When we lose respect for each other, whether it is at the kitchen table or on the front lines of political activity, the inability to reason within an atmosphere of decency and sound judgment has a tendency to create negative emotions that appeal to those who prefer bulldozer tactics in trying to solve problems.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a disagreement, which is a fundamental element of democracy. Within the best of families, from time to time there are strong disagreements that cause emotional temperatures to reach the boiling point. Few families have never had that experience. Usually when that occurs, there is that voice that says, “OK, let’s calm down and try to work this out as a family.”

Of course, there are times when even that appeal is shunned as a form of weakness, when other family members abandon the ingredient of respect and resort to behaviour laced with bitter anger, which poisons the tone of open expression in a manner that shatters instead of builds a spirit of togetherness that is essential for any family facing serious problems.

The island-wide Bermudian family is in a crisis over a range of issues that test our ability to remain focused on pooling our best skills and talents to seek workable solutions that will enhance life for all of our citizens. With an expanding and diverse society, which is the case with most countries around the world, the challenge of listening instead of talking has often been the biggest obstacle.

Too often rage, bitterness and, yes, bigotry have overshadowed efforts by those people who choose to share life on this planet with respect for all, irrespective of race, religious differences or cultural ethnicity.

There are men, women and children in many parts of the world who at this very moment are struggling to survive in the face of famine and hostile forces.

Some seek to destroy by any means anyone standing in their way of dominance. This dreadful plight remains a threat to global peace.

The subject of being respectful jumped to the forefront of United States presidential election campaigns that have generated such nasty comments from some candidates. One political commentator concluded that some type of cultural degradation in the American culture had made ugly and insulting verbal exchanges acceptable as the new form of debate.

It may be popular with a fast-growing, reality-TV crowd, but does little to teach young people the importance of respect.

Many Americans are baffled how Donald Trump, the leading Republican candidate, has managed to make critical statements about anyone, including the Pope, and still maintain a following that keeps him in the running for the White House.

Another commentator remarked that in most cases the perpetrator of such comments would be leaving town in the dark of night to avoid a backlash. Not so these days. Here in Bermuda, we need to tone down anger when there are disagreements so that the door can be opened for common sense, respect and sound reasoning in seeking solutions.

That will not be easy for those who are not even willing to hear another viewpoint on whatever issue is being debated.

That type of disrespect is harmful to any effort to tackle important problems such as immigration, education and crime.

Teaching children the value of respecting one another at home, and in our schools for example, will at least pave the way for solving problems collectively, while maintaining dignity and respect — qualities needed to enhance any society.