Today is National Respect Day! Today’s holiday is close to my heart, because of how important respecting others means so much to me, but when did this holiday first originate? Actually this holiday was originally called, “Respect for the Aged Day,” and can be traced back since 1947, and has been celebrated annually on September 15th in Japan. When Japanese immigrants came to America, they still celebrated their traditions in America, but as American became curious about certain traditions the Japanese were celebrating. Designating September 18th as National Respect Day for all. I don’t have to tell you how important respect is for all of us. Recently I was able to see the movie that was released in 2013 called, “12 Years a Slave.” I knew from the title, and the word slave in it, that it wouldn’t be a hallmark moment. The movie was produced by Brad Pitt, and was directed by Steve McQueen. The movie was the memoirs of man named Solomon Northup a New York State born free African American. Who was kidnapped in Washington D.C. in 1841, and sold into slavery. Sadly slavery still goes on today, in different parts of the world, and being kidnapped and sold as a slave, can happen. The director Steve McQueen had quoted, “When I read this book, I was totally stunned. At the same time I was pretty upset with myself that I didn’t know this book. I live in Amsterdam where Anne Frank is a national hero, and for me this book read like Anne Frank’s diary but written 97 years before – a firsthand account of slavery. I basically made it my passion to make this book into a film.” The book was published in 1853, and quite honestly I never knew the book existed either, but yet the movie had such an impact on me, which is why I’m bringing it up on today’s story. When someone has control over you, you live in fear, which is what it feels like to be a slave. Nothing is more despicable than respect based on fear. I’ve noticed in life that when someone doesn’t respect themselves first, they have little outpouring of respect to give to anyone else. So how does the respect cycle stay open, without closing down on us? Regardless of how people interact with you in this world it goes without saying good manners plays an important role. Today’s YouTube video I wanted to share with you today is about having good manners. It’s a Pixar short film called, “For the Birds,” which demonstrates what we all go through at times. Without making you feel obligated to change your life around. https://youtube/watch?v=1ZGsmw3f5Ik&feature=player_embedded
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 00:47:37 +0000
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