⁵⁶Of course, all terms such as “dignified” are somewhat culturally elastic. What would be considered proper decorum in one culture can be considered stiff and remote in another culture. This is often the case even between generations in the same culture: what my parents’ generation considered respectful, my children’s generation considers harsh and severe. But though these terms are elastic, they are not infinitely so. There are attitudes and behaviors that in all cultures would be considered undignified, disrespectful, shallow. So we cannot glibly say that it is all relative. Allowances and adjustments must be constantly weighed and made.