The Cost of Consuming Humans
Most Americans have moved beyond archaic ideas about the institution of slavery.
I like to think the spiritual among us (especially the self-proclaimed indie-crowd stirring the faith underground) have morally upgraded. We are no longer just opponents of the historical institution on paper, we are aspiring social-vigilantes who aim to stamp human trafficking off the globe in our lifetime.
This is my lean too of course.
Before I pat the back of the socially-conscious yuppie in me though, I have to confess that slavery is not the only platform that thrives on human capital.
There is also, for example, the very lucrative institution known as success. It’s that misplaced pride or dysfunctional drive for perfection that turns many of us–even those of us who publicly stand against human capital–into consumers of people.
It is the part of us that wonders, when we meet someone new, “what can this person do for me?” Will their presence in my life reinforce the image I have of myself? Will it make me feel stronger, better, more attractive? Will it bring resources, connections or ideas that will benefit me and the things I care about?
In some moments–usually below the conscious level where I don’t have to own it–I can sometimes view humans this way. (Which is the same thing as saying, if I’m careful not to think about it too much, I can sell my soul REALLY cheap.)
But I’ve been trying to flesh out a different path for a while now–one that I think runs closer to the path of Jesus–that realizes that the person most victimized by my addiction to human capital is me.
Sure, purchasing a “human product” might provide a short-term career boost. But it also furthers a friendship facade–the illusion that bazillions of inch-deep relationships can substitute for the richness and vitality of loving and being loved by a real, breathing human.
My working hypothesis then is this: None of us can afford what spending human capital costs us.
Agree?
Tony Alicea October 26, 2010 (8:04 pm)
Unfortunately we do this all too often, many times without even realizing it. I call this “functional relationships”. We are in relationships with people because of what they can do for us. At some point, when these people stop being of value or even worse, hurt or disappoint us, they cease to be of value and we terminate the relationship.
This happens when offense comes, breach of trust or just plain unmet expectations. We see this in relationships in the world and forget that we are called to a different standard.
Until we become secure in who we are and our identity in the Lord, we will continue to have these “functional relationships” completely apart from grace and love. The facade remains that we are in healthy loving relationships, but the true test comes when we face a situation where the relationship is no longer functional and to our benefit.