Poisoned Purple Pen

R E S P E C T

Motivational Monday! Actor/Podcaster Michael Rapaport, born on this day in 1970, once said "I think if you go into something looking at people as better than you, if you give people too much respect, I don't think it benefits you or them." What's your take on this perspective? Have you ever been in a position where someone you've really looked up to has expressed admiration of your work as a writer?

I can sort of see his point, like giving someone else more respect than yourself could have an adverse effect. But I tend to see respect as a mutual thing. I also think we don't do enough to lift one another up when necessary. Especially when it comes to women. Men don't seem to have an issue when it comes to propping one another up.

I've seen a lot of craziness when it comes to women. Why is it so difficult to be supportive of one another? Why must we make it into a contest and be enemies? It boggles my mind how women view everything as a competition. It's almost as if as women there is this inner voice that instinctively assumes the worst of other women. Which is ridiculous. I don't know when this all started, or why, but it feels ingrained somehow. I don't believe we make it easy to get to know one another on a personal level either. Empathy just flies out the window and the guard is brought front and center. In the workplace, I've always gravitated more towards men for friendships and acceptance. I don't have to work at it. With most of the women on the corporate ladder, they see you doing a good job as something to fear and practically cheer when you fall.

I can clearly remember once doing something wrong and being called out about it, and my female co-workers were laughing about it. The only person who asked if I were all right was a male co-worker. Sigh, I'm off on a mini rant.

I don't believe showing respect is a bad thing. Nothing wrong with mutual respect. There are a lot of writers on site I look up to and a few that I admire have liked my writing, which is always a wonderful feeling.

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