Price and Dignity

Kant makes a fair point when he explains the difference between price and dignity. An object of price can be replaced, because it has an equivalent. Anything with dignity has been elevated above the level of price, and therefore has no equivalent or replacement. One of, if not the most, prominent example of a perversion of this rule of thumb is the systemic enslavement of a race of people in America that took place between the late 1600s and the mid-1800s culminating in its abolition. People residing in Africa were robbed from their homes and brought to work in this country in a system of stolen labor. These individuals, who have dignity, were relegated to the realm of price. They were placed alongside livestock and evaluated as if they were just another animal, incapable or any thoughts or feelings. Many sickening and unthinkable arguments for this treatment were brought forth, which hold no merit and need no discussion. The point remains that Kant handily touches on why the system of slavery in American history is generally viewed as one of the worst events that has ever taken place. These people of dignity were used as a means to an end, instead of being recognized as ends in themselves. Thankfully this institution in America finally came to an end, but it cannot be send that transgressions of this nature have ceased around the world. Factory workers in Asia, while they are paid, still work in factories with nets hanging around the sides of them in order to prevent people from jumping off the top of the in an attempt to commit suicide. Not only is this horrifying but it stands as an example of a modern day scenario in which people have been robbed of their dignity and been assigned a price.