is.
Nothing more.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)