There are different ways to conceptualize the underlying cultural rift that threatens not merely the prosperity but even the very existence of many liberal democracies worldwide. So, for example, on the one side of the Atlantic, this rift currently feeds the fierce battle between Trump's supporters and his opponents; in some European societies, it nourishes the all consuming war between adherents of uncensored freedom of speech, and their adversaries, who perceive caricatures of the Muslim prophet Muhammad as unforgivable assaults on Islam and all Muslims.
Conceptualization, as a basis for comprehension, discussion and social activism, seems existentially crucial. Using the concepts ‘honor’ and ‘dignity’ I suggest that wide disappointment in the implementation of dignity-based policies has led to the rise of honor-based politics, and that the current predicament of liberal democracies owes much of its fervour to the conflict between these two worldviews
One appropriate conceptual framework is the once prominent and popular distinction between cultures, societies and mentalities that adhere to the principle of honor, and those that are based on the primacy of human dignity. Cultures of the first grouping require relentless adherence to a societal code of honor, and assess individuals and groups according to their comparative success in upholding the code's commands. They endorse all-encompassing personal and group competition for superior reputation and standing. They usually encourage proud collectivism (such as tribalism or nationalism), militant, aggressive masculinity, and heroism. They abhor anything that can be construed as shame and humiliation, i.e., lack of honor or loss of it.
