On the Altar of Others?

But, I'm beginning to think that I've not wrestled with the implications of relational ethics strongly enough. I'm worried that I've equated relational ethics with keeping everyone happy. And a life lived at the expense of the happiness of others is a costly life. I've begun to feel that I've become the perfect chameleon - I make everyone else so happy so that I can't even distinguish myself anymore.

Relational ethics demand that not only I strive to honour the alterity of the Other, but also that I recognize my own personhood as unique. Of course, in the everyday rough and tumble of life, alterity is an impossible dream, but it is an organizing principle that gives my actions direction. Relational ethics requires that I work to protect my own selfhood as much as respecting the dignity of others.

So, I have work to do. Work to better define who am I, and not be so quick to sacrifice me on the altar of others.

[via khora]