Britain’s richest family spent more money on their pet dog than they did on one of their servants, paid a pittance, and made to work for 18 hours a day for seven days a week. The passports of servants were confiscated, and freedom was curtailed. Their salary was sent to family members and did not have money to spend. The passports of servants were also confiscated, and they had no Swiss francs to spend as their wages were paid in India, the prosecutor argued. (The Hindustan Times, 19 June 2024) It is modern-day slavery.
Dignity: God created humans in His image, the crown of creation, and accorded them dignity. (Genesis 1:27) However, many according to their religious beliefs consider the value of all lives as equal. Hence for them, ants, elephants, or humans are of the same value.
Appeased and Oppressed: This super-rich family who migrated from India considered pets more valuable than humans. In their hierarchical worldview of caste, people of lower castes are treated at par and even less than animals. Hence, a pet was appeased, while human workers were oppressed.
The dignity of laborers: Since, they treated some people as lower, polluted, and did not deserve any mercy. When a laborer is not valued, his contribution or work is of no value. Hence, they could be either paid or not paid, and that does not make any difference.
Exploited: The servants were exploited physically, and they were forced to work for 18 hours each day. No time for sleep, relaxation, or even food. Financially, they were exploited as their wages were below the minimum wages applicable in Europe. Emotionally they were hurt, because of verbal abuse, isolation, and loneliness. Mentally they were exploited that they did not have peace. Socially, they were deprived of friends and relatives.
Violation of Law: This family was so educated, influential, and rich, they did not fear God, who is the Righteous Judge. First, they violated moral law, there was no mercy or love. Second, violated the humanitarian laws. Third, violated the law of the country.
Do I treat fellow humans with dignity?