Let's Make it Real!

In our last Wednesday Wisdom, we introduced you to The Diversity Index, a new resource developed by Tim Shriver, CEO/Founder of UNITE.

You seemed to love it; it drew our second highest readership ever and a number of you explored the links we provided for you to take a deeper dive. We decided to devote this Wednesday Wisdom to help you take that dive.

We’ve created this interactive tool to put feet onto The Diversity Index so it’s more than an intriguing intellectual resource. Here is a blank version of the tool in Word to make it easy for you to use.

The Dignity Index is a simple eight-point scale that classifies the speech people use on a spectrum. Tim Shriver, CEO/Founder of UNITE, the creators of The Dignity Index, explains the scale:

On one end of the continuum is treating people with hatred and contempt. When we characterize someone at the lowest level, we will say, “You do not deserve to live. I disagree with you so much. You're an animal, you're subhuman. I don't care whether you survive.” That's a call to violence. The goal is to move as far away as possible from the low end (contempt) and closer toward ? the high end (dignity). It focuses not on the substantive viewpoints but on the manner in which speakers convey those viewpoints. Lower scores (1-4) reflect divisive language while higher scores (5-8) reflect language grounded in dignity.

So much for nice-looking tools. Now, let’s make it real:

• Download this Word template titled, "People Who Disgust Me".? It's easier to work with in Word than the one below. You may have other adjectives that get at your feelings towards either an individual or a people group. “People I hate” might work better for you.
• Here are a few categories of people to get you going:
• A particular racial group: ______________________________
• A political party or politician: ___________________________
• A religious group or representative from that group; _____________________
• A relative(s): ________________________________________
• A current or former work colleague: ______________________
• Now, pick the one that makes you gnash your teeth, want to pull out your hair, say things you wouldn’t say in church.
• Write their name at the top of the page. This is important. You’re owning your contempt for this person or people group.
• The first three columns constitute The Diversity Index. Begin by finding your level with that person or people group.
• Move to the next column: Actions They’ve Done To Earn My Contempt. Fill it out.
• Move to the next column: Actions I’ve Taken So Far. What have you done to add to your contempt?
• Move to the next column: Actions I Could See Myself Taking If Provoked. What would you like to do to this person or people group if you knew you wouldn’t get caught?
• Move to the last column: Actions That Would Move Me Down A Level. What good or positive thing could you do to move you closer to having a relationship with authentic dignity?

Don't consider filling out a second grid until you have moved down a level on this one.?