Turned Around

1. Patrick 5.22.05 / 2am

   I couldn’t agree more with your dehumanization statement and with your examples. WWII Germany, Rwanda and Terri Schiavo stand as a wonderful contrast. If we wish to avoid dehumanization, we cannot pick and choose who is to be humanized based on situational ethics. Otherwise, we end up in the examples you have cited, defining some as “good and valuable” and others as “evil and invaluable.” Consistent articulation of Schiavo’s humanity and Muslim humanity would be greatly appreciated from the “bully pulpit” in D.C.

   St. Augustine, the fifth century Roman bishop, wrote that the good of the creation (humans included), reflects the highest good – the creator. That reflected goodness is to be recognized by men in men as the basis for their dignity, whether they commit acts of barbarism or acts of civility. The act matters not in determining their humanity and dignity; they hold their humanity innately, and, therefore hold their dignity innately – a dignity we must acknowledge and support in allcases.

   I do disagree a little with the assertion that the dehumanizing has been caused by the government. While the government may indeed have a vested interest in defining “evil”, I would like to hope it is not merely to advance a political agenda, but time will tell.

   I have been extremely disappointed in this administration for the lack of coherent articulation of things like this very conversation and the inconsistency in administrating philosophy. Surely evil does exist in the world, and it should be humanely dealt with, and we should never forget that we are not blameless either. Henry the King says, in Shakespeare’s Henry V, “there is no king, be his cause never so spotless, if it come to the arbitrement of swords, can try it out with all unspotted soldiers.” I think this is a quote worth remembering (and it applies to the king as well). We should be humble and humane, even when we perceive we are doing good.
2. Michael 5.22.05 / 1pm

   Thanks for your comment. I would like to add one clarification.

   I do disagree a little with the assertion that the dehumanizing has been caused by the government. While the government may indeed have a vested interest in defining “evil”, I would like to hope it is not merely to advance a political agenda, but time will tell.

   Fair enough. I should have said “justify a political agenda” rather than “advance” one. I misspoke. I don’t believe this administration has a master agenda that it’s trying to execute. But I do think they are becoming quite adept at using our fear and anger as tools to maintain public support and quell opposition. But that tactic has been employed many times by many leaders, so it isn’t much of a surprise to see it again. What’s truly disappointing to me is the relative ease at which we accept it; even if it means realigning our own personal beliefs in the process.
3. Patrick 5.22.05 / 2pm

   Thanks for the clarification. I agree and am personally disheartened when “evangelicals” are willing to overlook inconsistencies or outright contradictions with Scripture in the name of patriotism or support of the President. We would do well as Americans to slow down, listen to each other and think a bit more. Unfortunately, public discourse is not modeling that very well, as we all tend to quickly categorize each other then dismiss each other (more dehumanization).
4. P-Hub 5.23.05 / 9am

   I find it very discouraging that you point to those we follow as the ones “dehumanizing the enemy to the masses.” We fight an enemy who sends people as bombs. We fight an enemy who doesn’t look to target only the military, but any man, woman or child. We fight an enemy who has no value for human life. Why are you not angry at the person wearing the bomb or the group who drives their car into a busy shopping area? Does it take scandalous pictures and a live individual to blame? Maybe because the person(s) who commit these hanous crimes are dead leaves no reason to be upset? Yes – prisoners of war should receive humane treatment. So should the people of Iraq walking down their own streets. So should the people of Afghanistan living their daily lives.
5. Michael 5.23.05 / 11am

   I completely agree with you, everyone should be treated humanely. That’s my point. I can’t hold suicide bombers accountable, as much as I’d like to, but we can hold ourselves (and our government) accountable for treating people humanely – regardless of the situation, regardless of the war, regardless of what the enemy does.
6. Patrick 5.23.05 / 8pm

   We fight an enemy who has no value for human life.

   They are wrong in denying humanity by murdering people, but the ends never justify the means. The awful dehumanization of one group is not justification for dehumanizing another. Such a philosophy is a slippery slope on which to be. Our humanity is either universal or it is not, and dignity should be extended universally, there is no middle ground.

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