Dignity

Reflections on dignity in the international development sector — In this conversation, I am gaining Tom Wein’s perspectives on dignity in his work in international development. We talk about how compassion and dignity relate and what dignity practices look like in the sector. As international development professionals we want to create an experience and interaction out of respect, dignity…

On my last birthday, I shaved my head. All of my friends and colleagues asked me, “Why?” “Do you have any health problems?” “What made you do this?” and so on, asking many questions. I don’t recall having a bald head since I was a youngster. …

Anyone can be heroic from time to time, but a gentleman is something you have to be all the time. Luigi Pirandello In a world where machismo and assertiveness are often lauded as desirable traits in men, the idea of a soft gentleman might seem like a contradiction in terms…

Saying “sorry” isn’t enough, and someone else’s lack of belief in your flaccid apology isn’t their problem; it’s yours. Likewise, demanding an apology from those who wronged you is petty. Forced insincerity has no value. Despite their supposed savvy, politicians, celebrities, and CEOs often screw up this invaluable skill due…

A few days back I was at the store nearby to buy some snacks. As I was pondering upon the age-old question of Lay’s or Doritos I happened to hear someone else ask “where the cheese balls are”. I looked in the direction of the sound absent-mindedly and saw that…

Black People, Death Debt and Crowd-funding It has become a nightly occurrence. Turn on the local news and a reporter will be interviewing the grieving family, friends and bystanders of some tragedy, usually a death. They’ll usually speak of the deceased’s character and personality traits between sobs before being overcome…