AIBU in thinking respect doesn't have to be earned?

[Sunna]

Inspired by another thread that I didn't want to divert.

Often I read on here and elsewhere that respect "has to be earned". I feel the opposite should be true.

I respect everyone automatically until they do something that causes me to disrespect them. Is this so wrong?

Agree with OP, not rtft yet.

Show everyone respect as a fellow living being regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status etc, until they do something to lose that respect. At which point they can earn it back.

But automatically offering respect to people is not the same as placing yourself on a lower level than them.

However, lines are blurred in that if certain people do something to lose respect, are children (specifically) allowed to demonstrate their disrespect?

If a teacher justifiably loses a pupils respect - I can't imagine that pupil is allowed to show it?

Same for a boss / employee scenario. So I suppose there is an argument as to how to appropriately demonstrate that loss of respect or how to deal with it.

IMO the word "respect" is being misused.

You can treat someone politely. That doesn't have to be earned.

But you are not obliged to respect (or like) someone until they have given you cause to.

Having taught for yonks, I've had this "having to earn respect" from students, parents and teachers, too.

The one I do with students is to say that I respect their position, they are people who are here to learn and I show my respect by doing my best in my best manner. I point out that I do not respect them personally because I do not know them. (They are taken aback by this bit, every time).

By the same token, I do not expect to respect me personally, but to behave in a manner that shows it.

While the show of respect goes on, the deeper, earned respect has chance to grow.

I am regularly invited to talk at conferences and I am a Professor. So yes, I think they should respect me. They don't have to like me, they don't even have to agree with me, but they should respect me as someone with experience, seniority and in a position of authority to them.

So you don't see the need to respect them but you expect them to respect you...okaaaay.....
It works both ways.