I was watching a semi-recent episode of Caitlin Jenner’s travelling escapades, and I got a wee bit riled. Let me explain.

 
Cait and her friends were discussing politics and presidential candidates when, unsurprisingly, things got a little heated.

 
Cait had some pretty loud and rowdy opinions and would talk over people, which her friends later confronted her about. In a camera monologue, Cait decided she just wasn’t yet used to “speaking like a woman,” and guessed she would have to learn how to become “little Cait.”

 
Do I dare bring up how this is the same person who, when asked what the hardest part of being a woman was, chose “Deciding what to wear!” as her answer? Maybe another time. I digress.

 
Let’s get one thing straight: you are allowed to feel however you want. You can have whatever opinions you want, from the radical to the very basic. However, none of that changes this fundamental truth:

 
No matter your feelings or opinions, you have no right to treat anyone else as less of a human being.

 
Was Cait in the wrong here? No one enjoys being talked over or interrupted. That wasn’t appropriate, sure. But by presenting this idea of “little Cait” who must speak quietly, or have less conviction in her opinions, Cait is cutting herself short.

 
No one is asking her not to have an opinion. This is one request for basic human decency that got incredibly overblown. But the foundation remains.

 
As children we were told that “everyone is unique and special,” but somehow multiple generations have translated this into “you’re better than others.” Red flag.

 
The next time you find yourself in an argument about chivalry, stop, and ask yourself why you care? Whoever gets to the door first should hold it open, and whoever wants to be the best human being should make the greatest effort to get there first.

 
If schools want to add to the required course list, the first added option should be a basic study in how to treat others with respect and dignity (which should, then, include a free test-out options for those of us who weren’t raised as idiots).

 
This might also teach people that when others are trying to be nice, they aren’t always trying to be creepy. Should you always be aware and careful? Definitely. Yet it’s sad that we live in a society that doesn’t feel safe stopping to help someone whose tire has gone flat on the side of the road.

 
It comes down to this: don’t be a jerk. Treat others with respect.

 
People tell me I live in a fantasy world, but I really don’t find this too much to ask. And I think if people joined me in my fantasy world, this earth would be a much better place.