U.S. culture has a contempt problem

U.S. culture has a contempt problem

From Jesuitical by America Media

March 12, 2026 · 1h 7m

About this episode

The episode discusses the concept of dignity in public discourse with Timothy Shriver, focusing on the Dignity Index and the issue of contempt in U.S. culture.

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac speak with Timothy Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics and founder of the nonprofit UNITE, which incubated the Dignity Index, a language evaluation tool that aims to bring greater dignity to our public discourse. 0:00 Welcome back Zac Davis! 2:35 A new papal nuncio to the U.S.A. 6:27 Cardinals respond to Iran war 9:04 Synod report on women released 10:27 Tim Shriver's holy family 13:04 What is the dignity index? 18:57 Contempt is the problem 24:00 What's your dignity score? 30:52 What dignity really means 38:20 Responding to contempt with dignity 46:00 How to do it 51:48 Is the Catholic Church a model? 54:32 Influence of Pope Leo XIV 58:50 Updates and faith sharing Links for further reading: Pope Leo appoints Archbishop Caccia as nuncio to the United States Iran’s Cardinal Mathieu evacuated to Rome Pope Leo expresses ‘deep sorrow’ for Lebanese Maronite Catholic priest killed by Israeli tank fire Final synod report on women’s leadership does not address female diaconate The Dignity Index Need a Lift? With Tim Shriver You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical…

People in this episode

Hosts: Zac Davis, Ashley

Guest: Timothy Shriver

Topics covered

  • public discourse
  • dignity
  • contempt
  • Catholic Church
  • social issues
  • leadership

Keywords

  • dignity
  • contempt
  • public discourse
  • Dignity Index
  • Timothy Shriver
  • Catholic Church
  • social issues

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Special Olympics, UNITE, America Media

Books & works: Dignity Index

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