Snarky. Someone told me I need to be more snarky when I write my column. This was after he told me how much he enjoyed my column. I explained that possibly he wouldn’t enjoy my column any more if I was snarky.

I looked up the word snarky. Merriam-webster.com describes snarky as crotchety, snappish, sarcastic, impertinent and irreverent. I have been known to be snarky and today I feel that way. So Mr. you-need-to-be-more-snarky, this is for you.

I had to turn off the news last night. I couldn’t stand listening any longer or I was going to blow a gasket and yell at the news. Like it would have done me any good. I didn’t turn off the news because of all the violence; I turned off the news because I wanted to snark at the politicians that are playing their games again. And I am including all parties, Republican, Democrat and everything in-between.

I have heard the term leaders. We elect leaders when we elect our politicians. I expect when someone leads that they will lead with integrity as a good example for our younger people growing up in this country.

I listen to teachers, parents and the news, and see the lack of respect shown to others, not only by many in the younger generation but also by people that are adults parenting the younger generation.  The definition of respect according to merriam-webster.com is a particular way of thinking or looking at something, a feeling or understanding that someone or something is important and should be treated in an appropriate way.

Our children model what we teach them. They aren’t born with hate in their heart. They don’t come out of the womb knowing how to talk and behave. They model what they are taught.

Kids and teenagers have many examples on how to treat one another. All they have to do is to turn on the television and watch the many programs and watch the disrespect that is being shown on sitcoms and other reality programs. We watch it too without the bat of an eye at the conversations that take place on our viewing screen. We see the same thing on social media. Why would we expect our youth and adults to be any different because of what we see modeled for us day in and day out? It is easy to accept it and to behave in the same manner.

But back to why I turned off the news. There is so much disrespect in our country for our flag, our president and it doesn’t matter if the president is Democrat or Republican. They are free game when it comes to the disrespect shown to their office.  There is disrespect for law enforcement, teachers and others. And we accept it. We contribute to it. But then why shouldn’t we?

I expect those in office, who admittedly ran and wanted to be leaders in the great country of America to model respect for others. I expect them to teach our children by their behavior to respect others, their opinions and their differences, and then to work together to show the younger generation that this country has remained strong in spite of our differences. It has remained strong because people put aside their ego’s and were able to come to a decision because of mutual respect for one another.

Have I always been respectful to everyone I meet? Probably not. Because we are human it is in our nature to lash out when we aren’t getting our way. But I was taught at an early age to respect my teachers, my employer and others in a position of power and that includes the office of president of the United States whether I agree with them or not. I expect those in leadership, no matter what party, to show respect and have that respect trickle down to society.

I have friends in other countries who are shocked and dismayed at what they see on the news that is happening with those who make decisions for our country and are in the limelight. They do not understand the lack of respect shown in all aspects of life in America. I am at a loss as how to answer them.

Is that enough snark for the day? Or should I say rantin’ and ravin’.

I do have respect for people in my life. I have respect for my friends who are living with cancer and go through all the rigorous treatments without complaint. I have respect for the veterans who have given so much for this country and still say it is the greatest country there is. I have respect for the father and mother who go to work every day without a complaint to put food on the table for their children. I have respect for those suffering from depression and addiction and work hard to overcome these diseases. I have respect for those who care for the elderly and the sick.

Treating people with respect whether you agree with them or not, or like them or not, may go a long way in changing our lives. I expect it to start at the highest level. This is my opinion. You don’t have to agree with it, but please respect it.

 

Wells resident Julie Seedorf’s column appears every Monday. Send email to her at hermionyvidaliabooks@gmail.com. Her Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/julie.seedorf.author.