The Emergent Self

Questioning what we're told it means to be human

Topic

Dignity & Humiliation

Is dignity something we are born with, or something we make together? Writing on humiliation, recognition, and the making of worth.

Young man driving through a small town at dusk on graduation night, cap, gown and diploma on the seat beside him

“You’ll Be a Factory Line Worker”: Overcoming Humiliation and Becoming Who You Are

My high school guidance counselor told me I’d be a factory line worker for the rest of my life. Here’s what that moment taught me about humiliation, and about choosing my own story.