Do we really respect someone when we disagree with their different opinion?

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   Ms Deeposted 12 years ago

   Do we really respect someone when we disagree with their different opinion?
   
   God has made us all, but do we really respect them when we disagree and do not appreciate their opinion?

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   Larry Wallposted 12 years ago

   The answer revolves around an old saying I picked up from, of all people, is having the ability to disagree without being disagreeable. So when we disagree with someone, we should be able to appreciate the fact that the person has a different or view and you should be able to say, I understand what you are saying or believe, but I must respectfully disagree. Sometimes, when level heads are involved, the two can discuss the issues and find the common ground or find where one of the two are confused about what the other is saying or believes. People wiling to listen and people willing to speak calmly without using insults can disagree and respect each other. Sometimes we see that on Hub Pages, but more often than not we do not. We see people with preconceived notions and without the ability to see body language or the nuances that come with the spoken word, it becomes harder to disagree without becoming disagreeable.

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      Ms Deeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You say so many good things here, Larry! I too often find wanting online 'respectful disagreement'. I too wonder how different it would be were it in person, face to face, rather than only in writing.

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   Logos831posted 12 years ago

   I completely agree with the above post. We can disagree and still be respectful of the person we disagree with. We do that by listening carefully, asking questions, and responding to what they say in a polite manner without resorting to childish name-calling. Learning about the other side of an issue can make you more knowledgeable, tolerant, and well rounded. It will show the person that you disagree with that you respect and honor them as a person even if you disagree with their viewpoint.

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      Ms Deeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Logos, it is so true that it takes careful listening and a seeking to accurately understand the opinion of another before responding. Interacting online adds to the difficulty of doing this, it seems, but so true, it is a way that would show respect.

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   lburmasterposted 12 years ago

   I believe so. If you don't respect someone for agreeing with you, you can still agree and respect their other beliefs and actions.

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      Ms Deeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I believe so, too. We can be respectful of the other as a person and their right to their own opinion, but not agree with their opinion (or beliefs) and/or actions.

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   CreatePerfectionposted 12 years ago

   This is such an interesting question.  I have several friends that I love dearly and do very much respect who have very different opinions politically than mine.  Because opinions have no basis in fact, but may be an interpretation of a fact, I usually find opinions of no particular value, my own or anyone else's.  Everyone has an opinion about every thing.  What makes me respect a person is that their life is a true reflection of their moral commitments and that their walk matches their talk.  I know a number of people who agree with me on almost every subject, but whose lives do not reflect the values they espouse.  I find it much more challenging to have respect for them.  I enjoy hearing other people's opinions because it gives me an insight into the person sharing that opinion, but I also don't mind not agreeing with people.  I am always happy to agree to disagree.

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      Ms Deeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Good examples of some important points; behavior reflects moral commitments and agreeable opinions not lived out in one's behavior. Good point that two can respectfully agree to disagree--allowing the disagreement.

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   cat on a soapboxposted 12 years ago

   Opinions alone don't make a person. I  can still respect a person beyond petty political and religious disagreements as long as I see common courtesy and good moral behavior. I tend to disassociate along those lines.

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      Ms Deeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Great point, soapbox cat! Respect does not have to be dictated by what the other's opinion is.

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