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Respect is an important part of dealing with all sorts of people. Different pages in this section cover attitudes and respect towards friends, family, relationships and people in authority, but respect is important to have when dealing with anyone. For example, anti social behaviour can be influenced by a lack of respect for others. One of the big issues at the moment in our society is the idea of respect between the different ages. This is called intergenerational, or between the generations. As you might have come across, some adults and older people always complain that young people these days don’t show enough respect to adults. In some cases this is true, but it is also true that some adults and older people don’t show enough respect to young people. Indeed, some people who complain about respect don’t realise that they themselves need to show respect as well instead of always expecting that they should automatically be given respect. After all, respect is a two way deal.
It’s an old saying, which some people might think is a bit lame, but having more respect in the world would make it a better place and help to increase understanding and tolerance. One example of this is in intergenerational problems. A lot of adults forget how they behaved and how they felt when they were young, and so no longer understand how young people think and feel. Equally however, young people might not realise how adults and older people feel, what they want and why they do some of the things they do. All this can lead to a breakdown in respect and could easily cause issues and problems to happen in neighbourhoods and communities. For example, adults tend to worry about groups of young people and feel threatened by them with out realising that one reason that young people hang around in groups is because it makes them feel safer. If there was more communication between the generations and if both adults and young people knew what the other was thinking or why they do what they do, then there would be less tension and more understanding and tolerance of behaviours. See the pages on ‘Prejudice’ and ‘Equality’ on this website for more information. However, if you or your friends ever have any problems in your community, out on the streets and in public places there are several ways these can be resolved. You can talk to your family, friends or visit the Youth Advice Centre or Young People’s Centre (see 'Map of Services' for more information) and get advice from them as to what you can do. Places like the Brighton & Hove Mediation Service can help resolve any problems or issues which might exist in your community by bringing everyone together to talk and share their thoughts. Brighton & Hove Independent Mediation Service Mediation is a way to resolve problems you are experiencing with others in your community. Mediators are impartial, they do not judge, take sides or tell people what to do. Mediators follow a sequence of steps which allow those involved to identify possible solutions to problems, they listen to everyone involved and open up conversation to improve understanding. Their service is free, confidential and independent of all other agencies. To find out more contact: Brighton & Hove Independent Mediation Service Basement Office, Ecclesden, Grove Hill, Brighton, BN2 9NG Tel: (01273) 700 812 email: mediation@bhims.org.uk Website: www.bhims.org.uk Links The Safe in the City website is the website for Brighton & Hove Partnership Community Safety Team and provides information about what community safety measures are being taken in the city, e.g. tackling hate crimes or domestic violence. The website also provides information about the city’s Anti Social Behaviour Team and explains more about anti social behaviour and how it can affect individuals and communities. The respect website provides lots of information and advice about anti social behaviour and the new respect agenda in the UK. |
