Shaming Someone Isn't the Same as Holding Them Accountable |
Shaming others asserts moral or intellectual superiority.
Shaming labels are often inherently biased and superficial.
The goal of shaming is usually to silence disagreement or coerce compliance with the shamer’s will.
Shaming typically has the opposite effect of what the shamer wants.
Shaming is an ancient form of social control. In the old days it was the privilege of kings, lords, and clergy. Though more democratic in our times, it remains inherently hierarchical; we feel morally or intellectually superior to those we shame.
These days, politicians often confuse “fighting for constituents” with sounding like Internet trolls. Shaming has created a mobocracy in social media, where shamers try to feel morally or intellectually superior. In my long clinical experience, I've found that those who regularly shame others often suffer from a degree of imposter syndrome.
Shaming is a perdurable form of social control because it attacks the basic human desire for belonging and respect. It can be directed at individuals (“coward,” “racist,” “disgusting,” “disgraceful”) or entire classes of people (“low-born,”........