Dignity
"All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. The Almighty beareth Me witness: To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth." Baha'u'llah
To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man.
What about shows like Fear Factor? Jackass? Do these promote the dignity of man, or do they rather encourage him to act like the beasts of the field? To degrade himself and humiliate himself for fifteen minutes of a very odd kind of fame, and some potential monetary gain?
The young men of the world encouraged to act like beer-guzzling buffoons who are only as cool as their next stunt, as humorous as their willingness to engage in physical pain, and as appealing as their ability to ape the basest of creatures in their attempts to be "men".
Gone is chivalry. Gone is wit. Gone is dignity.
What about women? Only as appealing as the flatness of the tummies they show off in midriff bearing t-shirts. As attractive as the curves of the body all their figure-hugging clothes expose. As fun as their experimental nature which allows them to sample in all things, irrespective of what common decency and even the most basic of morals should still their hands from doing.
Gone is modesty. Gone is personality. Gone is dignity.
Even shows like the Bachelor (I won't even get into their VH1 counterparts like, "Flavor of Love") are examples of--perhaps perpetuators of-- a society eating away at the most basic foundations of decency and dignity left in the human race. That hordes of women should chase away after one man (or hordes of men after one woman). That no one should blink at the fact that these people are engaging promiscuously with one another- IN FRONT of one another- all in an attempt to find love? Really? this will help you to find love? This is the kind of foundation you want for a lasting relationship? The way to find your life partner?
I know that we're living in a decadent age which promotes materialism over virtue, self-love over any true and meaningful love, and self-interest over the promotion of the well-being of the generality of mankind. But, as the manifestations of all the virtues wane and fade, I can't help but think that dignity has already all-but disappeared. Even the young women today (and I sadly but truthfully include myself in this category) who try to live their lives at a higher standard really struggle with this virtue. The balance of the world around us is so completely askew that simply standing apart from the crowd doesn't seem to be enough. Our perception of right and wrong has been so watered down, that we often struggle to grasp what it means to be truly modest. Dignified. Noble.
"Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then unto that for which thou wast created."
I hope we can all arise, and know what it is we are arising to.
To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man.
What about shows like Fear Factor? Jackass? Do these promote the dignity of man, or do they rather encourage him to act like the beasts of the field? To degrade himself and humiliate himself for fifteen minutes of a very odd kind of fame, and some potential monetary gain?
The young men of the world encouraged to act like beer-guzzling buffoons who are only as cool as their next stunt, as humorous as their willingness to engage in physical pain, and as appealing as their ability to ape the basest of creatures in their attempts to be "men".
Gone is chivalry. Gone is wit. Gone is dignity.
What about women? Only as appealing as the flatness of the tummies they show off in midriff bearing t-shirts. As attractive as the curves of the body all their figure-hugging clothes expose. As fun as their experimental nature which allows them to sample in all things, irrespective of what common decency and even the most basic of morals should still their hands from doing.
Gone is modesty. Gone is personality. Gone is dignity.
Even shows like the Bachelor (I won't even get into their VH1 counterparts like, "Flavor of Love") are examples of--perhaps perpetuators of-- a society eating away at the most basic foundations of decency and dignity left in the human race. That hordes of women should chase away after one man (or hordes of men after one woman). That no one should blink at the fact that these people are engaging promiscuously with one another- IN FRONT of one another- all in an attempt to find love? Really? this will help you to find love? This is the kind of foundation you want for a lasting relationship? The way to find your life partner?
I know that we're living in a decadent age which promotes materialism over virtue, self-love over any true and meaningful love, and self-interest over the promotion of the well-being of the generality of mankind. But, as the manifestations of all the virtues wane and fade, I can't help but think that dignity has already all-but disappeared. Even the young women today (and I sadly but truthfully include myself in this category) who try to live their lives at a higher standard really struggle with this virtue. The balance of the world around us is so completely askew that simply standing apart from the crowd doesn't seem to be enough. Our perception of right and wrong has been so watered down, that we often struggle to grasp what it means to be truly modest. Dignified. Noble.
"Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then unto that for which thou wast created."
I hope we can all arise, and know what it is we are arising to.
Comments
And I thought girls got boob jobs so that their shirts would fit better. :)
Except I think the girl on the Bachelor who stuck her underwear in the guy's pocket will totally be successful in forging a lasting, meaningful relationship. But that's irrelevant...