Michael Rosen: "Dignity: Its History and Meaning"
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-03-27/michael-rosen-dignity-its-history-and-meaning
The idea of dignity has shifted over time. Today it is at the center of our thinking about law and human rights, but there is often disagreement about its meaning. In the past, dignity was reserved for aristocrats and monarchs. During the Renaissance, many believed all of God’s creation -- humans, animals and plants – had dignity. Later, some said only humans were worthy of the distinction. In modern times, dignity is cherished as a fundamental human right. The concept has been part of our national debate about civil rights, politics, and war. Diane and her guest discuss historic and modern meanings of dignity, duty, and respect.
Guests
Michael Rosen
Professor of Government at Harvard University
Comments
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Real dignity means not manipulating law (both international and at home) to justify the outcome that you want.
I tend to give all people the benefit of the doubt. by this I mean i will give anyone and everyone the courtesy they deserve until they prove me otherwise. This includes the homeless or those in low end jobs. Not only because they deserve it but by the grace of God or fortune I could be in their shoes. In addition when people are being rude to me or worse I try to think "maybe they are having a bad day" or "maybe this is absolutely the best they can do".
How about the dignity of the unborn child?
I believe that dignity is simply the possession of a positive self image.
Treating someone with dignity means that you are treating the individual in a manner that supports a person's positive self image. Remembering that each of us have a self image, an ideal image, and a real image, we conclude that "dignity" is a subjective and relative term or condition. What is believed by an individual is his reality, which may have little resemblance to reality itself. Don Quihoti (forgive spelling) performed with dignity and with delusion.
Dignity has no direct carry-over to other members of the animal kingdom as was suggested by the horse reference.
I am an RN and I have spent most of my career working with the mentally ill. Sometimes they have no positive self image because of their hallucinations. They deserve to be treated with dignity in spite of their negative self image. To me, that means listening, validating and appreciating their intrinsic worth. This philosophy applies to everyone. Everybody counts.
Diane, first I want to thank you and your husband John for sharing your life-journey in your book 'Toward Commitment.'
I'm very intrigued by your guest's book - and rather surprised to hear him go on at length about dignity without once (unless I missed it) using the word 'shame.' Shame is the tool for social control that the more powerful use to strip the dignity from those being controlled. And Adolph Hitler's large public rants ALWAYS included his of this phrase: "I will remove the shame from Germany that our enemies have subjected you to!"
To the gentleman who is a refugee who has lost everything and asked how he could have any dignity: He is the same person now as he was before this happened to him. In recognizing this fact, he may be able to realize that, although difficult, his dignity can be resurrected. It's a tough lesson to learn that "It's not about me." That is, it doesn't matter how we "feel" about what has happened to us or to someone us, because our "feelings" do not change anything but attitudes. It is what we "do" that has the potential to change a condition. If there is nothing we can do, we must recognize that as well and channel our efforts in a direction that can make a difference.
It seems to me that the "Golden Rule" should about cover it. Do unto others................A soldier might kill but would ask to be killed with dignity; quickly, with as little pain as possible etc.
We must eat but should show our prey the dignity of a quick and painless death.
A homeless person would ask to not be laughed at, not derided because of their condition of unatractiveness, odor, shovenlyness etc.
We should treat others without regard to the base feelings of relegion, culture, gender, caste, attractiveness etc.
and their parents and family!
Supposedly dignity is inherent in all persons. Which would suggest that everyone is born with it. But in my lifetime, I have noticed how those who fancy themselves better than others will try to "put down" those whom they believe to be unworthy. The goal of the powerful seems to be keeping everyone else "in their place". It would seem to be difficult to keep one's head up when one has a feeling of being run over. One must be tough almost beyond belief.