All Rise (Somebodies, Nobodies, and the Politics of Dignity)

A look at the damage abuses of power inherent with rank do to private relationships & public institutions and how to prevent it.

In his groundbreaking book Somebodies and Nobodies, Robert Fuller identified a form of domination that everyone has experienced but few dare to protest: rankism, or abuse of the power inherent in rank. Low rank—signifying weakness—marks people for abuse and discrimination in much the same way that race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation have long done. In All Rise, Fuller examines the personal, professional, and political costs of rankism and provides compelling models and strategies for realizing a post-rankist world in which everyone’s dignity is upheld.

Fuller makes the case that rankism is the chief remaining obstacle to achieving liberty and justice for all, and shows how we can root it out. He doesn’t propose that we do away with rank—without it organizations become dysfunctional—but rather argues for a “dignitarian” society in which rankism is no longer tolerated. He begins by demonstrating how rankism is rife in our social and civic institutions and then explores alternative dignitarian models for education, health care, politics, and religion.

All Rise describes an emerging “politics of dignity” that bridges the conservative-liberal divide to put the “We” back in “We the people.” It argues that democracy is a work in progress and that its next natural step is the building of a dignitarian society.

“All Rise gives us a clear mandate for transforming our society into a true democracy.” —Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees and Wannabes (the inspiration for the film Mean Girls) and Queen Bee Moms and Kingpin Dads

“Fuller has it right: many are just plain tired of the somebodies stealing their dignity…. [He] provides us a roadmap to a better society, one that’s characterized by equal dignity for all.” —Robert Spanogle, National Adjutant, The American Legion

“All Rise gives us the essential tools to fight abuses of rank and to build high-performing institutions and organizations based on respect. It is the operating manual for leaders who recognize the latent power of each individual to make a difference in a free and fair society.” —Wes Boyd, Co-founder, MoveOn.org