So who should be respected? The answer is simple - everyone.
For what? The answer is even simpler - no way!

This is a culture of communication, at least. If you don’t understand how and why you need to do this - conform to the culture. If awareness appears, the question will disappear. I can answer in more detail in line with the theistic concept, but this is unlikely to be welcomed here.
In Christianity, the phrase is known: "All people are brothers." It should be taken literally and unambiguously.

That is, the initial attitude towards any person you meet on the way is UNCONDITIONAL respect. Regardless of his appearance, clothes, situation. Even his words and actions. It is not always possible to immediately understand the motives of his actions, we will not always be able to understand the consequences of his activities. And only over time, some people will lose our respect. Although this is also wrong, no matter how hard they try to lower themselves below the plinth, there is no need to give in, this is a trap. That's when it starts - "what did he do so that I respect him ???

One interesting moment. The less we respect a person, the more polite and respectful we need to behave with him. This will help both, and you - to gain respect again, and he - seeing that he is respected, he will try to respect you and also live up to your respect.

And only then, with mutual respect, can we talk about at least some human communication, at least some effectiveness of communication, at least about something human, and not animal in our soul.

APPENDIX.

I add here the answer of Kucherenko Valery, a veterinarian. Without editing. He had trouble registering and posting this post here. Do not follow the manner of presentation, follow the thought.

"A person sounds proud. This is how A. M. Gorky wrote. A person is a friend, comrade and brother. This is said in communist morality. Respect your neighbor because God will be angry with you. In the East, respect is given to aksakals, or elderly people, gray-haired and strong. There, all elderly people are considered wise. And it’s true, because who in life can know more than an old elderly person. Even without education. There you very rarely meet hostility towards each other. Disrespect for another person they are punished, because as Allah ordered them, they do it forever. So we need to respect each other to infinity. After all, you and I will never be eternal. All biological creatures, starting with the jellyfish, have a positive defensive reaction or, for example, chemotaxis. We are reasonable people Homo Sapiens. We have surpassed our brothers in intelligence. And we should not sulk and grimace at each other. We differ in our brain with a developed cortex, and not just a subcortex, like our smaller ones. brothers. As the great physiologist Pavlov wrote. We must have a protective reaction from animals. But we need to respect each other and not fight. After all, we have a high nervous organization. And whoever does not respect each other, he hardly considers himself a person. On the contrary, it is necessary to reckon with every person and his will, and to his last path, respect him. Because he came to us from nature and everyone was born to mothers. And all unique personalities with different abilities. There are even unique people. Each person is unique. Everyone can benefit the people. Well, unless they drink alcohol. In any case, with everyone like that, we must fight to infinity, we must deal with him and make sure that he is respected.

In the modern state, respect for the dignity, rights and freedoms of the individual is one of the key socium, in accordance with which there should be no intolerance towards, regardless of their origin, lifestyle and other distinctive features. Nevertheless, a person singles out for himself a separate circle of people worthy of respect, adhering to his own opinion.

Respect for a person most often arises when he has certain positive qualities, for example, he always tells the truth, has no bad habits, leads a healthy lifestyle and goes in for sports, is smart and makes good money, while occupying a prominent position in society. Thus, if a person has several positive qualities at once, simple respect for him can develop into admiration for him and even adoration. Often such people are appreciated by those who would like to be like them in something.

A person's actions can also cause others to respect him. In modern society, those people who help others are especially valued, they do not stand aside if an unpleasant situation has happened to someone.

The role of mutual respect in society

With each other, as a rule, those people who have something in common. For example, members of the work team, as well as students of educational institutions, most often in good relations, listen to each other's opinions, show courtesy and all kinds of respect. At the same time, they also treat each other, for example, athletes from the same section, members of the same party, housemates and others. However, it should be remembered that any person deserves to be respected regardless of their appearance, character or actions. Failure to do this leads to the growth of selfishness and other negative aspects of people.

To earn respect, it is important not to turn away from people and try to show your best side in all situations - at school, at work, among friends and in the family circle.

An unpleasant, but quite common fact in becoming respect for those who belong to one

Have you ever noticed that good people are often not respected? They help others, they are patient, they don't hold grudges, but for some reason, they constantly feel upset and alone. Psychologists believe that the reason for this is the mistakes in the behavior of such people. Today we will help you sort them out.

Useless self-sacrifice

You ignore your own needs for the sake of others, but the world simply does not notice. And even if people insult you, you consider yourself guilty. This approach will inevitably lead to the fact that people will upset you again and again. Don't be afraid to tell the world if you don't like something. This will help you attract people with the same interests as you. On the other hand, unnecessary self-sacrifice most often goes unnoticed.

Lack of self-esteem

You don't seem to feel when other people are rude to you, or you just turn a blind eye to these "little inconveniences". But a naturally rude person will never love or respect you for it. So why do you keep putting up with it? If someone acts like they don't care about you, then it's really true. Don't make excuses for rude people. Respect yourself.

You depend on the approval of others

People who have a pathological need for approval from others subconsciously give out signals that something is wrong with them. But others do not want to communicate with people who are somehow different from them. Stop waiting for praise. You don't need to hear about what a good person you are to be one. And don't be afraid of criticism. People will criticize you for just about everything for one reason or another. Your opinion of yourself should always be the most important.

You are looking for the source of problems only within yourself.

You automatically assume that everyone around you is right, except when it comes to yourself. You think that you are responsible for everything that happens around you. Remember that no one will thank you for this, but they can take advantage of you and make your life even more difficult. Finding the culprits is a thankless task. It won't bring you love or pity. Better focus your efforts on finding a solution to the problem.

Boasting

If you constantly try to emphasize your worth and ask for respect, then you are in a dependent relationship. The more you try to convince others that you are a good person, the more often you will get rejected. Even if you really are.

You can show others that you are worth something only if you yourself sincerely believe in it. If you know your worth, you will not need to prove it to anyone.

Fear of rejection

You don't want to upset anyone, even if it's for your own inconvenience. You pretend that everything is fine so that others do not worry if something does not suit you. As a result, you are very often dissatisfied with what is happening around.

Don't be afraid to say no. Even the best people in the world can try to take advantage of you if you let them. Help others only if you really want to.

Ignoring self-interest

You are used to adapting to the needs of other people, so it is difficult for you to understand your own desires. You yourself cannot decide what to do, so you always listen to the opinion of the outside. If you are unable to make decisions and feel helpless, other people are unlikely to be able to respect you. Learn to listen to your own desires and don't be afraid to offend others. Most likely, your fears are far from reality, and you can always find a compromise.

You can't set boundaries

You always forgive others, because it is easier to do than to stand up for yourself. Even if others disrespect you, you find an excuse for them. It is very important to define your own boundaries of acceptable behavior in order to prevent others from overstepping them towards you. People who allow everything do not command respect.

Fear of being alone

You turn your relationship into a cult by sacrificing yourself. Moreover, while doing this, you feel comfortable. Perhaps that is why you only meet bullies, narcissists and selfish people, because you allow yourself to be used.

You don't have to choose between your relationship and your self-esteem. If you have to make this choice, then something went wrong. Be brave and don't be afraid of change. Think of loneliness as freedom and you will never be on your own for long.

Do you think respect has to be earned?

You agree that respect should be the result of actions or behavior. As a result, you do not feel comfortable if your relationship with someone is equal, because you firmly believe that respect must be earned. You think that a person has value only if they have done something.

The truth is that love or respect cannot be "bought". Learn to love and be loved unconditionally, and then your relationships with other people will become much easier.