The term “retire with dignity” has been used often when advocating for more socialistic tendencies in how the federal government should operate. It’s been used widely in the messaging for those who advocate for more tax dollars going to the retirement class. But does it really make sense? Or is “dignity” mostly just a clever word to advocate for one’s position?
I’d argue the latter.
Here’s my question: Can dignity be felt without being earned? Can someone feel truly dignified, in this case, by their place in society, without actually earning it? I’d argue that no, you can’t. In the same way that someone can’t feel a true sense of accomplishment without actually accomplishing anything, I don’t believe someone can truly feel dignified without earning the right to feel as such.
Why does this matter? Because the argument of a “dignified retirement” doesn’t hold up unless the government can provide the feeling of dignity, and for reasons mentioned prior, I don’t believe they can.
What we’re really talking about when we talk about “dignified retirement” is comfortability. While that may seem like a minor change, I think it makes a massive difference when it comes down to what people agree to.
I think the tone shifts when, instead of asking if someone should have dignity, we ask if someone deserves to be comfortable. Dignity requires symantics. Comfortability requires tangibles. Ask a voter if they believe everyone should be able to retire comfortably, regardless of how they may or may not have lived prior to retirement, and I think the opinion starts to change. If we focus on tangibles instead of lofty platitudes, I people begin to question individual responsibility.
Did you take a vacation to Hawaii every year? Did you drive a new car every 3 years? Did you spend your money frivolously instead of investing for your future? If someone takes expensive trips, drives nice cars, doesn’t save, or participlates in any other non-responsible life choice, do they DESERVE to be as comfortable as everyone else? Do they deserve to have all of the same ease of retirement as someone who’s sacrificed and planned their whole life?
I honestly think if we reframe this simple verbiage, we can restructure the argument over bloated entitledments. I’m necessarily making the case for abolishing things like social security or other entitlements, I’m simply advocating for a more collective, deeper look into personal responsibility.
