Today's topic is dignity. I wonder what the current state of dignity is. What did it used to be? The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy says that it is a complex concept. In academic and legal contexts it is used in the phrase "human dignity". The basic worth or status that belongs to all persons equally. It is considered a defining ideal of our contemporary world, for those of us in the West.
In the past it was associated with rank, station, honour, uniqueness, beauty, poise, gravitas, integrity, self-respect, self-esteem, a sacred place in the order of things, supreme worth. That's a lot of things packed in there.
The article goes on to ask whether it is a moral concept or a political and legal one? And then this is an American viewpoint, so do we Canadians think similarly or differently. The phrase "dignity 2023" retrieves "Dignity status" in the U.S. granting undocumented people legal status.
We in Canada associate dignity with dying as in "dying with dignity" and medical assistance in dying. Quite different viewpoints revealed here. But both are dealing with key milestone points in human living.
Dignity isn't used broadly even though some are bold enough to use it. There's Dressing with Dignity by Colleen Hammon - how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the onslaught of tasteless, immodest, clothing. What about eating with dignity? This is aimed at people when they are unwell and need to replace essential nutrients and calories. And dignity in communication and conversations: this is about dealing with Alzheimer's Disease and the gradual diminishing of a person's ability to communicate. All of these seem sombre and serious.
So, turn the page...to find a suitable joke:
Why did the chicken cross the road?
Because it had crippling depression, it was constantly reminded that it's life was worthless to those it was looked down on by. A mere piece of meat, not a living creature, worthy of respect, and dignity. It didn't want to live in a constant state of fear and depression, knowing that it's only purpose in life would be death. So it escaped the farm, and took off to the highway... it saw the lights, and though the creature feared death, it was relieved to be free from the fear that plagued it.
