Does Perceived Disrespect Ever Justify Physical Response

Shawn Lebrock
Jun 11
3 min read

Updated: Jun 23

Reacting physically to perceived disrespect—whether intentional or not—demonstrates a struggle with self-control. It clouds your judgment and impairs your ability to respond effectively if a situation truly does escalate into a physical confrontation (ideally, only when you have no other choice).

Some people say, “I just see red!” But this instinctive reaction is not just a personal issue; it’s also a threat to civil society. Such behavior undermines good order and discipline, erodes public trust between strangers, and ultimately harms the social fabric that supports economic growth and community well-being. This topic extends far beyond “self-defense”—it’s about encouraging composure and consideration, both in ourselves and those around us.

Does Perceived Disrespect Ever Justify Physical Response

The Roots of Aggression

In times before modern comforts, when survival depended on defending scarce resources, hyper-aggressive and territorial behavior was necessary. Quick, forceful reactions to any slight—real or imagined—could mean the difference between survival and loss.

But as societies developed, communities organized, and abundance became more common, trust between strangers grew. We began to rely on shared values and laws to govern interactions, and those laws—while imperfect—are generally enforced.

Today, the hyper-aggressive traits that once ensured survival now undermine the very framework of civil society. If you believe it’s acceptable to “fly off the handle” at the slightest provocation, you are not contributing to a healthy community.

The Danger of Low-Order Thinking

A lack of composure and self-control—yelling, lashing out, or resorting to violence—undermines your credibility and displays ignorance and impulsiveness. These are hallmarks of low-order thinking, where decisions are driven by emotion and ego rather than logic and reflection. This mindset is dangerous, both to the individual and to those around them.

It’s easy to slip from calm to chaos; Allowing ego to dictate your actions severely impairs your decision-making. Calm composure, on the other hand, enables a measured, appropriate response.

Why is this important? Because the longer an incident drags on, the greater the risk of a negative outcome. A precise, justified response can efficiently resolve a situation and is easier to defend after the fact. It also forces you to consider the often-overlooked question:

“What happens next?”

Practicing Composure

Letting go of ego, embracing humility, and understanding the consequences of your actions can prevent situations from spiraling out of control. Next time you feel disrespected, pause, breathe, and choose a response that carefully weighs the potential second- and third-order effects.

Composure is not just a personal virtue; it’s a civic responsibility. Encourage it in yourself and those around you, and help build a safer, more respectful society.

Online Violence Prevention and Self Defense Training Brought To You By Generous Supporters

The Center for Violence Prevention and Self-Defense (CVPSD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing violence by educating at-risk individuals and communities.

Through a combination of online and in-person training, workshops, and seminars, CVPSD provides practical self-defense skills, violence prevention strategies, risk assessment tools, and guidance on setting personal and relationship boundaries.

Partnering with public and private organizations, schools, nonprofits, community groups, and government agencies—including those under the General Services Administration (GSA)—CVPSD works to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize, avoid, and respond effectively to threats.