I really don't like when people demonstrate disrespect, and I don't want to be disrespectful either. The older I get, the more I recognize the value of honest, caring respect.
People define and demonstrate respect in different ways. In general though, disrespect includes polite language, courtesy, good manners, and allowing people to live their lives in peace.
Some might say that I've pushed the limits of respect with regards to politics. Yet, I believe that respect includes supporting a lawful government that works for all instead of government that works for only some and against many. I see respect with a broad definition which has earned me some disrespect from others.
For example, when expressing my political views, some have become angry and hurtful to me. They might say the same, but I still hold that we can't be respectful only at the street level, but we have to act in ways that promote respect to the larger community too, and that means support for political leaders who lead with respect and care for all rather than just some.
I also believe that respect includes the ability to work with others well, and I believe that this kind of respect goes deep--we can't simply work with one another at a superficial level, but we have to work with depth to do the right thing with respect. There's a difference between honest, thoughtful respect and respect that is simply superficial kindness.
When people disagree with us, hurt us, or work against what we believe is right and good, it becomes challenging to find the kind of respect needed, the kind of respect that brings out the best in people and treats every person humanely and kindly.
Onward.