It all ends with the main character throwing his life away over this theme. A View from the Bridge shows how destructive it can be when a person places his reputation over everything else. It also points out how difficult it is for anyone to respect a person who doesn't respect their own self.
By taking Eddie's "name," Marco stole what was truly Eddie's most valuable possession.
Calling Immigration was a form of suicide for Eddie. By sinning against the community, he effectively destroyed the man he once was.