Have we lost our ability to have a dignified indignation? It certainly appears that way to me. As I watch otherwise reasonable people parade in the streets acting like complete fools, I can't help but wonder. Where has the dignity gone? No matter your political leanings, no matter your social status or lack of it, each of us should conduct ourselves with dignity. It is something we hear about, although the word respect is used as synonym for dignity which it is not. Dignity is concerned with you, respect is concerned with others. I do not require your respect to have dignity! That is the subtle difference that is being lost today. Dignity is self imposed and composed of ones' own moral code and self esteem. The maintenance of our dignity is sometimes a lonely endeavor. There are times when others will try to destroy that. We must remain firm.
When we feel a sense of indignation what are we feeling? We are feeling something in opposition to our own belief system. It may be as simple as a breach of etiquette, a social faux pas, and it may strike at our core. Even when something " cuts you to the quick " that doesn't mean you should surrender your dignity. There was a time when such breaches were met with a respectful silence. You know, when you have nothing good to say, say nothing. That certainly isn't the case today. Now the cry goes up and expletives fly across the room, indeed fly across the world! Dignity is surrendered. But what isn't understood is the cost. Rage and indignation does nothing to others but inspire more of the same. Like dealing with a child your further rage only fuels the fire, a response is elicited, whether the response is beneficial or not. The object was to gain a reaction. The cost? A loss of respect. Respect will not be forthcoming from others, the only place it can come! When you surrendered your dignity you allowed that to happen. It is you that lowered the gate. You opened that door. And now you shout, I'm being disrespected! Yes, yes you are. And it was you that granted that permission to others.
Emotions are great motivators, but seldom good guides. Conversations start with courtesy, battles start with a shout. Emotion is not the language of reason. Emotions are easily aroused it is the considered response that is difficult to obtain. What I'm trying to say here is, in the game of life you can not expect to be refreshed if you refuse to go to the concession stand! Sometimes that concession is silence. Maintain dignity if you desire respect. Respect must be offered, it's the only way to get it. There are times when dignity lives in silence. Remain resolute, you are worth it. In short, just because you go to the concession stand doesn't mean you have to buy what they're selling.
When we feel a sense of indignation what are we feeling? We are feeling something in opposition to our own belief system. It may be as simple as a breach of etiquette, a social faux pas, and it may strike at our core. Even when something " cuts you to the quick " that doesn't mean you should surrender your dignity. There was a time when such breaches were met with a respectful silence. You know, when you have nothing good to say, say nothing. That certainly isn't the case today. Now the cry goes up and expletives fly across the room, indeed fly across the world! Dignity is surrendered. But what isn't understood is the cost. Rage and indignation does nothing to others but inspire more of the same. Like dealing with a child your further rage only fuels the fire, a response is elicited, whether the response is beneficial or not. The object was to gain a reaction. The cost? A loss of respect. Respect will not be forthcoming from others, the only place it can come! When you surrendered your dignity you allowed that to happen. It is you that lowered the gate. You opened that door. And now you shout, I'm being disrespected! Yes, yes you are. And it was you that granted that permission to others.
Emotions are great motivators, but seldom good guides. Conversations start with courtesy, battles start with a shout. Emotion is not the language of reason. Emotions are easily aroused it is the considered response that is difficult to obtain. What I'm trying to say here is, in the game of life you can not expect to be refreshed if you refuse to go to the concession stand! Sometimes that concession is silence. Maintain dignity if you desire respect. Respect must be offered, it's the only way to get it. There are times when dignity lives in silence. Remain resolute, you are worth it. In short, just because you go to the concession stand doesn't mean you have to buy what they're selling.
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