Disrespect: A Growing Threat to Liberia’s Democratic Future

By: Cornelius Robert U-Sayee

There’s an ancient adage that says, “Respect is reciprocal.” But honestly, respect is far more than a transactional value. It is a fundamental human value—one that underpins dignity, responsibility, and social cohesion. It surpasses religion, ethnicity, and politics, acting as the moral compass that guides how we treat one another in families, communities, and nations.

In Liberia, however, this pivotal social glue is rapidly disentangling. Since the start of the new millennium—through the historic leadership of Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to the current Boakai-Koung presidency—our nation has witnessed a shocking rise in disrespectful behavior across the social spectrum. What was once considered inappropriate now disturbingly seems acceptable.

From teenagers to the elderly, from public officials to social media influencers, disrespect has become a national vernacular. It is spoken fluently in political spaces, on display in community meetings, and shouted across Facebook threads and radio airwaves. Even prominent public figures—those expected to model integrity—are increasingly engaging in divisive language and toxic conduct.

President Boakai captured this worrisome reality during the 19th commencement convocation of the United Methodist University. “The lack of respect and love for each other is demonstrated daily in many ways,” he cautioned, “in the way we think and talk and use media channels, including the radio, to tear each other apart for greed and selfish reasons.” His words reflect a hard truth: Liberia is in the grips of a cultural crisis.

Disrespect is no longer a matter of individual behavior; it is becoming institutionalized. It is eroding role models, weakening mentorship, and poisoning civic discourse. If left unchecked, this wave of incivility will undermine our post-conflict recovery, paralyze national development, and endanger our fragile democracy.

The question, then, is urgent: How do we reclaim our values and restore a culture of respect?

Here are a few actionable steps:

• Families and schools must reinforce discipline—firmly but fairly—grounded in human rights and Liberian cultural values.
• Educational institutions should organize training sessions on ethical social media use, especially among young people.

• Government policy must include enforceable penalties for individuals or entities that perpetuate disrespect in public discourse.
• Media campaigns and civil society groups must champion awareness about the role of respect in building a peaceful and democratic society.

The wave of insults and disdain flooding our public spaces demands a coordinated national response. It is time for the government to take proactive steps—not only to punish misconduct but to promote civility, restore dignity, and ensure Liberia does not raise a generation devoid of concern for values.

We cannot afford to let disrespect become the standard. Liberia’s democratic future and the moral fabric of our nation hang in the balance.