Put yourself in my shoes!

Two posts before, I wrote about treating people like people. After reading this new Savater´s chapter I realize it is not only a matter of respect but also a matter of truly recognizing somebody as similar to you. This is not an easy job.
We might be so blinded by our whims and views that filling somebody´s shoes can be harder than it seems.
However, we should try to understand the situation in full, from the inside; trying to adopt other people´s view points.
In my experience, I sometimes feel that because I think my view is so true and the only right option, I do not stop and try to analyse other ideas.
As teachers, we need to take into account out students´s viewpoints i.e, take into account THEIR RIGHTS.
If one of my students could not come to class, I shouldn't be mad or upset with him but I should try to put myself in his position, trying to analyse the reasons why he did not come: tiredness, job problems, family issues, etc.
I think this is what being open minded means: DO not stick to one option, opinion or idea; DO research, find out motives and fill somebody´s shoes!

Chapter 7, Etica para Amador - Savater

Developing our "moral good taste"

I liked particularly this sentence because I believe it is a process to build up this conscience that will help you decide which things you despise and which others you side with.

I related this "moral good taste" with the snap reactions or decisions we take when a situation shock us.

When I see that somone or even me is not treated "fairly" I cannot help reacting: weather it is disrespect, violence or any kind of injustice that contradicts my beliefs.

Nowadays, students seem not to know or care about how to treat their mates, family or teachers.

As teachers, we cannot just sit there and watch it happen. If our "moral good sense" is switched on, we have to react. We should try to show our students (maybe by giving the example) how to treat the ones that surround you and at least we give them a taste of our "moral good taste".

Chapter 6, Etica para Amador - Savater

GIVE RESPECT. GET RESPECT!

Treating people like people pretty much involves taking into account their wishes, their needs, in other words: giving respect. Showing these attitudes to another person will probably lead to reciprocity; i.e, you will get the same respect that you gave.

As Savater said, because citizen Kane gave no respect to the people surrounding him, he got no respect at all so for that he felt empty.

We feel empty, upset or even sad when we perceive that people is disrespectful to us. I think this has to do with us feeling little, less in front of others. In my experience as a teacher, I sometimes feel like my students are disrespectful to me but I still do not "lose hope" and I keep on giving my respect to them.

I think that to treat people like people is important to think about how we like to be treated and implement those thoughts in our everyday-relationships: at work, at university, at home, etc.

Even if you still do not get the respect you expected (despite you efforts), you still have that person´s respect that follows you everywhere: YOU!

In my life, I try to give and show respect for others: my teachers, my mates, my coworkers and of course to my students.

Even if you feel you are not being treated with respect, you should not give up. Keep on giving the example, showing that in our world we treat people like people (or at least it should be our ultimate goal, don´t you think?)

Chapter 5, Etica para Amador - Savater