Shame
Since the whole "Slut-Shaming" of a Georgetown Law Student by Rush Limbaugh I've been thinking about how actually common the practice of shaming people is used to control, manipulate, and hinder critical thinking.
The psychological effects are harsh. It creates feelings of retreat, isolation, abandonment, desire to run and hide. It's a way to get victims to literally go away while creating long-term psychological damage; therefore hindering their ability to defend themselves. It's a way to discredit the victim without using actual facts.
It's a way to hinder critical thinking.
Commonly, a lawyer will not argue that a woman wasn't raped, but that she wore a short skirt or was a "loose woman". Planting the thoughts that either the victim is lying or deserved to be sexual assaulted.
Films Where Shaming is used against characters:
The Color Purple
Chinatown
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Accused
Life Lesson:
Character attacks happen all the time and usually have nothing to do with the real issue. They are unethical and deceptive.
Life Skill:
Recognition of ways people hurt each other and hide the truth. Fighting Unwanted influence.
Critical Thinking:
Is this really the issue or a distraction from the facts? What is the real intention of the argument? Moving forward, what should be done about the practice of shaming?
Mindfulness:
Pay attention and be compassionate.
Speak out against it when you can. Create awareness.
Can you recall a time in your personal or professional life shaming was used against you or someone else?
