“The difference between guilt and shame is very clear- in theory” wrote Lewis B. Smedes, Author of Shame and Grace, “we feel guilty for what we do, and we feel shame for what we are” (Smedes). Guilt and shame often coincide with human behavior and actions. However, their respective roles differ by the situation. Individuals can feel guilty for their actions and ashamed of having it in their nature to act in a certain way. In addition, individuals can come from a difficult background and be ashamed of their lifestyle. However, the feelings of guilt for not returning their wealth back to society can occur. There are good and bad forms of guilt and shame as expressed above. Shame can be based on one’s own awareness of their shortcomings, caused by society’s definition of shortcomings, and turn into guilt on the other side of prosperity.
Shame can be based on one’s own awareness of their shortcomings. In an excerpt from Dick Gregory’s autobiography he recounts a time in his life where he experienced shame for being born in a situation out of his control. Gregory exclaims “there was …show more content…
Dick Gregory narrates a moment in grade school where his teacher told him “we are collecting this money for you and your kind, Richard Gregory. If your Daddy can give fifteen dollars you have no business being on relief” (162-167). In that moment Gregory’s teacher placed her own definition of shame on him. In her eyes, Gregory should feel ashamed of himself for trying to draw attention to himself and raising his hand, knowing he can’t afford to give to the relief fund. Gregory’s teacher then went on to further shame him by excluding him from making a contribution like the rest of his peers. She forced him to realize that society will never see him as an equal as long as he lived below the level of acceptable wealth. Gregory will continue to be ashamed of his life because society will make sure to enforce those
Shame can be based on one’s own awareness of their shortcomings. In an excerpt from Dick Gregory’s autobiography he recounts a time in his life where he experienced shame for being born in a situation out of his control. Gregory exclaims “there was …show more content…
Dick Gregory narrates a moment in grade school where his teacher told him “we are collecting this money for you and your kind, Richard Gregory. If your Daddy can give fifteen dollars you have no business being on relief” (162-167). In that moment Gregory’s teacher placed her own definition of shame on him. In her eyes, Gregory should feel ashamed of himself for trying to draw attention to himself and raising his hand, knowing he can’t afford to give to the relief fund. Gregory’s teacher then went on to further shame him by excluding him from making a contribution like the rest of his peers. She forced him to realize that society will never see him as an equal as long as he lived below the level of acceptable wealth. Gregory will continue to be ashamed of his life because society will make sure to enforce those