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By Ron Calhoun
Parking illegally for various reasons has become a prevalent practice within the African American community in Cleveland, Ohio. Parking on the wrong side
of the street, on the lawn, on a one-way street the wrong way, or in front of a business doorway is a clear indication of community erosion and a lack of dignity.
Are there underlying reasons for this lack of community, belonging, identity, self-worth, or the promotion of negative relationships?
Dignity encompasses a sense of self-respect, integrity, and honor, regardless of a person’s background, circumstances, or characteristics. Why do we as
Clevelanders park illegally?
In emergencies or urgent situations, residents may park illegally to access hospitals, address sudden medical issues or tend to other pressing matters. Some people knowingly choose to park illegally, believing they won’t get caught or receive a ticket. They may perceive the risk of fines as minimal compared to the benefits of illegal parking.
Parking legally in other areas in the suburbs may entail high fees or require purchasing parking permits. In such cases, people may opt to park illegally to
avoid these costs. Some drivers may not fully understand parking regulations in specific areas or may misinterpret signage, leading to unintentional illegal parking.
In crowded areas or during busy events, finding legal parking spaces can be challenging. Consequently, some people resort to illegal parking out of
desperation, particularly if they’re running late or unable to find a suitable spot.
In areas with limited or no parking enforcement of parking regulations, people may feel emboldened to park illegally without facing consequences. Convenience often take sprecedence over following parking regulations, leading some to illegally park closer to their destination to save time or avoid walking longer distances.
Knowingly engaging in wrongful actions is often referred, to as “intentional misconduct,” “deliberate wrongdoing,” or simply “wrongdoing.” This suggests
that those are aware of the consequences of their actions and intentionally act contrary to ethical, moral, or legal standards or, in simpler terms, they lack
dignity. What is dignity?
Fundamentally, dignity encompasses inherent value, autonomy, equality, empowerment, respect, and
compassion.
Dignity asserts that every human being has inherent worth and deserves respect, regardless of their social status, abilities, or achievements. It recognizes individuals’ autonomy and their right to make choices without undue interference or coercion. Dignity promotes equality, affirming that all people are equal
in dignity and entitled to equal treatment and opportunities, rejecting discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status.
Dignity empowers people to fulfill their potential, participate fully in society, and express themselves, providing opportunities for education, employment, and personal development.
Treating others with respect, courtesy, and consideration, recognizing their rights and boundaries, and refraining from actions that undermine their
dignity or cause harm are integral aspects of dignity.
Dignity also involves compassion and empathy toward others, particularly those who may be vulnerable or marginalized, addressing their needs and
struggles with kindness and support.
While the reasons for illegal parking may vary, it is essential to prioritize compliance with parking regulations to ensure safety, accessibility, and fairness for all. Upholding dignity involves respecting oneself and others, recognizing each person’s inherent worth, and acting with integrity and compassion. Let
us strive to uphold dignity in all aspects of our lives including parking legally.
