I know it's a popular thing to say we respect WGs, or that some WGs are worthy of respect, or the profession deserves respect, but I'm simply trying to point out that it is much safer not to get into a respect/disrespect discussion/frame of mind. Unfortunately the English language is quite loaded. Disrespect is often equated with not respecting. But if you respect everything and everyone the term becomes meaningless. Most people and things require no such view.
The saying, "I respect WGs but wouldn't want my daughter to be one," is a variation of,
"I respect black people but wouldn't want one living next door."
In reality, we mostly don't respect or disrespect WGs. If you force yourself to make a premature decision, it will probably by prejudicial (which is disrespectful).
So I suggest the only thing you owe another human being, or group of human beings, is politeness. If respect or disrespect occurs, that should be at a much later stage and generally (though not always) something we should reserve for specific individuals.
Yes and that would be correct if we are using respect in that sense. This poll though does not and the general understanding of the word in this context doesn't fit with the dictionary definition of the word. One of the many joys of language is that words meanings are often fluid. Again to repeat the original post;
"Namely do you respect any women who is or allows herself to become an Escort/prostitute ?
Have they allowed themselves to become morally bankrupt by having a complete lack of self respect to be able to sell their bodies ?
Or is that just an out dated notion these days, and they should be viewed as intuitive independent business women ?
To those who say they repsect WG's and their freedom of choice, what would you think if you had found out your mother/sister/daughter had been on the game ?"
So within this context I would say I operate from a level of mutual respect when I meet WGs.
I could also take the word with another meaning it's picked up; I respect their privacy, respect their body and their boundaries and their right to life.
Now lets cite the old trusty Oxford English Dictionary definition;
respect
Pronunciation: /rɪˈspɛkt/
Definition of respect
noun1 [mass noun] a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements:
the director had a lot of respect for Douglas as an actor
*the state of being admired or respected:
his first chance in over fifteen years to regain respect in the business
*(respects) a person’s polite greetings:
give my respects to their Excellencies
*informal used to express the speaker’s approval of someone or something:
respect to Hill for a truly non-superficial piece on the techno scene
2 due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others:
young people’s lack of respect for their parents
3a particular aspect, point, or detail:
the government’s record in this respect is a mixed one
verb1admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements:
she was respected by everyone she worked with
(as adjective respected)
a respected academic
2 have due regard for (someone’s feelings, wishes, or rights):
I respected his views
* avoid harming or interfering with:
it is incumbent upon all hill users to respect the environment* agree to recognize and abide by (a legal requirement):
the crown and its ministers ought to respect the ordinary law
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The word is not quite as simple as you say. You do have a point in that people often confuse the words many meanings and the cross over is dangerous. I wouldn't say escorting is a profession that deserves elevated respect but likewise it's not a profession that deserves denigration either.
