Jessica Hagedorn: 'I'm an underdog person, so I align myself with those who seem to be not considered valuable in polite society.'

I'm an underdog person, so I align myself with those who seem to be not considered valuable in polite society.

Jessica Hagedorn once said, "I'm an underdog person, so I align myself with those who seem to be not considered valuable in polite society." This quote signifies her affinity towards individuals who are often overlooked or disregarded by mainstream society. It reflects an appreciation for the marginalized, the forgotten, and those whose voices are seldom heard. By aligning with the underdogs, Hagedorn extends her support and seeks to shed light on their experiences and perspectives.The importance of Hagedorn's quote lies in the recognition that society's value system tends to favor certain individuals over others. Polite society often values conformity, success, and the fulfillment of societal norms. But by aligning herself with those who are not considered valuable by these standards, Hagedorn challenges the status quo and advocates for a more inclusive and empathetic society.However, beyond the straightforward interpretation of this quote, let us explore a philosophical concept that adds depth and interest to our understanding. The concept of subjective value, stemming from the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche and refined by Ludwig Wittgenstein, offers an intriguing perspective on the perceived worth of individuals within a societal framework.Subjective value contends that the value placed on someone or something is inherently subjective and contingent upon the observer's perspective. What polite society deems as valuable may differ from what others, like Hagedorn, consider to be valuable. Therefore, alignment with underdogs can be seen as an act of challenging the subjective judgments and biases that shape our societal framework.In contrast, Nietzsche's philosophy argues that traditional values are constructed by those in power to maintain their dominance. By aligning herself with the underdogs, Hagedorn challenges these constructed values and asserts that true worth cannot be determined solely by those in positions of privilege. She recognizes the significance of embracing the perspectives and experiences of those who exist outside the dominant narrative. In doing so, Hagedorn encourages a more empathetic and inclusive society where the worth of individuals is not merely determined by their conformity to societal standards.This unexpected philosophical concept serves to enrich our understanding of Hagedorn's quote and opens up a broader discussion on the nature of value and the role it plays in shaping our perceptions of individuals within society. It prompts us to question the criteria we use to assess worth and encourages us to consider alternative perspectives.In conclusion, Jessica Hagedorn's quote, "I'm an underdog person, so I align myself with those who seem to be not considered valuable in polite society," emphasizes her support and empathy for individuals who are marginalized or overlooked. It challenges the societal norms that dictate who is deemed valuable and who is not. By introducing the concept of subjective value, we delve into a philosophical exploration that encourages us to question the constructed values that shape our perceptions and opens up possibilities for a more inclusive and compassionate society.