Once it was seen as a personal quality to battle through troubles without complaint. Now it is more likely to be seen as lack of human emotion. Moreover, drawing attention to misfortune and adversity, as identity politics testifies, has become a powerful political force.
Should we encourage this abandonment of the hierarchical stiff upper lip culture that once embedded privilege and power, and welcome a necessary shift towards hearing and supporting the vulnerable? Or should we be wary of a focus on weakness and victimhood, which risks undermining the individuals involved and damaging social cohesion?
Human rights and LGBT+ Campaigner Peter Tatchell, journalist and founder of MsAfropolitan Minna Salami and Times columnist David Aaronovitch debate the best route to empowerment.