Aqib Ullah
Living in a society with a plethora of issues, it\’s not easy to highlight everything. However, a few major problems, prevailing from homes to schools and other places, should be prioritized and clearly addressed so they can be better understood. One such issue is our inability to differentiate between disrespect and disagreement. This has been a burden on us for many years, starting right from our homes.
I have often observed that when elders are gathered and discussing any matter, if a child or toddler adds their opinion, which sometimes is correct, everyone in the room suddenly tries to silence the child out of fear of some unknown authority. This happens without any solid reason or understanding that such behavior can shatter the confidence of that child, potentially paralyzing them mentally for life.
This harmful behavior, even from those closest to us, causes deep damage, though they may not realize it at the time. The root cause of this egoistic attitude among our respected elders often lies in their self-centered nature, or simply in their failure to understand the difference between disrespect and disagreement, two entirely different concepts.
Disagreement is not disrespect. Disagreement means expressing your own opinion, which is completely acceptable. Voicing a different perspective from others is not wrong. On the other hand, disrespect means treating someone rudely or without kindness, something that should never be encouraged.
Most of the time, when a student disagrees with a teacher, or a son disagrees with his mother, or a daughter with hers, they are instantly labeled as disrespectful, rude, or impolite. Others may even start gossiping about that child, questioning how they were raised and making baseless assumptions.
We must understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, whether they are a child, a student, or a friend. If someone disagrees with you, it doesn’t mean they are being disrespectful. It simply means they are human and have a mind of their own, with unique perspectives on issues. So, before labeling them as unkind, disrespectful, or unruly, pause and reflect.
Whether you are a teacher, a father, a mother, an uncle, a respected elder, a politician, or anyone else, the next time someone disagrees with you, remember this: they have their own way of thinking, gifted to them by God. Listen to them patiently instead of shutting them down. Otherwise, their confidence and the courage to express themselves will be lost forever.