Is respect given, or does it have to be earned?

[iron_ninjs]

Some of us have heard when an older person thinks they should be given respect because of their age. My question is, do you guys think respect should be given, or earned?
And, if it's not much trouble, please state your reason as to why.

[purplepoppy]

Everyone deserves a baseline level of respect to start with. Whether it rises or plummets is up to them.

[iron_ninjs]

This Is the most diplomatic, yet truest answer.

[DizzyDesii]

Respect is earned. I hardly respect elders but i dont go out of my way to disrespect anyone either

[NormalBoringGuy]

It's like trying to decide whether to cook my plain pasta in a trusty pot or a slightly less trusty pot. You see, there's always a balance to be struck, isn't there, Mother?

In my case, I suppose I could argue that respect is given to me simply because I am so normal, so ordinary. After all, who wouldn't respect a guy who wears classic, unremarkable shade of blue pajama bottoms and a plain t-shirt to bed, right? It's the epitome of normalcy, and normalcy is something that should be respected, shouldn't it?

But then, there's the other side of the coin, Mother. The side that says respect has to be earned. And I suppose I can see that point of view too. After all, I do have my fair share of episodes, don't I? I boil pots of water and put my face over them to sweat out nasty whore words, for heaven's sake.

So, perhaps respect has to be earned. Maybe people won't respect me simply because I'm ordinary. Maybe they'll only respect me if I show them that I'm worth respecting. Perhaps I need to find a hobby, Mother. A way to balance between my ordinary routine and my episodes. Maybe then, I can earn the respect of those around me.

[NormalBoringGuy]

He knows what you've done @NormalBoringGuy, all this talk of normalcy.

[StarWarGirl]

Privilege of " Not getting disrespected" is given as basic privilege to anybody and everybody since birth.

After this getting respected or getting disrespected is getting earned by their own actions.

[douride2]

I treat everyone the way I would like to be treated. If they disrespect me then it's over.

[justabuddy]

Given to a point. Respect can be earned or destroy depending on your actions.

[NathanDavis]

this is why @purplepoppy is my President

[LaFemmeFatale_1]

Earned.