I met my uncle Emmo for the first time when we were recently in Berlin. We spent some time at his gallery and out socialising. Both him and his husband Karmin showed qualities and maturity that I as yet still aspire to. While talking over dinner he stated (and I paraphrase) ‘All humans have the right to dignity’. This has stuck with me since and has come back to mind often in the last couple of weeks.
Dignity is to be worthy of respect. Sure, not everyone has dignity but surely we should all have the right to achieve dignity. Every interaction I have with someone had the real possibility of limiting or expanding their capacity for dignity. Every action can curtail or expand others options to maintain their self-respect and respect from others. Every action I take can harm someone or enhance someone.
Dignity is not only to others but dignity is for ourselves as well. Everyone needs to the option to maintain self-respect. My future self should be able to wake up in the morning and feel sure in his actions and positive in his motions. Every action I take should realise the impact I have on the dignity of my future self.
If we all aspire to enhance the opportunity for dignity in others we may just be able to create a better world for everyone.
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