RESPECT. Everyone wants to be on the receiving end of it, and many people think everyone else should give it to them - virtually without question, and with little recognition of the need to earn it.
Almost anything can be portrayed as valid and worthy, and those who are not supportive can be dismissed as bigots or as not progressive enough.
We have seen a rise in the politics of disdain and scorn, and a turning away from basic standards of ordinary civility.
The world of 'alternative facts' seems to have crossed the Atlantic already, and allegations of 'fake news' may not be far behind.
As the general language of politics becomes increasingly devoid of substance and meaning, it is becoming ever harder for respect to be earned.
There can be expressions of regret that horrible things were done without any remorse being shown for them; reliance on what is legally permitted as being the same as what is morally right; and alleged concern for the public interest being used as a way of hiding embarrassment, or worse.
This is the context in which there are constant calls for respect. Simply demanding it seems futile. Indeed, to do so can readily alienate others, for it is seen as arrogant and self-serving.
I suggest that respect must be earned, as well as sought. It is the outworking of careful listening, sensitivity towards others, and an explicit desire for the wellbeing of those who are 'not one of us'.
Such an approach will not deny the significance of what really matters and is important, but it will shape perspective on what is said and done both in public and in private.
Real respect tends to surface when a person or group has demonstrated visible integrity over a period of time.
This means that they will have turned away from whatever is shoddy or second rate; there will have been a consistency in attitude, language and behaviour that commends itself to others; there will have been openness to correction and change, yet an adherence to principles of truth and justice.
They will not be perfect, nor will there be agreement with every opinion expressed or stance taken.
Yet the overriding impression will be that there is a deep concern to promote all that is good, even if there is disagreement as to how that should be worked out.
The often aggressive nature of politics militates against the building of respect. Nonetheless, there are some notable examples of how it can be done, both amongst the current as well as the past generation of elected representatives.
In a society where respect for the vocation of politics is at a low ebb, such people are amongst our best leaders for the future as we struggle to transition to a more normal and properly functioning democracy.
Party leaderships may not always see them in that light. However, those of us who are ordinary electors must make it clear that we will not be satisfied unless those who have earned our respect are heard loud and clear in the corridors of power.
We need immediate closure on the era of scorn and disdain.
- The Very Rev Dr Norman Hamilton is a former moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and is convenor of the Church's Council for Public Affairs.
