Value and Respect

Posted on January 27, 2004 in Attitudes Writing Groups

Many people in the group that I am leaving have told me “We value your critiques.” I thought about this and talked it over with my friends. One observed: “They value you, but they don’t respect you.”

Walmart greeters are valued. They are paid money for it. But are they respected? I don’t think so.

Among the things that I was told was that I should allow people to be themselves around me. Blink blink. Excuse me? But what about me? Don’t I get a little consideration?

My artist friend told me that she would rather be respected than valued. It’s the difference between accepting diversity and treating a person like a fashion accessory.

Another theory proposed for what happened was “you’re both artists.” Meaning artists can’t control themselves. Did I give up my credentials as an artist last night by not throwing a full blown tantrum? If that’s what makes an artist, I happily surrender the honor. I want to be a person.