What Is The Dignity Index?

The Dignity Index is a simple tool that helps you measure whether communication shows dignity or contempt. It uses a scale from 1 to 8, where higher scores show more dignity and lower scores show more contempt.

In our current world, public conversation has become harsh and divisive. Politicians, media figures, and everyday people often use contempt when talking about others. This makes problems worse and prevents us from finding solutions.

The Dignity Index helps you:

Recognize contempt in political speech and media
Understand the difference between dignity and contempt
Score communication on a clear, objective scale
Hold leaders accountable for how they speak
Improve your own communication
Build more respectful dialogue in your community

The tool works for anyone — you don't need special training or expertise. It gives you a clear way to measure and talk about dignity in public life.

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How the Index Works

The Dignity Index uses an 8-point scale to score communication. Lower numbers show contempt, while higher numbers show dignity.

Level 1: Contempt

Using hate speech, dehumanizing language, or calling for violence against others.

Level 2: Mockery

Making fun of others, using sarcasm, or treating people as jokes rather than human beings.

Level 3: Dismissiveness

Ignoring others' concerns, refusing to engage, or acting like their views don't matter.

Level 4: Stereotyping

Using generalizations about groups rather than seeing people as individuals.

Level 5: Disagreement

Disagreeing with others while still treating them with basic respect.

Level 6: Recognition

Acknowledging others' humanity and right to their views, even when disagreeing.

Level 7: Curiosity

Showing genuine interest in understanding others' perspectives and experiences.

Level 8: Respect

Treating others with full dignity, honoring their worth as human beings.

The goal isn't to always score an 8. The goal is to stay above a 5 — to disagree without contempt.

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Why Dignity in Communication Matters

How we talk to each other shapes our society. When leaders and media use contempt, it spreads. People copy that language, and our whole culture becomes more divided.

Research shows that contempt in communication:

Increases political polarization and division
Prevents compromise and problem-solving
Damages trust between groups
Makes violence more likely
Hurts mental health and wellbeing
Weakens democratic institutions

The Power of Dignity

When people speak with dignity, even while strongly disagreeing, they create space for real dialogue. Problems get solved. Trust builds. Democracy works better. The Dignity Index gives you a way to measure and encourage this kind of communication.

Every person can make a difference. When you use the Index to score what you hear and hold leaders accountable, you're helping change the culture of public discourse.

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How to Use The Dignity Index

The Dignity Index is simple to use. Here's how to get started:

Step 1: Learn the Scale

Read through the 8 levels carefully. Study the examples. Make sure you understand what each level means and how to recognize it.

Step 2: Practice Scoring

Start with clear examples. Watch political speeches, read social media posts, or listen to talk radio. Score what you hear using the 1-8 scale.

Step 3: Score with Others

Get a group together and score the same content. Compare your scores and discuss why you rated things differently. This helps you get more consistent.

Step 4: Track Over Time

Score specific leaders, media outlets, or topics over weeks and months. Look for patterns. Are things getting better or worse?

Step 5: Share Your Scores

Post your scores on social media. Contact leaders and tell them their scores. Use the Index to hold people accountable for how they communicate.

Step 6: Improve Your Own Communication

Use the Index on yourself. Score your own social media posts, emails, and conversations. Work on raising your own dignity score.

Remember: This isn't about being perfect. It's about building awareness and making progress toward more dignified discourse.

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Who Can Use The Dignity Index

The Dignity Index works for everyone. You don't need special training or credentials.

Perfect for:

Individual citizens who want to understand and improve political discourse
Community organizers creating more constructive dialogue
Teachers and educators teaching students about respectful communication
Journalists and media professionals improving how they cover conflict
Political leaders and candidates who want to communicate with more dignity
Business leaders building better workplace culture
Faith communities promoting dialogue across differences
Students learning about civic engagement and discourse

The tool has been used by thousands of people across America. It works in red communities and blue communities. It works for people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs.

The Index isn't about left or right politics. It's about how we treat each other as human beings.

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Getting Started Today

Ready to start measuring dignity in your community? Here's how to begin:

Download the report and read through the full methodology
Study the 8 levels until you can recognize each one
Start scoring political speeches, news coverage, and social media
Join a scoring group or form one in your community
Share your scores and hold leaders accountable
Use the tool on yourself to improve your own communication
Teach others how to use the Index
Track changes over time and celebrate improvements

Important Reminder

Changing the culture of public discourse takes time. But every person who learns to recognize and reject contempt makes a difference. Your voice matters. Your scores matter. Together, we can build a more dignified democracy.

Start today. Download the report, learn the scale, and begin scoring. You'll start seeing contempt everywhere — and you'll have the tools to call it out and do better.

The Dignity Index