The Illusion of Respect: Unpacking a Toxic Legacy and Reclaiming True Honor
The Illusion of Respect: Unpacking a Toxic Legacy and Reclaiming True Honor What happens when we mistake domination for respect... Toxic obedience "Respect your elders!" "Show some respect!" How often have we heard these phrases, often laden with an unspoken threat? For many, "respect" was not a gentle invitation to mutual understanding but a demand for unquestioning obedience, enforced by fear and even violence. But what happens when we mistake domination for respect, and how does this distortion ripple through our lives and relationships? The Trauma of "Respect" as Domination Let's start with the hard truth: for generations, "respect" has been weaponized. It became synonymous with submission, a tool to control and silence. As children, we were often taught that "good" behaviour meant immediate, unquestioning compliance. Questioning authority, and expressing our own needs – these were deemed "disrespectful" and ...