It’s Just A Joke: A Normalized Lack of Respect for Human Dignity

It was the start of my first official year of junior high. I was at a brand new school with completely different rules and expectations. Week one came and went and I was feeling pretty good about the transition. Then came week two and it was like the Fire Nation had attacked; because everything changed.

You see, at this point we had to dress out for P.E. and nothing could have prepared me for what went on in that locker room. It was like a war zone. Shoes would constantly be flying across the room, people’s clothes were getting stolen, and the cherry on top of it all was this cruel game where guys would wait for others to take off their shirts and then slap them on the back as hard as possible; the longer the handprint lingered, the funnier it was.

Since I was a quiet guy and mostly kept to myself, I managed to go a few more weeks without falling victim to this terrible game. Unfortunately, my luck didn’t last forever.

It got to the point where I almost broke down crying, but I hid that for fear of being mocked.

The day it finally happened to me, I remember feeling this flood of emotions. It got to the point where I almost broke down crying, but I hid that for fear of being mocked. To those guys, stuff like this was normal, but to me it was much more than a simple “boys just being boys” moment.

As I reflect on that moment and the pain it caused me, an important question comes to mind. How often do we hurt those around us without even knowing? Especially among guys, I find it is so easy to cross the line and just brush it off as a joke.

For example, when I was in high school, the group of guys I hung out with would call each other terrible names. It was always done to be funny, but I now can see some of those names causing some serious damage. So much, in fact, that a simple “I am just messing with you” probably did not lessen the sting.

Admittedly, it has been a few years since I graduated from high school; however, hearing from the young people I used to minister to, it is obvious that this is still happening regularly. In a way, it has gradually become the norm, but it does not have to be!

If we took the time to recognize one simple fact about ourselves and those around us, things would be very different. What is this fact? Two words: Human Dignity.

This is the idea that we as human beings, made in the image and likeness of God, are inherently deserving of love and respect. Each and every person on this planet is born with it; regardless of who we are and what we have or have not done. So when we “joke around” with others, we have to ask ourselves a very important question: Is what I am about to say or do going to show this person the love and or respect that they are deserving of?

If the answer is no, then it is best not said or done. Even if it is meant in a playful or comedic manner, it is important to understand what we consider a joke could very well be serious to someone else.

It can be so easy to get wrapped up in things like “roast sessions,” but we have to be aware of when to draw the line. So, if you find yourself in a situation like this, consider the following:

1.     Is what I am saying/doing actually a joke or am I actually just being mean?

2.     Why am I even saying/doing this?

3.     Would I want this done to me or someone I care about? (Mark 12: 31)

The sad truth is that this world is filled with negativity. However, where there are great struggles, there are also many opportunities to become great saints. So I challenge you to go out, make a positive impact, and stand up for those whose dignity is not being respected.