Shame

Shame is a feeling of humiliation caused by the realization of wrong or foolish behavior. Jane Bolton, a certified psychoanalyst at the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis states that, "Shame is the most disturbing experience individuals ever have about themselves; no other emotion feels more deeply disturbing because in the moment of shame the self feels wounded from within.” Shame is a theme that is present in A Thousand Splendid Suns, a novel based out of Afghanistan, written by Khaled…

Brene Brown once said that "shame is the most powerful, master emotion. It's the fear that we're not good enough" (Shame Quotes). Shame is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as a "painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behaviour" (Shame Definition). In Puritan society, people felt shame due to the strict moral code that was enforced because people would inevitably break it at some point throughout their lives. In both stories, the characters…

“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…

Has someone ever told you “shame on you”? What was it like? How did it make you feel? Some might have felt genuinely ashamed and others might not have cared. Which one is you? While some people may not be affected by the idea and consequences of shame, shame is more effective because you will forever live in exile from society and public shame is a constant reminder to you and others of the crime you've committed. Shame is an unfortunate, constant reminder of the crime or sin you have committed.…

“You're Ugly”, “You look weird” these are successions of public shaming that often occurring on social media every day. Public shame is known for humiliating and dishonoring people, Are there any benefits? Or should public shaming became a thing of the past? In The Scarlet Letter (Source A), Hester Prynne is known for being a sinner and is shamed because of it. In The Price of Shame (Source B), Monica Lewinski has been publicly shamed for having unnormal feelings for her boss, which happens to…

Lewinsky walked onto the Ted stage and shared with the audience her personal experience as a victim of cyber bullying and humiliation, as well as her calling for a more compassionate and empathetic world. Her persuasive speech titled “The Price of Shame” is well written, organized and delivered, and is worth learning from. Lewinsky delivered this speech in Canada, a developed country where most…

In Monica Lewinsky’s TED talk “The Price of Shame” she claims that being cruel to others was nothing new until the internet revolution which led to an increase of public humiliation and shaming in the online world. Monica Lewinsky stated that “Gossip websites, paparazzi, reality programming, politics, news outlet, and sometimes hackers all traffic in shame”. The rise of social media has produced celebrity news outlets that only focus on stories that have maximum effect on publicity humiliating…

in The Scarlet Letter gives key insights to idea that shame varies from individual to individual, and from society to society. Like Dimmesdale, she experiences a deep shame for her previous actions. Unlike Dimmesdale however, she is punished for her crime and is forced to wear an embroidered scarlet ‘A’, as a token of her shame, “the same reason that the minister keeps his hand over his heart” (Hawthorne 122). From here, her experience with shame diverges from that of Dimmesdale. While the…

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter is a story entirely focused on public shame. During the time of the Puritans in the mid-1600s, ignominy was one way punishment was granted unto those who had committed sins. Ignominy, though a foreign word to many, is no old topic. Seen in nearly every aspect of society today, public shaming nearly completely controls the image society gives to those who have done wrong. The reputation of a poor action is on the shoulders of the wrongdoer for nearly the…

Which pain is worse, guilt from within or humiliation of public shame? In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, characters deal with different pain in consequence of the same sin. Sin does not justify the pain experienced as result. Hester and Dimmesdale strive to contain the effects of their personal guilt from their adultery. Hester’s consequences make her a better person while Dimmesdale’s only hurt himself. Hester Prynne commits sin by having a child out of wedlock with Reverend…