"Education can give you a skill, but a liberal education can give you dignity" Ellen Key
"What should move us to action is human dignity: the inalienable dignity of the oppressed, but also the dignity of each of us. We lose the dignity if we tolerate the intolerable." author unknown
What do these quotes mean to you? What do they say about dignity? Give an example of how these quotes can be applied to your everyday life. What have you done today that shows dignity?
Dignity....
All people are created equal
Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity
Communities transform through partnerships, not handouts
Human dignity is paramount in relieveing human distress.
What do you believe?
What does Dignity mean to you?
What would you add to this?
Listen to this song and reflect on what it means.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tms-ayMYzb8
How does it protray dignity?
What have you done today to make you feel proud?
Reflect and respond in a short paragraph or more.
HEllO
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ReplyDeleteI think the beginning quotes have to do with choice and that you must choose to have dignity. Liberal education is a person choosing to better themselves. Moving oneself to action to not tolerate the intolerable. As an example and what I did today: I showered and arrived to class on time.
ReplyDeleteWhat I believe and what I would add to the piece on dignity would be that all people are created equal and deserve repect but not all people are equally skilled. I do not possess the skills to become a professional basketball player for example.
I think the song really says that pride and dignity go hand in hand. You can have dignity if you feel proud about what you have done. Today I did all of my homework, that makes me proud.
These two quotes are eye opening to me. They say a lot about dignity in such a small amount of words. In quote two it states that dignity is a humans right, which is inalienable, which means it can not be taken away. In quote one it states that you must learn dignity, that it comes with education and an open mind and willingness to be open to new things in education.
ReplyDeleteAn example of how these quotes can be applied to peoples everyday life would be to simply do to others as you want done to yourself. So smile at others, make them feel wanted, treat them with respect and don't judge.
An example of what I have done today to show dignity would be that I tried my best at going out of my way to meet my new class mates, get to know them and treat them respectfully. I took time to get to know people rather than judging them.
I believe all three statements about dignity. I believe that they all should be played out but I don't truly believe that will ever happen.
1. All people are created equal.
They are created equal but are never ALL treated equally.
2. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity
Again, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, but some people could care
less about dignity and what is right, wrong, and disrespectful.
What dignity means to me is being, kind, respectful and caring for others and yourself. Although I believe it is a right to be treated with dignity I also believe it is a responsibility. People need to realize that to receive is to give, if you want to be treated with respect, treat others the same.
First things first, the song "Proud" by Heather Small was really good actually!!
Not too shocking though because Monica, you always find the best stuff!! :)
The song portrays portrays dignity in many ways. In the lyrics it says "Reflections of the fears I know I've left behind. I step out of the ordinary." It is portraying dignity in saying that you need to step away from the ordinary (which in todays society is typically being rude over being kind to all) and taking the to become a better person "I'm on my way, can't stop me now" Also in the lyrics "What have you done today to make you feel proud" I think Heather Small is saying what good have you done today that you can be proud and happy about? Dignity, being kind to others should be something that makes you proud and feel good, but it shouldn't always have to be a conscious decision. And last but not least the lyrics "We need a change, do it today." Hit home with me because I see how the world is today and frankly, it is pretty sad. We do need a change, a change for the better, and we need it soon. But a change can't just happen from one person having dignity, the whole world needs to have it.
What have I done today to make me feel proud? Going out of my way to try to make others peoples day a little better. Doing my best!
Went wayyy over my "short paragraph" oops
-Natalie
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about Liberal education. That Liberal education is a person choosing to better themselves. I believe people have to choose to step out of their comfort zone, be open to new ideas, behaviors. Not sure if showering and arriving to class is thee best way of showing dignity, but hey, everyone shows things in different ways!
I forgot to say what I would add to the piece on dignity. I think you chose a good one Ryan by saying people deserve respect. What I would add to it would be "Dignity is not only a right but a responsibility."
-Natalie
These quotes show me how there are always two ways to go about things. You can choose to respond with dignity or just let it go. They imply that dignity is a choice by yourself that you have to choose to do. They can help me make decisions on how I respond to different things that happen in everyday life. I showed dignity by helping a fellow student find their class.
ReplyDeleteI believe this statement is very true and should be followed. It is the way I look at life that everyone is on an equal playing field and deserves the same respect from everyone. Dignity to me means treating other people well and having respect for them. I would add that everyone deserves the same opportunities. Everyone should be able to do what he or she want without being withheld.
The song really shows how when you have dignity you also have self-pride and are proud of your actions. The song talks about how you need to step up and be dignified. You have to “step out of the ordinary”. It talks about how you feel proud when you do something dignified. Today I felt proud when I made it to all my classes without getting lost and was able to meet new people.
The second quote describes how a dignified person will stand up and object a wrongful act. Dignified people don't ignore inequality. I like how it says, "We lose the dignity if we tolerate the intolerable." The first quote explains how dignity is often passed down from a teacher or parent. However, there are some very kind hearted people who come from very bad influences. Dignity is a choice wether or not you are surrounded by it. People who come from very dignified families still chose wether or not they want to follow the grain.
ReplyDeleteAs for the song, the woman singing is challenging the listeners to do something every day that makes you go to bed satisfied with what you've accomplished. The song definitely gave me an uplifting feeling. I always thought that a proud person was just self centered and shallow, but in reality a person who is proud is full of spirt and makes a positive impact on the world.
Today I got off of my lazy butt and worked out. When I got back I felt a lot more productive and now I don't really feel bad about all the candy I'm eating.
These quotes are very short, but say a lot. The first quote tells us that an education can give us a skill, but an open-minded education can give us dignity. If someone teaches you to treat others with respect and teaches you how to be dignified, you will learn to do so, but if someone teaches you close-mindedly, you won't know how to accept others for how they are. The second quote is saying that if we tolerate bad behavior and racism and judgement, then it is just as bad as doing it yourself. If you see something bad happening you have to step in and stand up for what you believe. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect and situations need to be handled in a dignified manner. I wouldn't add anything to that quote.
ReplyDeleteThe song really is saying to the listener, what are you going to do to make yourself proud? It is saying we need to step out of the ordinary and be who we are, and do something that will make ourselves proud.
Today, I woke up early for my 9:15 class, I was on time, I've already started my homework, and I've been outgoing to meet new people.
The second of the two quotes really stuck out to me. I think that a dignified person will stick up for what is right no matter what he situation or consequences may be. A dignified person would never "tolerate the untolerable." I love what Teagan said about dignity being a choice, because it truely is. We are responsible entirely for ourselves and our actions. We have the power to chose what is right, and we should, as dignified individuals, take that power and stand up for our values and morals.
ReplyDeleteChris, I agree with what you were saying about there is 2 options, you can be dignified or not dignified. There is no in between, and you either need to stand up and do something, or sit back and be a follower. Everyone needs to stand up for something at some time in there life.
ReplyDeleteThe first quote struck me because although this is not always true, I feel as though with a liberal education, the teachers are more passionate about relaying ideas to their students, as well as helping them grow into compassionate individuals who care about the world around them. The professors treat their students with dignity by making an effort to get to know their names and personalities and learning styles. I know this is a very specific example, and I'm hoping I didn't go off in the complete wrong direction with this! The second quote spoke to me about the fact that if you allow undignified actions to take place without making an effort to change something, then you are also acting without dignity. You cannot simply stand back and watch. By acting with dignity, you set a positive example for those around you. I believe dignity comes from actions, not words. You must put what you believe into action.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the song! I liked how the lyrics say that "to question is to grow." When we question the definition of dignity, our understanding of what it truly is expands. It also says, "I can feel my spirit rising," which portrays that treating people with respect is uplifting for the giver of respect, as well as those who receive it.
Today I was proud that I spoke up and asked questions in class.
@ Laura, I like how you interpreted the song. I never thought about it that way. "to question is to grow" and questioning what dignity is will in turn allow us to further understand its meaning.
ReplyDeleteI believe these quotes mean that if we want to achieve dignity in all aspects of our lives, it is up to us to be proud of what we believe in and we need to be able to realize that applying the values that define us in all of our daily encounters will make us truly dignified. Wow, that was a ridiculously long sentence. If we don't speak our minds and call out 'intolerable' actions, then we really aren't any better than the person who is doing/saying them. I can apply these quotes to my everyday life by standing by one of my biggest moral values, respect. Today, something I did that was dignified was going to Burns and working out.
ReplyDeleteDignity, to me, means utmost respect for yourself and taking pride in everything you do. I think a very obvious but, good addition to that statement would be to golden rule. Treat others the same way you would yourself (hopefully you treat yourself well!).
The song portrays dignity in the lyrics "its never too late to try". To me, this means that no matter what you have planned for your day, there is always time to make a positive impact on the world. Today, I talked to my parents on the phone WITHOUT them having to call me. I think they really appreciated it and I'm actually proud of that.
@ Teagan! I really like what you said about dignity being a choice, regardless of how we were raised. You brought up a really good point! I agree that dignity is a choice, and you can choose to treat others with respect even if those around you don't.
ReplyDeleteWhen referring to the first quote I really like what Laura said and how she thought outside of the box and looked at how the teachers are showing their dignity because they are taking the time to teach students at a greater level. It shows that they care and respect each of their students. I also think that it shows the students taking those courses have greater respect and expectations for themselves. The Second quote i REALLY like and believe the first part which says "What should move us into action is human dignity" doing the right thing and trying to be the best not just for yourself but others as well will always give you something to feel good about. Something that you can ALWAYS be proud of! as quote two continues i agree with Kelsey when she states tolerating racism and those types of undignified things is just as bad as doing them yourself. i agree 100%. Although it may be hard to call out an undignified situation or uncomfortable and sometimes they may even be unrecognizable because we all do some undignified things unconsciously. Trying to analyze ourselves and dig a little deeper is the first step in trying to become more dignified people. It is a step that everyone is capable of doing.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the song goes I like what Tim said. unexpected situations may come up at anytime giving a person a chance to be dignified. I feel that dignity is not just something that someone can have but also something that can be passed onto others.
The definition of dignity to me means being treated with respect because you are a human being. EVERY human being is born with dignity. One person does not have more then the other but we are all born with the same amount and everyone has the same opportunity to keep their dignity and spread it to the world. To help others, and to better themselves.
Teagan, I think you hit it right on when describing the second quote. You may think that you are one of the most dignified people in the world but if you consistently tolerate peoples' undignified actions then you are essentially reducing yourself to their level. I think the key to obtaining dignity is setting your moral compass to a high standard and once you've done that, it becomes your responsibility to bring everyone up with you.
ReplyDeleteThese quotes were also very eye opening to me, as Natalie said. In the first quote it is basically saying that people can be taught anything and if they are open minded to the ideas of what they are being taught. People can be taught to be racist, selfish, ignorant, etc. Therefore, people can be taught to have dignity. The second quote pretty much sums up that if we tolerate the bad things in life, then we are just as guilty for not standing up for what we know is right. Truthfully, I would be afraid to call out someone for doing something that we know is wrong. But that is why we need to start doing that to make the world a better place. People need to treat each other how they want to be treated! We should ALWAYS strive to be the best we can be and that may make others strive to be the best that they can be as well. In the song it says, "So I step out of the ordinary." Step out of the ordinary everyone! Do something that makes you feel great and something that will make you always be proud of who you are are where you come from! :)
ReplyDeleteGoing back to the song I really enjoyed it. It made me really think hard about who I am as a person and what my values are. It also made me think about how I want to be a good person and make a difference in the world. I want to be a positive role model for everyone and share my dignity with everyone! I feel that if everyone shared their dignity with the world, it would be a much better place. :)
Oh! and today I called a friend of mine that used to be my best friend but we slightly separated for a while, and I felt proud of myself for being the bigger person and calling first :)
ReplyDeletethese quotes to me mean that dignity is something you gain as life goes on. you have to work towards it every day to understand it. you have to have dignity for yourself as well as others. basically having respect. stand up to what you believe in and who you are. it relates directly to the last part of the second quote, "we lose dignity if we tolerate the intolerable." no one should have to tolerate something if it is innapropriate and something that should be challenged. today i have showed dignity by confronting someone who was putting me down. Also, today I asked my teachers what they would like to be called so i do not portray being disrespectful by calling them something they do not wish. I do not know if i believe that all people are created equally. some people are born with birth defects or other disabilities, yet the people that are born perfectly healthy seem to have pitty on them. what i feel we dont always see is that compared to people that have born with a birth defect some of us take what we have for granted and dont really understand the value of that. i feel that the people that were born a different way are not any different of a person than i am but i feel they are much stronger people.
ReplyDeletethat song was pretty cool. it portrays dignity by saying that dont be afraid to make change and do the right thing. a lot of people will know what the right thing to do is but they still wont do it because of what other people might think or just being afraid to reach out and stepping out of your comfort zone. to me doing all of those things is a sign of dignity and being a good person. what i did today that made me feel proud was sending my parents a first day of school picture because i knew that was what was on their mind right now. even though taking those pictures isnt a huge deal to me, it is something my parents value very much.
Amazing start! I am so excited to see that you are all putting so much thought and effort into your work. This is going to be an amazing year. The syllabus is coming. I have made some changes after we met this week. please continue to check for it to be posted here. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteTo me these quotes are saying not to let what others think take away or suppress your human dignity. By giving yourself a liberal education you are learning more than just the basic math or science. An example would be standing up for the morals you believe in and not changing what you define as human dignity because your friends have different opinions. Something I have done today that shows dignity is I was honest about how the dress my mother wanted to buy looked. I believe that all people are created equal and that some people just do not see it that way. To me human Dignity means having respect and treating everyone as an equal no matter the circumstances. I would add that human dignity could be the key to world peace. This song portrays dignity by making people recognize what good dignified deeds they may do every day. If someone does a good deed that was painless and made them feel proud they may start doing more good deeds every day. I am proud that I tried joining drumline, something I wasn't so sure about, and in turn realized I loved it!
ReplyDeleteThe secound quote really made an impact on me. The quote really made it sound like dignity is a choice that everyone should follow or do. It also shows that if we are ok with dealing with the bad we will never gain respect to deserve better. This quote is really motivational and so true.
ReplyDeleteThe quote about everyone being created equal is really the truth coming out in words of what really should be happeneing to everyone it reveals the truth that everyone indeed is equal and communication is a huge part of it. The way we look into the word dignity is different but if everyone takes their part we can create a better society as a whole.
The song represents dignity in that it motivates people to do things to better themselves and others at the same time. Even though you havent sterted now there is still time to change and make a difference. I have met a lot of new people and always respected anyone that I have confronted. I helped someone do their laundry.
Laura
ReplyDeleteI agree with the way that you described the very first quote. I like the way you described it and the message is exactly what I was thinking. I understand where you are coming from.
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ReplyDeleteThe first quote is saying that by learning more, you learn more about what it means to have dignity. You gain it everyday by the things you do and things you learn. The second quote when it says "inalienable dignity", its saying that it can't be taken away by others. You are the only one who can take that away from you. If you tolerate the intolerable, you're not really acting with dignity. You need to act and do what you think is right.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is created equal but not everyone is treated with equality. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter who they are. Dignity to me means treating others with respect and kindness. Basically treating others as I would want to be treated. It also means treating yourself with respect, not just others.
The song portrays dignity by saying that change isn't always bad. You can do the right thing and not be afraid of what others have to say about it. Do something that makes you feel proud.
Something I did today that made me feel proud was clean my room. Not just pick up my dirty clothes but everything else and vacuumed it too.
The two quotes stated above not only are very relevant to the class, but are also relevant to where most students are in their life right now. The first quote is an indirect formula of how each of us can find our own dignity. Dignity is not a magic thought or ideal that is put into our head. Dignity is an ongoing process, and we are in the process of finding what it means to have dignity and what it means to act on it. Education is the key to learning, but when it forces us to act and think upon things that are relevant and truely touch us at a spiritual or ethical level that is when you manifest dignity. We are at the time in our life when we are experiencing that liberal education and it is through that we find what is truely valuable to us.
ReplyDeleteThe second quote appears to be a cry to unite the dignity of all people. It suggests that dignity is the moral code written in each of us, and it is our duty to not "tolerate the intolerable." The second quote is very different from the first because it strays away from the concept of finding dignity through a process of getting to known oneself. The second quote focuses on an already precieved knowledge of what is good and bad. By knowing what is good and bad it would be undignified to allow the bad to exsist.
Although both quotes have different perspective on dignity they both can be applied to an everyday life. If you were to combine the two ideas you would come to the assumption that dignity is an ongoing process, but it is still vital to act upon what you believe is right and just. After reading the passages above I am applying them to my life by making the concious effort to keep an open mind on principles that i believe to be a concrete. I believe that to be a dignified action.
"All people are created equal
Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity
Communities transform through partnerships, not handouts
Human dignity is paramount in relieveing human distress.
I believe that the statement is true. Dignity is a core value that drives us to achieve. This passage suggests that pride and an innercompass can achieve many of the worlds problems. By having the dignity to not accept distress you can relieve it.
The song listed was very motivational and it suggested a way of living that is very beneficial not only for yourself but for others. It could act as a wake up call for many people and an eye opener for others. The wake up call would be for people that act in the opposite way the song suggests, and the eye opener is for the people who are truely inspired and pleased to accept that way of thinking
Britt Fish
ReplyDeleteI agree with where you are coming from with your ideas about the first quote. You describe the process of how we find what dignity means to each indivual person. Although I do believe that this process can take place during college I still think it is an ongoing process that is never truely achieved.
Brook Bursch
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your comment because of the enthuisiasm in which you wrote it with. Although I do agree with your assumptions of the second passage I sometimes like to play devils advocate. So im going to leave you with a couple of questions that may seem to contradict what you wrote. What is good and bad?, Who decideds what is good and bad?, and Is it up to us to decide?
I dont mean to be rude because I dont have the answers either. It just helps me think about what dignity truely is.
To me, the first quote simply suggests that any education can give you intelligence, but it takes a special education to instruct both respect and dignity for everyday life and a great amount of knowledge and wisdom. Along with the respect and dignity a liberal education is said to offer, it allows us as people, to take action for what is right, or for what is beleived to be right. That is what I get from the second quote, that dignity is meant to be shown through actions.
ReplyDeleteFor example, just this morning while down at breakfast, I sat with a bunch of buddies of mine whom i feel more than comfortable to be around. And I as a person am terrified of awkward situations, therefore I would never think of doing what I did this morning. I saw a guy sitting amongst himself at the corner of the cafeteria eating alone. I thought to myself how horrible that would be if I was that guy. I pushed myself to get up from my comfort zone and sit with this guy i did not know, knowing that there is the possibility of awkwardness to arise, that did not cross my mind once I put myself in his shoes. If I were sitting alone and friendless, I would want someone to introduce themselves. And what do ya know? He is now a pretty good friend of mine after an hour of breakfast. With that being said, I know personally that actions speak louder than words, and in this case actions will express dignity you have for not only yourself, but for your peers as well.
And I completely agree with Britt Fish. By saying that you must stand up for your morals in order to support how much dignity you truly have is exactly what I beleive.
ReplyDeleteBy standing up for your morals, that is essentially saying doing what you beleive is right. Although, what certain people beleive is right, does not mean it IS right, but that truly depends what the topic is about.
My example fits perfectly for what Britt Fish is saying. I saw how terrible it would be if I was alone and friendless in a room full of people. So i took action for what I felt was right. I treated that guy how I would wish to have been treated, no matter the circumstances.
MAtt P,
ReplyDeleteI like how you described dignity not as a thought or trait but as a process. I completely agree with you. I think that the only honestly happy people are the ones who have found the meaning of dignity and let it guide them throughout their lives.
I believe all people are morally responsible to live a dignified life. The second quote really stood out to me. It means that we are not only responsible for acting dignified, but also for standing up to those who are not dignified. For example if we see someone treating another person poorly we should step in and help. I believe this to be true! I did something dignified today when I helped a woman carry boxes she was struggling with. This was dignified because I was helping someone in need.
ReplyDeleteTim,
ReplyDeleteI love the way you portrayed the quotes! Though that is not the way I received them, reading your comment made me think about them in a different way. I also think that we need to be proud of the things that we believe in!
Sydney,
ReplyDeleteI really like how you mentioned the whole idea of standing up for someone or something when you know they are being wronged. I also really like the idea of a postive role model. I happened to learn something in English today about treating others as you want to be treated. I completely agree and understand your point is don't be mean to others. The thing that was a disscusion in the class was how do we know how others want to be treated? Such as I like to have a sense of humor around people, but some people may hate the humor and not want to be talked to that way. Just a thought.
The first quote I believe is representing the idea that when someone pursues a liberal education, they are willing to take the extra step through their education and become a more well-rounded individual; they are willing to learn how to see the different perspectives that people present, and that willingness to understand is dignified because if we were to only accept our own perspectives as the truth, we'd miss out on the opportunity to be apart of another's life. Most connections between friends or family come from an idea that they may agree, or respectfully disagree, on. So as a person goes through the day, the simple action of acknowledging and accepting another's belief or viewpoint is dignified because that person allows themselves to say that they may be wrong, a truly difficult thing to admit for some people. (If this is confusing, let me know and I'll reword).
ReplyDeleteDignity is something that I can't easily explain, but I do know that involves having morals; the ability to do what's right or just for another person instead of just oneself. Just as the song "Proud" says "it's not too late to try" I take that to mean that a person can do something for another person, no matter how long it takes them to follow through.
As today is the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I ask that everyone remember to take the time to recognize the lives lost on this day. This day is not only for paying respects to those lost, but also respecting the families who have suffered first hand as a result. Showing these families compassion, though we may have no personal connection, shows dignity because we are willing to give up a part of our day in solemn recognition of others. I suppose that that is one thing today that I have done to show dignity.
Teagan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for explaining that first quote. I think your analysis was really understandable. It is so true that people learn and matriculate from ideologies that their parents or teachers tell them. And yes, I agree that dignity is something a person can choose to have in their life. You really gave a very insightful view of the quote and saw something that I know I didn't see at first, but now I can understand it better.
Britt Fish,
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you said that if everyone did a little good deed that was painless, they would do more good deeds. But what about the deeds that are harder? Do you think that people only go out of their way to do something if it is easy?
And nice work on the drumlin! :) I've always wanted to play the drums!
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about the song and how it is not too late to try. I agree that you can start trying to be helpful and nice no matter how long it takes. I also like what you said about yesterday being 9/11, prayers go out to everyone affected that day.
From Gaurav
ReplyDeleteThese quotes speak for dignity and human respect. The first quote emphasizes the importance of a liberal education which I strongly agree with. I believe that education is important but while learning about things around us, we must also learn and discover things about ourselves while learning to stay true to our dignity. The second quote highlights the importance of dignity and self esteem. In other words, dignity characterizes individualism and without it, we would be like animals or machines with no self respect and without any sense of identity. The second quote also associates dignity with pride as it suggests that if we lose our dignity, we lose our pride and our status.
To me, dignity is very closely related to pride. The second quote talks about how losing dignity dehumanizes / dethrones oneself from our status. Bearing this in mind, one example can be drawn from my country where we had a monarchy system once upon a time; where everyone looked up to the royalty. What happened was the crown prince, who was supposed to be the next king, instead of being a good role model, he went around selling drug. Doing such a demeaning thing made him lose his pride and dignity and eventually people lost respect for him.
The motivational song by Heather Small basically encourages us to become better humans and to do things that are right for others but more importantly, what is right to oneself, and also to take pride in doing so. She also emphasizes the need to step out of one’s comfort zone and challenge ourselves and stretch ourselves. I believe that life is very much like a sling shot; the more we stretch ourselves, the further we will reach in life. All people are created equal so how far we reach in life is proportionally related to how much we stretch ourselves.
hi
ReplyDelete