When it all ultimately comes down to respect- taking the high road or stooping further below?

                                   

                                                           (2019). serene images-lake superior glass.

                                              As the saying goes, ‘Respect’ is earned not demanded. Important factors such as gestures, personality, choice of words and tone of the speech dictates and inspires respect. If an individual carries low self-esteem and has only little consideration for others, it could prove difficult for them to be mindful in accepting differences in opinion and establishing healthy relationship. In Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House, a shrewd character known as Krogstad says,

        “It never came into court; but from that day, every opening was barred to me. So I turned my hand to the kind of business. I had to do something; I don’t think I am the worst. But now I want to give up all that. My sons are growing up: for their sakes, I want to regain what respectability I can.”

Krogstad is a lawyer and money-lender with tainted reputation who strives to clear the judgements that are circulated featuring him so that he could create a better environment for his sons. Here, he intends to transform only for the society’s sake but is not ready to think about initiating any actual internal change. Likewise, being true to oneself is an essential step in leading to self-respect and eventually becoming stoic rather than simply putting on an act.