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About this quote

What does it mean?
Avoid romanticizing the poor as they share human faults, and recognize that poverty itself damages human dignity.
In plain terms
Do not idealize the poor; poverty hurts their dignity.
What can you take from it?
Respect the poor as human beings without idealizing them.

Where it applies

  • social policy
  • community aid
  • human rights

Putting it to work

  • treat poor with respect
  • avoid stereotypes
  • support dignity

Questions to consider

  • How do we view poverty?
  • Does poverty strip dignity?

Another view

Some view idealization as a form of honor rather than dismissal.

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