I think some of the disagreement between people here is due to differences in how they understand some concepts. In this thread I'd like to ask people: what they think respect is, how they give or get it, and how they show it.

For example for myself:

I think that there are at least two kinds of respect: one is basically synonymous with common courtesy and politeness, this is what I think people mean when they talk about "showing respect" or how they "respect everyone". You give it by showing it by being or acting polite, considerate, courteous, etc. However, what is considered polite, courteous, respectful, etc. varies by culture and subculture. I've met people for whom holding the door or heavy items for someone weaker than you is disrespectful (do you think they are weak?!), and where NOT doing so was also disrespectful (do you not care if they are uncomfortable? how inconsiderate!).

The other kind of respect is more similar to admiration, and nobody gets that by default, everyone has to earn that individually. The reason you can't give it by default, is because it's an emotion, rather than an action, so it can't be forced. For example I can't arbitrarily choose to respect John Doe, because I don't know anything about him that would make me admire him. When considering this kind of respect, it makes less sense to talk about "respecting women" or "respecting men" or other groups.