Human dignity Essay Example

but crowned with glory and honor. They have been given dominion over God's works; everything has been placed under their feet (Ps 8:5-8). The dignity of the human person and the law are intertwined because essential rights such as the right to life cannot be granted or taken away by any human power. These rights are not based on an act of human will but rather on individuals' inherent nature and dignity. Various cultures recognize this inherent dignity reflected in fundamental rights stated in the Universal Declaration. The Declaration highlights that personal dignity and equal rights form the foundation for freedom and peace globally, affirming that all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights.The concept of dignity, which is inherent in individuals as they are created in God's image according to some Christian Anthropologists, can be observed in various situations. It is crucial to treat individuals with respect from the moment they come into existence until their death. Believers, especially those who follow Christ and are part of the Church, view embryos as having equal self-respect and qualities as fully developed individuals, regardless of their achievements. Non-believers may struggle to explain their perspectives on human self-respect.

Moral obligation also plays a significant role in cultivating self-respect, representing a unique value excellence. While animals can be killed for practical purposes like human consumption, slaughtering them for aesthetic reasons such as obtaining fur goes against nature. Personal dignity prohibits such acts.

In today's world, terrorism, violence, war, poverty, natural disasters, homelessness racism,and daily struggles are constantly reported through television and radio. This abundance of challenges highlights the importance of human dignity.

Furthermore,human dignity involves the liberation of

individuals by governing bodies. For a male individual to live with dignity within society he must be seen beyond just an abstract concept but rather as a social individual.The acts of cruelty and degradation present in third world countries or under Sharia Laws in Iran, where women face shame, brutal murder, and torture, highlight the importance of recognizing human dignity. It is evident that not all countries uphold this principle. To address these atrocities, significant efforts should be undertaken among states. The Pope emphasized the significance of human dignity and its connection to bioethical questions on February 16th, 2010. He stressed that Christianity has always defended this principle and highlighted the importance of guidelines in bioethics for consistent interpretation of ethical issues. These guidelines are based on natural moral law which recognizes human dignity as an inherent right bestowed by God. All legal systems must acknowledge this inviolable right and individuals have a duty to respect and promote it. Without the principle of human dignity, establishing a foundation for individual rights would be challenging and making ethical judgments about scientific advancements affecting human life would be impossible.

In terms of education's role in one's life, schooling is important but so is the child's home environment. Each child possesses unique qualities like any other person. However, there may be instances in schools where instead of being patient with a student and explaining what they don't understand, a teacher might ridicule or criticize them.
The continuous labeling of ignorance and the use of scolding, disrespectful talk, mockery, firm orders, aggressive speaking, threats, and physical punishment by adults to teach children diminishes their self-respect. It leaves them feeling ashamed and

angry while causing them to suppress their thoughts. Additionally, this behavior can make a child believe that they lack knowledge or intelligence. According to Kant's theory that individuals can only replicate what they observe, it is intriguing that despite the wealth in the USA, approximately 34 million people live below the poverty line. Extensive research and statistics identify three main causes: a significant increase in consumer debt, a large transfer of resources through interest payments from debtor nations to Western Banks, and a rise in military expenditure. Unemployment also contributes to poverty and is worsened by overpopulation. Living in poverty strips away one's sense of dignity as it impairs their ability to provide for their children's needs and meet daily requirements. In response to this issue, the Red Cross actively works towards combating human trafficking.Victims of human trafficking often become trapped unknowingly or against their will, enduring deception, coercion, and violence. Both land and sea agencies or fraudulent means are used to transport individuals, making them captive. It is crucial to recognize that human trafficking encompasses sexual exploitation, organ harvesting, and forced labor – a modern form of slavery. Within this specific context, people (including children) are compelled to work long hours and held captive by their employers. Human trafficking not only deprives victims of their dignity but also fosters feelings of dirtiness, leading to depression and even suicide.

Shifting focus to another topic, certain countries like the United States still implement capital punishment. As humans who highly value our own lives and dignity, questions arise about those entrusted with the authority to determine life or death. While a penalty can be deemed just if it

is fair, doubts persist regarding whether capital punishment genuinely meets this criterion. From my perspective: NO. I disagree because I cannot perceive it as an appropriate response to kill someone who has already taken another person's life. The individual being transported for execution will lack sufficient time for profound reflection on their sins or an opportunity to alter their lifestyle and potentially live a better life than before.In addition, it is important to note that God has instructed humans to forgive others instead of seeking revenge. The state should also consider every individual's dignity and administer fair punishment, despite being unable to "forgive." One concerning issue is that there have been cases where individuals who were executed were later found innocent, such as the instance of Carlos DeLuna. Subsequent evidence raised doubts about his guilt, highlighting the existence of many others like DeLuna who have faced capital punishment. Interestingly, in 2007, the number of individuals facing this penalty was the lowest in a decade. As mentioned in the Bible, Jesus' words emphasize that those without sin should be the first to condemn others. When confronted with this statement, those ready to pass judgment gradually left until only Jesus and the woman remained. Even Jesus did not condemn her but advised her to travel respectfully and avoid transgressing again (NRSV, John 8:7-11). Violence is closely linked to various offenses and undermines human dignity whether it arises from terrorism or situations like human trafficking where violence becomes necessary for survival. The author strongly believes that violence is a significant problem that violates human dignity as acts of violence can occur in different settings ranging from home as

either mental or physical abuse to manifesting at work or school through bullying behaviors.The media plays a significant role in instigating violence, as it frequently portrays violent content in movies and documentaries. This content is consumed by children who are increasingly absorbed in electronic devices rather than participating in outdoor activities. Even seemingly harmless video games such as Playstation or computer games contain unexpected levels of violence, which can make children more excited and happy when exposed to it. Unfortunately, society may unknowingly contribute to further violence by disregarding human dignity. Instances of violence are commonly witnessed not only in schools but also in our everyday lives. Recent incidents have shown students resorting to physically harming others, using pencils as weapons to attack teachers and peers. The severity of violence can also be seen through the discrimination and hatred directed towards immigrants, aliens, and individuals with disabilities. Racism is another problem plaguing our society, leading to numerous violent assaults on innocent people. While media influence contributes to much of the violence, it is important to acknowledge that media itself serves as a platform for showcasing global-scale acts of violence through sensationalized reporting.In his book "Violence," Wolfgang Huber stresses the significance of treating all individuals equally and with respect, while protecting their basic human rights. He explains how both Christian and Jewish traditions uphold the value of human dignity for every person, recognizing that everyone is inherently equal in the eyes of a higher power. Martin Luther King's famous quote reflects his vision for a future where people are evaluated based on their character rather than their skin color. His words convey a mix of anger,

love, and pain. Racism reveals a lack of self-love since one must first love themselves in order to extend love to others. It is shocking to witness individuals caring for pets but neglecting their fellow humans. Racism encompasses domination, intolerance, discrimination, injustice, and even violence; it can be found in every country and even schools. Despite some progress in education and society, by 2011 little advancement had been made in the fight against racism. The world should strive for balanced harmony among all humanity. It is important to acknowledge that racism extends beyond discrimination based on appearance such as skin color; it also includes prejudice towards different nationalities, religions, and ways of life. Furthermore, it is worth noting that racism has existed throughout history since black individuals were traded as slaves solely because they had dark complexions.
From 1619 to 1865, Africans in America endured extreme brutality and dehumanization as they were compelled into labor. It is crucial that each person has the right to participate in society and strive for collective well-being. Racism, which can be traced back to groups like the Ku Klux Klan led by General Nathaniel Bedford Forrest after the Civil War, possesses deep historical roots. These groups utilized violent acts like cross-burning to intimidate and menace slaves. Currently, there are estimated millions of existing KKK members. To combat racism, it is vital for everyone to engage in dialogue and promote inclusivity by listening and learning from those who possess firsthand experience with racism.

When it comes to employment, it is essential that all individuals have the right to work and receive fair wages as well as social benefits. In relation to employment

rights: All human beings should have the opportunity to work! Those who are employed must receive just compensation along with additional social benefits. The text underscores valuing individuals based on their identity rather than their occupation or social standing. It highlights workplace issues such as bullying that can significantly impact one's self-assurance. The importance of establishing an environment that upholds respect and dignity at work is stressed upon.The mistreatment of immigrants based on race, resulting in unequal pay and lack of rights, is a concern addressed by the text. It questions the government's actions in improving this situation and highlights the absence of sufficient policies or legislation against discrimination. The Red Cross is an organization that takes immediate action and engages in long-term initiatives for sustainable development with the goal of enhancing human dignity. The current threat to human self-respect requires significant efforts to prevent its loss. Collaborative and harmonious collaboration among individuals is essential to promote the discovery and preservation of human dignity. This collective effort not only fosters personal freedom but also supports its growth. I strongly believe that every individual inherently possesses self-respect that should be acknowledged and protected. Human dignity mandates respecting all people and ensuring their well-being while recognizing the immeasurable value of each human life. Denying someone their right to life automatically strips them of their dignity.