R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Respect - v. - to consider worthy of high regard.
It's a simple enough definition, but in today's society, this word holds a lot of power.  I always hear students talk to me about how a teacher or fellow student doesn't respect them, so why should they show respect.  That's a simple enough explanation.  Here's the part I don't understand.  How can people demand respect?  Is it right for students to instantly respect teachers because we're "authority figures"?  Should teachers instantly respect students because the students demand respect?  I believe this idea applies all over the place.  
I also believe people have overused this word repsect.  They throw it around like everyone deserves respect, but I don't think that's true.  I think everyone deserves to be treated kindly, and I believe that people who will earn the most respect will always treat others respectfully.  BUT, people still have to earn others respect... they have to be somebody that others consider worthy of high regard.  And, sad to say, I don't think everyone in this world deserves that.  I wonder if there is a way to teach this idea to my students.  How do I teach them the difference between being respectful and giving someone their respect.
And so, I end my random ramblings today hoping that you will ponder the difference and understand that being respectful doesn't necessarily mean that you are giving respect.  
“I respect the man who knows distinctly what he wishes. The greater part of all mischief in the world arises from the fact that men do not sufficiently understand their own aims. They have undertaken to build a tower, and spend no more labor on the foundation than would be necessary to erect a hut.”
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe