78%

of Americans are dissatisfied with how we treat each other.

Check Yourself

How do you treat others when you disagree?

Do you treat them with contempt – looking down on them, dismissing them, making fun of them?

Or do you treat them with dignity – asking them questions, listening to them, trying to understand them?

Do you…

  • Roll your eyes
  • Interrupt them
  • Dismiss them
  • Criticize them
  • Talk over them
  • Insult them
  • Shut them out

Or do you…

  • Listen
  • Ask them to say more
  • Acknowledge a good point
  • Admit a mistake
  • Make a proposal
  • Explain your views
  • Reach out after a fight

The first are signs of contempt.
The second are signs of dignity.

Dignity starts with me

Now that you’ve checked yourself – commit yourself.

Join us in posting one of these pledge graphics to your social media.

Tag @thedignityindex and use the hashtag #DignityStartsWithMe to join the movement.

People who engage with those who politically disagree are more optimistic that we can ease and heal divisions — 78% compared to 64%. 74% of Americans say they are exhausted by the level of division. Dignity starts with me. 68% strongly agree that contempt makes it hard to talk to each other and almost impossible to solve problems together. 83% of Americans worry about national division. 86% worry about the cost of living. 77% of Americans say they treat others with dignity. Only 47% say they receive it. 94% of Americans agree that when we treat each other with contempt, trust falls.
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Building a Culture of Dignity Together

The Dignity Community is a growing network of people putting the principles of The Dignity Index® into practice in their own circles: schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and online spaces. Members share ideas, exchange resources, and highlight real stories of dignity in action.

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First Ever Barometer of Dignity in America

Learn More About the Barometer

Americans are living during a time of some of the greatest division and pessimism in American history. In this polarized landscape, the country urgently needs a shared framework for addressing toxic division and rebuilding trust.

While existing metrics track economic indicators and public opinion, few systematically measure the relational dynamics that research in psychology and conflict resolution have shown can escalate and de-escalate conflict. Within these fields, substantial evidence demonstrates that contempt corrodes relationships and dignity supports constructive engagement.

This barometer is the first to systematically measure dignity in America. By establishing a rigorous baseline measure of where and how Americans experience dignity and contempt in their daily lives—from politics to workplaces, schools, families, and government institutions – it provides a foundation for lowering the temperature of our public discussions. We believe that changing our national conversations begins with one shared value – that all people should be treated with dignity.