Never trade respect for attention!
I see so many people who carelessly trade their respect for attention over and over again. They seem to crave attention so much that they will go to almost any length to get attention. This is why you see so many martial artists who are willing to pay to be “honored” by those pay-per-play martial arts hall of fames. Most know that those are not true hall of fames, but they can’t resist the chance to hobnob with a few martial arts celebrities and take some photos to show all their friends, family, and students how “important” they are.
But the one thing they seem to forget about is their respect. Those who have figured out that most of the martial arts hall of fames are nothing more than a scam and a yearly, glorified selling frenzy where cheap trophies and a $10 chicken dinner with canned vegetables are sold for $250-$350. They see through the ruse and know that it is nothing but a con job. Basically, they are trading real respect for a cheap trophy and a piece of paper which they buy for themselves, and greatly overpay for. There is no honor or respect in buying yourself a fake award, but many do so anyway.
Others trade their respect for attention by acting like clowns, saying ridiculous things, or doing outlandish things to get attention from their friends and those around them. They fail to realize that, even if they get a few laughs, constantly turning themselves into a buffoon to get a little attention cost them respect in the end. Think about it. Do you have more respect for the loud-mouthed clown or for your more reserved and well-spoken friends?
Trading your respect for attention always demonstrates a lack of honor, character, or integrity. We see it all the time in Hollywood and in politics. They trade their honor and integrity for some attention and publicity. That’s always a bad deal in the end! Always put your honor, character, and integrity first place in your life, and you will maintain your respect.
Never trade respect for attention! Respect is hard-earned and easily lost. Whether it is those cheesy martial arts hall of fames or any other action in which you have to trade your respect for a little short-lived attention, refuse to trade your honor or respect for attention. Refuse to be a sucker. Always look behind the veil and see the reality of the situation. And then, make your decision with your respect and honor in mind. Your respect and honor is always worth more than a little attention or publicity! Think about it!
