Other Esteem

First published in 2000. Several researchers have found that "self-esteem" is definitely not the "cure all" solution to our social ills. On the contrary, promoting self-esteem may produce negative consequences. Excessive promotion of the self may be the basis for various forms of discrimination in our modern, multicultural society. It takes others to know the self and the self needs others to succeed in life. Self-esteem is incomplete without other-esteem. Other Esteem is a creative, unique, and unconventional response to our society's apparent obsession with promoting the self. The book is unique in that it is a direct challenge to the widespread belief that low self-esteem is at the root of all social ills. It describes the importance of respect, tolerance, group effort, and connection with others to the health of the individual and gives concrete steps for individuals to take action by consciously changing their own attitudes. Other Esteem will become essential reading for multicultural relations courses and any seminar where self-esteem is taught. It will also be useful in many other courses in counseling, human development, and student affairs and leadership.