Over all my working life I have been a keen observer of human behavior. I have not only been an observer; I have done my best to impact that behavior. To me, above all, it is a commitment to preserving and treating another with dignity.

Let’s look at some of the ways we damage or destroy another person’s dignity. What do kids do?

THE BULLY
Most men and a good share of women had a bully in their lives at some point while they were growing up. Anytime a child is in a situation where they feel they can’t stand up for themselves leaves them without dignity. It creates avoidance behavior. There is no place to be one’s self. Bullies are cowards. As strange as it may seem a child will soon be rid of their bullying terror when they refuse to be pushed around. Soon the bully will be looking for easier prey.

THE “SMART GUY OR GAL”
Use one’s knowledge to intimidate, abase or abuse and you strip people of their dignity. Again, avoidance becomes the behavior. When we feel stupid we shut up. We don’t participate the way we should naturally. We don’t ask for our fair share. Being second best becomes a habit.

BOYS AND GIRLS, MEN AND WOMEN
For the most part, men are bigger, faster and stronger than women. After elementary school this is pretty much the case with boys and girls. The males can dominate physically and women even have a bigger weapon; their mouth. There is no dignity for a man or boy who is being verbally abused by a woman. Beating up on them is something that happens far too much. Being physically abusive to a woman or, really just the threat of it, leaves them without a shred of dignity.

The key is “respecting all animals large and small.” We all have different spots and markings. Appreciate the differences. Treat them “AS YOU WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED IF YOU WERE THEM!” You should always come from “I respect you” and your actions will be appropriate. Of course, you must first respect yourself.