What is Dignity?

What is Dignity? Webster’s defines it as “the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect.” The definition of “Blest Are We is “the specialness of people because they are God’s children.” Every person strives for some sense of self-worth. People seek to have dignity and self respect. One way of attaining this is by working.

When a person works it builds self esteem, especially if one is able to work independently from state assistance. Working gives one a sense that ‘I may be different, but I can make it if people just give me a chance.’

Do you hear that Wal-Mart? As people of faith, we affirm that all of us are God’s children. And God didn’t create any junk. When I see people who suffer from a disability I applaud them when they strive for sameness. When they shout out, ‘Treat us the same as you do anyone else.’ My uncle, who was blind, use to say, “I can see better than many people, but they just can’t see me.” My son’s godfather is blind, but last I checked he earned his doctoral degree, started a church in Florida and he is still doing well. Imagine that, someone with a handicap can contribute to society.

Most people who suffer from a disability don’t want to be treated differently or receive hand outs, but they do want a chance to prove that they are human and have worth. That is what a job brings. To hear that Wal-Mart denied Steve Bradley, Jr. a job because of his disability makes me angry.

This was another example of Wal-Mart’s discriminatory practices which are well documented. This young man was not asking for a hand out; he was simply saying, ‘I can do the job, why deny me the chance to work.’ When people can do the job we must give them the chance to prove themselves. Remember the scripture says in Zephaniah 3:18-19 (CEV) “The Lord’s has promised, “Your sorrow has ended, and you can celebrate. I will punish those who mistreat you. I will bring together the lame and the outcasts, then they will be praised, instead of despised, in every country on earth.” Wal-Mart, you are being watched. Do the right thing and never discriminate against people because of a handicap.

Click here to visit the Wal-Mart Watch faith page.

Posted by Rev. Jarvis Johnson on Tuesday, March 13, 2007

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COMMENTS

hey rev i hope this guy gets some reparations on the way he was treated he can work, i work, you work. but he was denied give him $2.5M now he don’t need to work thank you walmart head hunters

rowdt rrooo in wisconsin
Tuesday, March 13 at 01:46 PM

If the ability to do the job were the only criteria employers used, 99% of people would get a job. Why is it that Harvard has more valedictorians applying than it can admit? Aren’t valedictorians qualified? I think I can be CEO of Wal-Mart. If they don’t hire me, it must be discrimination, right?

I have nothing but respect for people with disabilities who are trying to make it. I certainly respect them far more than I do welfare bums who can work and don’t. People with disabilities can contribute and should be given every opportunity to do a job, provided they meet the requirements. However, the ability to do the job is not the only requirement.

That said, if Wal-Mart or any other employer denies employment to someone on the basis of a legally protected status, they should pay the price.

EllisW in
Wednesday, March 14 at 06:50 AM

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