| The basic tenet of a dignitarian-in contrast to an egalitarian-society is that although we are unequal in rank, we are equal in dignity. The goal of a dignitarian society is to structure our relationships and institutions so that rank is not abused and human dignity is broadly protected. Yet dignity can be undermined through abuse of the power inherent in rank-rankism. A society that disallows rankism is a dignitarian society. Reframing politics in this way, reveals common ground shared by the vast majority of Americans. |