Respecting differences — Ethics, 4–6
People may look, speak, move, learn or celebrate in different ways. Difference is not a reason to laugh at someone or treat them as less important.
Different is not wrong
People are not made from one pattern. Someone may use glasses, sign with their hands, need more time, eat different food or speak another language. We can be curious without staring, copying or making fun.
Why respect is needed
When a difference becomes a joke, the person may feel alone or unsafe, and others may copy the unkindness. Respect grew from the problem of living together with different needs and ways of being. It lets everyone keep their dignity and join in.
Making room for a difference
Sam covers his ears when the room is loud. First, Nora notices he is uncomfortable; second, she turns down the music; third, she asks, “Is this better?” Sam nods, so they continue quietly. Nobody calls him strange; they change the plan together.
“I was only joking”
A child may think a joke is harmless because it made some people laugh. That is a reasonable guess, since laughter often signals fun. But a joke about someone's body, voice or way of moving can hurt; stop when the person is upset and choose kinder words.
Living with many kinds of people
Respect helps at the playground, in a family, on a bus and later at work. You may meet someone who communicates, dresses or moves differently from you. Watch, listen and ask a trusted adult how to be helpful instead of guessing or laughing.
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