The failure of modern social justice reform is that it focuses on “restoring dignity” rather than “revealing dignity”. Restoring dignity gives the impression that dignity can be removed or reassigned, that it’s not inherent and universal — that it’s a byproduct of our appreciation and compassion for one another. And God knows how fickle we are in those departments. Having compassion and appreciation for all of mankind — and equally, is a Godly task. Being so limited in our ability to feel and connect with all, we end up with a hierarchy that has to remove dignity from one group to restore it to another. It’s this approach that leads to incidents like 1948’s expulsion of one community for the sake of another group which garnered more sympathy at the time. Due to the heightened compassion towards one group, the dignity of another is dismissed.
“Revealing dignity”, however, is the concept that dignity never shifts or waivers, regardless of compassion, media-driven public sympathy, conduct, etc. And it mandates respect and honor even “to the least of these”. Dignity here is not a byproduct of assessing one’s worth. It demands the humane treatment of anyone even when their conduct is far from humane. It warrants respect and compassion to those way outside the radars of our hearts. It’s the acknowledgment that “they”, too, are deeply loved, regardless if you’re willing to extend your love to “them” or not.
