NavyLCDR and I were/are both in the military service; the military doesn't require you to respect anyone but it DOES require you to show respect. I can have complete and utter disdain for someone and still say "Yes, Sir" or "No, Ma'am" or "Please pass the salt."
It doesn't mean I respect them one iota, it merely means I'm complying with a societal norm.
It reminds me of a conversation I had with a young Lieutenant about saluting.
"Saluting is a show of respect..." said he.
"Yes, and it also means a person doesn't have a weapon in his hand to strike the other. That's why the subordinate person shows his weakness first."
"Right."
".... Yeah... too bad I'm left-handed. I can salute and still be the first to reach for a weapon."
that is not respect and you know it, so quit blowing smoke in everyone's ear as you know the difference!!
unadulterated brain washed obedience is what makes you say 'sir' and there is punishment associated with your failure to act if you do not meet the service's established criteria. (some services are more entrenched than others as their perception of discipline might be more stringent!)
same perception of a good southern child calling their daddy, SIR, the concept is re-enforced over and over again as well as sometimes beat into the child! that is not respect!!
ipse
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