David Howenstein Blog

JULY - Dignity & Inclusion

7/1/2020

Illustrated by Miki Howenstein

The concepts of dignity and inclusion are necessarily intertwined, for those who are excluded from a circle of any kind lose their sense of dignity and their feeling of being worthy as human beings. Correspondingly, those who experience a deep sense of worthiness feel as if they are a part of something bigger—a group which they value, the larger society, or feel a strong connection to nature or a spiritual discipline. When society comes to perceive each person and all of life as being inherently valuable, extremism has no place to wrap its tentacles around and eventually withers away. When we treat people with dignity, they naturally come to treat others in the same way, creating a strong bond that becomes increasingly all-inclusive.
The meaning of “all-inclusive” herein entails the idea of all life as being fundamentally valuable and encourages individuals to act on that, while encouraging others to do the same. At the same time, when we blindly accept individual behaviors damaging to our universal ideals, like someone who insists on his right to downgrade others, we destroy our own sense of community and inclusiveness, for such a person drives a wedge between people. Continuing to treat such people with dignity while refusing to accept such behavior helps to undermine potential acts of cruelty,…. (From page 212 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)
Author’s Comment: Jambo works to create an environment where everyone is welcome and respected. Participants are encouraged to do the same. And, as this passage clearly states, anyone who treats others disrespectfully or in a degrading manner will be asked to change their ways. If they cannot do so, Jambo can no longer accept them because their presence would necessarily destroy the dignity and inclusivity we are trying to create. In turn, we hope that this kind of atmosphere will have a positive effect even on those who have hardened hearts.

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