Can A Disrespectful Person Be A Moral Leader? (morals, homosexuals)

[Sunstone]

Can a person who is disrespectful of others be a moral leader? Or is a lack of respect for others something that disqualifies someone from being a moral leader?

[standing_alone]

I suppose it depends on what kind of morals this person ascribes to.

[YmirGF]

As I understand, being disrespectful of others is not something that will win you many friends unless it is done within the confines of a "clique" or group of likeminded individuals.

Being disrespectful and not cow-towing to the sensitivities of others is going to drive people away from you because you tell them things they do not want to hear. People want to be reassured that their "way" is the "right way" and so one would be advised to couch their thoughts within those terms.

Now... just what does this have to do with morality?

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by standing_alone

I suppose it depends on what kind of morals this person ascribes to.

What if they regard themselves as a humanist but cannot bring themselves to respect other humans?

[Buttercup]

I think we need to define the question a bit more. It's obvious Hitler was a moral leader....at least some saw him that way. And I'm sure he was disrespectful more than once.

[standing_alone]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

What if they regard themselves as a humanist but cannot bring themselves to respect other humans?

Hmmm... Tough one...

What degree of disrespect are you talking about in the OP? The degree of disrespect may make a difference.

While respect would be a desirable trait (almost necessary) in any humanist, I don't see why it is absolutely required to be respectful to one's fellow human beings in order to work toward advancing the welfare of one's fellow man. Again, I suppose it would depend on the nature of disrespect.

[Sunstone]

Can someone who considers themselves a humanist but who has no respect for blacks, or homosexuals, or mentally slow people be considered a moral leader?

[Buttercup]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Can someone who considers themselves a humanist but who has no respect for blacks, or homosexuals, or mentally slow people be considered a moral leader?

Absolutely not. Not in my book of morals.

[standing_alone]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Can someone who considers themselves a humanist but who has no respect for blacks, or homosexuals, or mentally slow people be considered a moral leader?

Again, it depends on the degree of disrespect. If they don't respect members of those groups, but still help advance their welfare, then perhaps they could be considered a humanist. If they only work to adavance the welfare of certain peoples and ignore the plights of others, then I wouldn't call them a humanist.

I think it may be important to define the degree of disrespect.