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We need heroes who can obtain respect through reason, intelligence and integrity, instead of force, entrapment and fear. A gorilla, an alligator or a hippopotamus, can inspire fear, but they can’t inspire allegiance. They may force immediate dominance but not permanent admiration. They may detain ones body, but they cannot control ones mind. Wild life programs warn outdoorsman to respect territory of dangerous animals. This singularly common use of the word, “respect”, filters over into the “animal” behavior of our human cultures with out regard to the fact that humans are allegedly the intelligent species. Intelligence has long been heralded the factor that elevates humans above the animals. Yet we see young men in society who dominate, destroy and force their way in life, under the pretence of making others respect them. We see the same lack of integrity force its way into relationships, held together by domestic violence and cloaked under a mask of respect.
History is filled with tyrants who forced respect through dominance, only to discover that dominance itself nurtures the desire to escape oppression. Those who dominate erode emotional alliance as they increase their domination. Without emotional alliance, there is not enough quality or integrity to give support to what doesn’t ring true intellectually and emotionally to the thinking person. People will still follow as long as they are forced, trapped or paid, none of which has anything to do with respect. Great men of history inspired intelligence, creativity and humanitarian qualities. Teachings of these men remain respected through the ages. These heroes continue to spark respect of culture every where.
We need heroes who are unafraid to use their strength to protect, instead of destroy, who have the courage to stand up for what they believe in and take leadership rolls that require honest integrity. We need men to guide, lead and be an example that young men can believe in, grow toward and proudly become. Men who have integrity are men we all want to deal with. Men who have character quality are men we want in our lives. They are men we choose to follow. They are men who inspire us to better lives. They have our support, backing and dedication, given as a result of intellectual reason, through freedom of choice.
They have respect at its best. Respect gained through wisdom is far more enduring than respect gained through fear, for it carries no natural seeds of contempt. Respect that embraces the heart, mind and emotions of humanity is an intangible power like no other. It is the valor of real heroes. Now, more than ever, America needs new heroes.
Rebecca Kimbel
Area Gov. Toastmasters International 06-08
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