MR. EDITOR:
Representative Jaime Bassa has insisted on calling Plaza Baquedano "Dignity Square," a matter that seems to conflict with the idea of dignity.
What dignity is there in the violent expropriation of public spaces; in the destruction and trampling of places intended for gathering and collective memory?
In my opinion, the supposed dignity of ends is entirely inseparable from the dignity of means, a point with which Representative Bassa seems to disagree.
It seems that one of the great challenges facing Chile today is reaching agreement on the definitions of the basic concepts with which we discuss public affairs.
Marcelo Estrella Riquelme
Director, Social Observatory, University of Alba
AI Brief
Your highlights
Deputy Jaime Bassa (FA) Comments
TO THE EDITOR:
Deputy Jaime Bassa has insisted on calling Plaza Baquedano "Plaza Dignidad," a matter that seems to conflict with the very idea of dignity.
What dignity is there in the violent expropriation of public spaces; in the destruction and desecration of places intended for gathering and collective memory?
In my opinion, the purported dignity of the ends is entirely inseparable from the dignity of the means, a point with which Deputy Bassa seems to disagree. It seems that one of the great challenges facing Chile today is reaching agreement on the definitions of the basic concepts with which we debate public affairs.
Marcelo Estrella Riquelme
Director, Social Observatory, University of Alba
More about:
Plaza
Jaime Bassa
Basic concepts